12 Top Walkie Talkies for Your Adventure

When embarking on a trekking expedition with friends, effective communication is essential. Cellular networks often fail in mountainous terrain, leaving Walkie Talkies as the reliable choice. Here are the 12 top walkie talkies for your adventure:

Superior Two-Way Radios

As you might know, a walkie talkie is a two-way radio. Unlike cell phones, walkie talkies use radio frequencies instead of cellular networks like 5G. Given the device’s satisfactory range, it offers reliable communication, regardless of terrain. When creating the list, we’ve considered factors such as maximum range, build, and customer reviews.

• Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios
• Retevis H-777 UHF Long Range Rechargeable Walkie Talkies
• Uniden MHS126 Handheld Submersible Marine Radio
• DilissToys Kids Voice Activated Walkie Talkies
• Motorola T100 Two-Way Radio
• BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way Radio
• Floureon Handheld Walkie Talkie
• Midland GXT1000VP4 Walkie Talkie
• Midland LXT600VP3
• Baofeng Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition
• Motorola T260 Talkabout Radio
• Seodon Two-Way Radio
• Frequently Asked Radio

1. Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios

The Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radio is a budget walkie-talkie ideal for users on a budget. These walkie talkies are small enough to fit in your palm, operating in the 400 to 470 MHz frequency range with 16 pre-programmed channels.

Note that EMS services in certain areas may use the same frequency range, requiring recalibration to avoid interference. Check EMS frequencies in your area and consider alternatives on this list that do not interfere.

Regarding the battery, each radio includes a 1500 mAh battery, providing 8 hours of usage and 96 hours of standby time. Charging the walkie-talkies with the included dock takes just 2.5 hours. As for range, they offer up to 5 miles in unobstructed areas, diminishing in congested areas like mountains or hills. All things considered, Arcshell stands out as one of the best budget walkie-talkies available.

• Operate within the frequency range of 400 to 470 MHz
• Delivers 8 hours of battery life
• Offers up to 5 miles of range
• Provides 16 pre-programmed channels
• Lacks a straightforward way to reprogram the radio channels
• The battery may not consistently deliver 8 hours of life

Buy from Amazon: $25.99

2. Retevis H-777 UHF Long Range Rechargeable Walkie Talkies

If you travel in a group and need walkie-talkies for more than 2 people, consider the Retevis H-777 UHF Long Range Rechargeable Walkie Talkies, which come in a pack of 10, accommodating even large groups.

Preprogrammed frequencies range from 400 to 470 MHz. The product features 16 channels with 50 encrypted codes per channel. Each walkie talkie includes a 1000 mAh battery lasting up to 6 hours of usage and 72 hours on standby.

Besides travel groups, the Retevis H-777 finds wide use in businesses such as restaurants, schools, retail, security, and corporate events. It’s among the most affordable group walkie-talkies available, with a 1-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Preprogrammed frequencies: 400 to 470 MHz
• 16 channels, each encrypted
• 1000 mAh battery provides 6 hours of power
• Less durable
• Battery life requires improvement

3. Uniden MHS126 Handheld Submersible Marine Radio

The Uniden MHS126 Handheld Submersible Marine Radio offers extra protection, ideal for hazardous situations, with a range of features.

Firstly, the walkie-talkie floats on water and does not submerge, ensuring safe use on lakes or at sea. Additionally, it includes a light signal for easy retrieval in darkness, similar to the Baofeng Mirakit Edition radios ($59.75), offering various power modes for extended range or longer battery life.

Moreover, it provides automatic weather alerts upon detecting NOAA’s special weather warning signal, instantly informing about thunderstorms, tornados, or other extreme weather. It also supports all US and Canadian Marine Channels.

• floats on water and does not submerge

4. DilissToys Kids Voice Activated Walkie Talkies

For excellent walkie talkies suitable for kids’ enjoyment, consider the DilissToys Kids Voice Activated Walkie Talkies. These devices deliver clear sound quality with adjustable volume and include an auto squelch function to suppress background noise, ensuring crisp communication even in bustling environments.

These walkie talkies are small and easily fit in a child’s hand without causing discomfort during extended use. Designed for kids, they feature a simple push-to-talk button, making them easy for children of all ages to operate. It’s an excellent gift option that children will undoubtedly enjoy.

