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With today’s widespread reliance on smartphones, you might question the relevance or necessity of two-way radios. When you think of two-way radios, you probably throw back to your days with buddies running around your backyard playing “Capture the Flag” type games, but what purpose do they serve in today’s streamlined, touchscreen, satellite-connected society?
Well, two-way radios are still widely relied on and are frequently used by the military and emergency services. They also have a solid following with off-road motorcyclists and overlanders who often find themselves in remote areas with little to no cell service. Taking a long car trip with some friends through some remote terrain? Stay connected with your caravan via two-way radio. Whatever your reason for wanting a two-way radio, we’ve got you covered with our top picks and our smart buying guide to ensure you get exactly what you need.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Motorola Talkabout T460 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio Pair
- Best Budget: Cobra CXT195 Two-Way Walkie-Talkie
- Honorable Mention: Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio
- Best Long Range: Midland 50-Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio
- Best For Kids: Nerf Two-Way Walkie-Talkie Set
Our Methodology
When it comes to choosing the best two-way radios, we wanted to provide you with a well-rounded list that features a good variety of reputable manufacturers with solid track records of providing high-quality, reliable products. We included a wide range of price points to suit any budget. We also focused on two-way radios that use the latest technology and that feature innovative, compact designs suitable for a wide variety of uses. For more information on the selection criteria, click this link to The Drive’s Gear About page, which explains our methodology further.
Best Two-Way Radios Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Motorola Talkabout T460 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio Pair
Pros
- High-quality audio with impressive range
- Two options for power with standard AA or rechargeable via USB
- Ergonomic design makes them easy to grip when wet or muddy
Cons
- Range is drastically reduced by obstructions
- Requires recharging more often than some competitors
This pair of weatherproof, two-way radios includes two micro-USB wall charging cables, rechargeable batteries, two belt clips, a user’s manual, and an accessory sheet. They have built-in LED lights, 22 channels with 121 privacy codes, a NOAA weather channel and alerts, and an emergency alert button. These long-range two-way radios have an impressive range of 35 miles (in perfect conditions).
The Talkabouts are a versatile choice since they can either be powered using three AA batteries or charged with the included USB cord. They’re ergonomic, fit well in smaller hands, and work great in even some of the coldest temps. The drawbacks include no full battery charge indicator and the fact that it seems to take quite a while for them to fully recharge. They also seem to have a relatively short battery life compared to some other options on the market.
Best Value
Cobra CXT195 Two-Way Walkie-Talkie
Pros
- Clear long-distance UHF reception
- Easy to use controls
- Design prioritizes battery life
Cons
- These aren’t waterproof
- Range drops as low as a mile in urban areas
- They look and feel like the value option
If you’re looking for a radio walkie-talkie that won’t break the bank, the Cobra CXT195 Two-Way Walkie-Talkie is a solid option. This set of two radios is made out of tough plastic, built to withstand light impact. It touts impressive long-distance reception via its UHF radio system. With a 16-mile range (again, under perfect conditions), they’re not the strongest handheld two-way radios, but you can still make contact from considerable distances. They feature a high-end battery with circuitry that’s built to keep it working longer than other radios on the market.
These radios also offer hands-free use and feature a jack for headphones. Working with 22 channels, these radios can access important weather alerts. They even have an auto squelch function that shuts down weak transmissions or noisy signals. This two-way radio is a great pick in terms of function and price tag. However, the LCD screen is small, and the lack of backlighting can result in issues telling the channels apart. Use it during the daytime for best results.
Honorable Mention
Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio
Pros
- JIS4 waterproof rating prevents damage from accidental splashes
- Includes NOAA weather alerts, scanning through 10 channels
- Broad range if used in relatively open spaces
Cons
- You need a radio licence to operate these walkie-talkies legally
- Cannot be used in heavy storm conditions and obviously not submerged
This is another two-way radio that you want to consider when you go hiking with your family and want to keep in touch with them. The radio covers a long range of 36 miles (perfect conditions, yada, yada). It has a whopping 142 DCS privacy codes and 124 channels. With this variety of channels, you can pick any and communicate with other users without restrictions. This Midland GMRS radio is splash-proof, meaning you can go camping with it on a rainy day without worrying about its functionality.
This two-way radio also offers NOAA weather alerts and a scanning feature that will update you on the weather conditions when you are using the device in the wilderness. Since it covers a wider range, you must have a license to use this two-way radio in your area. The battery the manufacturer includes on this radio does not last long. Also, each radio requires 4 AA batteries if you decide not to use the rechargeable packs.
Best Long Battery Life
Motorola Solutions Talkabout Radio, 3 Pack Bundle
Pros
- Long battery life in normal operation
- Good price and includes headsets
- Great sound quality with or without headset
Cons
- Do not have battery charge indicators
- It’s too easy to accidentally press buttons
Each of these radios has 22 channels with 121 privacy codes, and they are powered either by the included NiMH rechargeable batteries, which last up to 10 hours, or three AAA batteries, which last up to 29 hours. The units have 11 weather channels for real-life weather conditions. They also have a low-battery alert and a scanning feature to find channels that are currently being used. This three-pack bundle also comes equipped with handy two-way radio headsets for added versatility.
The sound quality is excellent without any static, and the units are compact and reasonably priced. They are easy to set up and use and are very durable even if you drop them now and then. They also feel good in your hands, and they are obvious and perfect for multivehicle road trips. Unfortunately, it’s easy to trigger the scan function accidentally, and you can lose communication unless you turn the unit off and on again. In addition, the rechargeable battery has a low storage capacity and takes a long time to charge completely. It’s also unclear when the units are fully charged because there’s no battery indicator on the radios.
Best Long Range
Midland 50-Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio
Pros
- These are great radios for use in mountain locations for hikers, bikers and campers
- Plenty of privacy codes for one to one communications
- Good range in mountainous and forested conditions
Cons
- User’s manual doesn’t is pretty useless
- Another set of high-powered walkies which require an FCC license to operate
These two-way radios come in black/yellow, black/silver, and black/mossy oak camo and have 50 General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) channels and 142 privacy codes. The units also feature eVOX (easy voice and sound activation transmission) and a NOAA weather scan. These radios feel sturdy and solid in your hands, the sound is crystal clear, and there is plenty of volume if needed.
They’re great for RVers or to keep in touch with your friends while you’re riding ATVs. The battery lasts all day, and overall, they’re a great product for the price. However, the FRS channels will only transmit at low power, while you must have a license from the FCC to use the higher power GMRS channels. In addition, the instructions aren’t that great, so you may need to go online for a video tutorial. And while they are splash-resistant, they are not 100 percent waterproof.
Best For Kids:
Nerf Two-Way Walkie-Talkie Set
Pros
- Super affordable and they look great
- Built to withstand the abuse that only pre-teens can deliver to electronics
- Small size makes it easy for kids to grip and operate
Cons
- The range will barely reach to next block suburban block over
- Your child may insist on being addressed by their callsign. u0022It’s dinner time, T-Bone!u0022
This fun radio walkie-talkie set is affordable and comes with two radios for easy and accessible communication. While these radios can only communicate from 1,000 feet apart, they do offer crisp audio and reliable transmissions. Because they are limited to that dedicated channel, the radios provide direct communication between two parties. Suited towards younger users, the colorful yet rugged design matches Nerf Elite blaster color schemes.
The buttons are easy to use, the antenna is reliable, and the entire structure is meant to withstand the kind of wear and tear that only kids can inflict. If a low price tag and user-friendliness are at the top of your priority list, this is an excellent option. While they rely on radio tech, these walkie-talkies are not meant for serious use. They are great for staying in touch on a hike and make it easy to learn to use a radio. However, they lack everything from channel access to weather alerts, so stick to light-duty use with this set.
The Verdict on the Best Two-Way Radios
If you want the ideal combination of functionality, durability, reliability, and price point, my top pick to click has to be the Motorola Talkabout T460 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio Pair. These weatherproof radios have 22 channels with 121 privacy codes and feature rechargeable batteries as well as two USB charging cables.
For a high-quality budget-friendly option, check out the Cobra CXT195 Two-Way Walkie-Talkie. Priced affordably and built for durability, this two-pack of walkie-talkies gives access to weather alerts and is well-suited for outdoor use.
Features to Consider When Buying Two-Way Radios
When it comes to two-way radios, many people think it’s a one-size-fits-all thing. While that may have been the case decades ago, it’s certainly not today. Two-way radios come in a variety of ranges, purposes, and price points. It’s important to consider certain factors to ensure you get the ideal product to suit your needs.
Radios that boast a communication range of up to 36 miles in optimal conditions generally require a license while models at the lower end, 6 miles do not. Regulated by the FCC, you’ll need a relatively basic two-way radio if you want to avoid this process.
Most two-way radios come with at least a single pair. However, you can also find options with as many as a dozen radios in the same set. The more radios per package, the lower the cost per radio.
Depending on the type of two-way radio, and the tech on which it relies, you can access a certain number of channels. Radios that don’t require licenses usually have somewhere between eight and 16 channels, though you can find some with as many as 22.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Recently, the FCC has begun cracking down on casual two-way radio and walkie-talkie use. As long as your two way radio has an FCC Identification Number, it’s legal for sale and operations. Any two-way radio without this is deemed illegal and could be subject to confiscation and fines from the FCC.
A: Some are, some aren’t. If you want a secure, private level of communication between your two-way radios, be sure to pick one that offers multiple dedicated frequencies and encrypted communication technology. These will likely require an FCC license to operate.
A: The range for a two-way radio depends on the make of the radio and the obstacles in the area. Some radios have a range of more than 35 miles, while others have as little as two miles of range.
A: UHF radio communicates only in UHF frequency (430-470Mhz), while VHF radio transmits in VHF (105-174Mhz) frequency only. Therefore, it is not possible to merge the two frequencies.