Keep in mind that these walkie talkies do not include batteries, so you’ll need to purchase AA batteries separately. Apart from that, they boast a 3-mile range and 22 channels, which is more than sufficient for children. Additionally, they include a flashlight, which can be useful at night. They are also available in various colors such as pink, red, black, and blue.

• Crisp sound quality
• Auto squelch function
• 3-mile range and 22 channels
• Handy flashlight
• No batteries included
• Build quality could improve

Buy from Amazon: $26.68

5. Motorola Talkabout T460

With its compact form-factor, Motorola Talkabout T460 is a modern walkie-talkie with a range of features. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to hold, while the secure grip reduces accidental slips.

In addition to its impressive design, Talkabout T460 supports up to a 35-mile range, making it handy for outdoor adventures such as trekking or skiing, keeping you connected with friends.

T460 features a press-to-talk button for quick conversation. With 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, you get 2,662 unique combinations, ensuring clear channels. Additionally, T460 is IP54 weatherproof and offers up to 10 hours of battery life, extendable to 26 hours with AA batteries.

• Supports up to a 35-mile range
• Background noise-canceling requires improvement
• Relatively expensive

Buy from Amazon: $94

6. BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way Radio

When you need a walkie talkie with the typical two-way radio feel, consider the BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way radio. This deal offers a pack of six radio devices for top-notch communication. Operating on a frequency range of 400 MHz to 470 MHz, the BaoFeng BF-888S supports up to 16 channels.

The device is powered by a 1500mAh Lithium-Ion battery, providing 12 hours of backup, which is very impressive. Additionally, each radio device comes with its own earpiece, enhancing the professional appearance.

When discussing battery and backup of the device, Intelligent Charging and the alert for low voltage are noteworthy. These features facilitate seamless communication. Additionally, it offers a power-saving mode for conserving energy. Overall, it’s a steal.

• Pack of six radio devices
• Provides 12 hours of battery life
• Supports up to 16 channels
• Includes low voltage alert
• Buttons lack responsiveness
• Build-quality is subpar

Available on Amazon: $52.50

7. Floureon Handheld Walkie Talkie

At a relatively affordable price, you can get the four-pack variant of Floureon Handheld Walkie Talkie, boasting stunning features. This GMRS/FRS two-way radio supports 22 channels and auto-scan, simplifying channel selection.

The included belt clip allows secure attachment to your body. Notably, Floureon handheld walkie talkies reach 3000M-5000M, ideal for outdoor sports.

Notable features of the two-way radio include its LCD backlit display, battery status indicators, an in-built LED torch, adjustable voice level, and unparalleled sound quality. The Floureon Handheld Walkie Talkie is powered by AA batteries, which has advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• LCD backlit display
• Support for 22 channels
• Auto-scan functionality
• Range up to 3000M-5000M
• Sound quality not crisp
• Background noise reduction relatively poor

8. Midland GXT1000VP4 Walkie Talkie

If you prefer a professional walkie talkie that’s not overly compact, consider the Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS. It seamlessly combines impressive features with a user-friendly interface. Despite its excellence, the product remains affordable.

Upon purchase, the Midland GXT1000VP4GMRS Walkie provides several accessories, including a belt clip for added security while on the move. In terms of technical specifications, the device supports 50 channels, affording users ample flexibility and convenience in channel selection.

The maximum distance between devices is 36 miles. Features include NOAA weather channels, 5 call alerts, hands-free operation mode, LCD monitor, water resistance, and the option for a rechargeable battery pack or three AAA batteries. Priced at $219.95 for a six-pack, it offers great value considering the specs.

• 36-mile range
• 50 GMRS channels
• Water-resistant
• 9 sensitivity levels
• Stiff buttons
• Comparatively heavy

Buy from Amazon: $219.95

9. Midland LXT600VP3

If you seek a comprehensive wireless communication solution at a modest price, this Midland option warrants consideration for professional use. The Midland LXT600VP3 (6-pack) meets all necessary criteria to facilitate effective connectivity among colleagues.

Moreover, it boasts a 30-mile maximum range, ideal for open environments like trekking. It features 121 ctcss privacy codes, allowing for utilization across 2,662 channels. Regarding audio quality, the Midland LXT600VP3 meets expectations, thanks to its 9 sensitivity levels enabling hands-free operation.

Battery Life: The Midland LXT600VP3 comes with a robust 700mAh battery, offering up to 12 hours of usage. This ensures uninterrupted communication without frequent charging interruptions. Additionally, its Noaa weather scan and alert feature prevent weather-related inconveniences.

• Provides 121 ctcss privacy codes
• Supports up to 2,662 channels
• Noaa weather scan and alert
• Up to 12 hours of battery life

Cons:

• Some sensitivity levels may not function efficiently
• Battery life may vary and not consistently reach 12 hours

Available on Amazon: $159.95

10. Baofeng Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition

Baofeng Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition excels as a walkie-talkie, especially for those valuing extended battery life. Operating across VHF and UHF frequencies, it can monitor two simultaneously. Notably, it’s FCC compliant, ensuring legal use anywhere.

However, usage on restricted frequencies reserved for government services, like aviation, is prohibited. Additionally, it boasts an impressive battery saver feature.

Essentially, the Baofeng Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition operates in three power modes. Depending on your needs, you can opt for either low or high power, with the former extending battery life and the latter increasing range.

• Includes a high-quality 1800mAh battery
• Offers three power modes
• Compatible with VHF and UHF frequencies
• Features a dual-band display
• Relatively heavy
• May experience occasional overheating

Available on Amazon: $59.75

11. Motorola T260P Talkabout Radio

Concluding our list is the Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio, one of the finest budget walkie-talkies available. It operates with either the provided battery pack or three AA batteries. The included NiMH rechargeable batteries last up to 10 hours, while three AA batteries provide up to 29 hours of use.

This walkie-talkie features 22 channels and 121 privacy codes per channel, enhancing its security. Note that while no FCC license is required for FRS channel use, a license is necessary for GMRS channels.

When considering the range, the Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio impresses with a 20-mile range, adequate for most scenarios. It also supports NOAA weather channels and alerts, aiding in weather avoidance. Overall, the T260TP stands out as one of the top two-way radios available.

• 20-mile range
• Provides up to 10 hours of battery life
• 3 AA batteries extend usage by up to 29 hours
• 22 Channels, each with 121 Privacy Codes
• Occasional sound-quality muffling
• Charging time exceeds 10 hours

Available on Amazon: $49.48

12. Seodon Two-Way Radio

If you seek a reliable indoor walkie-talkie, consider this offering from Seodon. It supports a 5-mile range, facilitating communication with colleagues. Additionally, it operates on a consistent UHF frequency range of 400-470MHz, ensuring smooth communication, although range may vary in severe weather.

Seodon is user-friendly with 16 programmed channels. For customization, you can personalize channels. You can program 50 groups CRCSS and 105 groups of DCS to suit your needs.

Equipped with a belt clip, the two-way radio ensures secure portability. Seodon walkie-talkie features a 1500mAh battery, ensuring extended battery life. It’s available in packs of 2 ($29.99), 4 ($53.98), and 6 ($84.68).

Pros:

• Customizable channels
• Frequency range: UHF 400-470MHz
• Durable belt clip
• 1500mAh battery
• 5 miles range
• Supports 16 programmed channels

Amazon Price: $53.98

Frequently Asked Questions

Are walkie talkies legal in India?

For security reasons, the Indian government prohibits importing walkie-talkies without a license from the wireless and planning coordination wing under the Department of Telecommunications.

Strongest Walkie Talkie?

Among many claiming strength, Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition stands out.

Best Walkie Talkie for Hunting?

Midland GXT1000VP4 makes hunting pleasant by ticking almost all essential boxes.

Best 2-Way Radio for Long-Range?

Motorola Talkabout T460 is easily one of the best due to its consistent range.

Top Two-Way Radios of 2020

Here’s our curated list of top walkie talkies for 2020, perfect for outdoor adventures like camping with friends or facilitating smooth communication during corporate events. If you found this article helpful, check out our recommendations for offline messaging apps.

Which walkie talkie caught your eye? Share your choice with us! If you believe there’s another deserving model not mentioned here, feel free to drop its name in the comments.