12 Best Walkie Talkies for Your Adventurous Outing

Best Two-Way Radio You Can Buy

As you know might, a walkie talkie is a two-way radio. Unlike cell phones, walkie talkies make use of radio frequencies instead of cellular network like 5G. Given that the device has a satisfactory range, it can offer you reliable communication, however rough the terrain may be! While creating the list, we’ve given equal importance to several factors such as the maximum range of the device, build, and customer reviews.

We are sure that you will be able to choose an effective walkie talkie from this list. We have mentioned the maximum range of each walkie talkie in the description and you should select the one that’s appropriate for your use. Having said all that, let’s get started with the list!

• 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 great budget walkie-talkie for users who are not looking to spend too much money. The walkie talkies are very small and can fit in the palm of your hand. They operate in the frequency range of 400 to 470 MHz and offer 16 pre-programmed channels.

Do note that EMS services in certain areas use the same frequency range so you might have to re-calibrate them to avoid those frequencies. It would be better if you check the EMS frequencies used in your area and look at other offerings on this list which do not interfere with those frequencies.

Talking about the battery, each radio comes with a 1500 mAh battery and offers 8 hours of usage time along with 96 hours of standby time. It takes only 2.5 hours to charge the walkie-talkies with the included dock. When it comes to range, it offers up to 5 miles of range in an area with no obstruction which decreases as you move to more congested areas such as mountains or hills. Everything considered; Arcshell is one of the best budget walkie-talkies that you can buy.

Pros: 

• Operate in 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

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 check out the Retevis H-777 UHF Long Range Rechargeable Walkie Talkies which come in a pack of 10 walkie talkies allowing even a big group to converse with each other.

It comes with preprogrammed frequencies in the range of 400 to 470 MHz. The product offers 16 different channels with 50 encrypted codes for each channel. The walkie talkies come with a 1000 mAh battery which can last for up to 6 hours on usage and offers 72 hours of standby time.

Apart from traveling groups, the Retevis H-777 is popularly used in various businesses including restaurants, schools, retail stores, security, corporate events, and more. As far as group walkie talkies go, this one is one of the most affordable walkie-talkies that you can buy. Plus, the company offers a 1-year warranty and 30 days money-back guarantee with no questions asked.

Pros: 

• Lightweight and compact design
• preprogrammed frequencies in the range of 400 to 470 MHz
• 16 different channels with 50 encrypted codes
• 1000 mAh battery delivers 6 hours of battery life

Cons: 

• Less durable design
• The battery life needs improvement

Buy from Amazon: $112.99

3. Uniden MHS126 Handheld Submersible Marine Radio

The Uniden MHS126 Handheld Submersible Marine Radio is great for users who need extra protection. The marine radio comes with many features that will help you protect in hazardous situations.

First of all, the walkie-talkie does not submerge in water and always floats on top of it, which means you can use it safely even if you’re on a lake or at sea. Secondly, it comes with a light signal which illuminates in the darkness making it easier for you to find it in case you drop the walkie-talkie. Just like the Baofeng Mirakit Edition radios ($59.75), this can be used in different power modes allowing you to either get the extended range or longer battery life.

Also, it gives automatic weather alerts when the radio detects a special weather warning signal from NOAA, so you can be instantly informed about thunderstorms, tornados, or other extreme weather in the area. Plus it supports all US and Canadian Marine Channels.

Pros: 

• does not submerge in water
• covers all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels
• Triple Watch mode
• Rugged construction

Cons: 

• Comparatively expensive

Buy from Amazon: $83.67

4. DilissToys Kids Voice Activated Walkie Talkies

If you’re looking for a pair of really good walkie talkies for your kids to play around with, check these out. The DilissToys Kids Voice Activated Walkie Talkies we are featuring here offers crisp and smooth sound quality with the adjustable volume level. It also has an auto squelch function that mutes the background noise so kids can get the crisp sound even in crowded places.

The walkie talkies are pretty small and will easily fit in a kids hand without causing any pain on long usage. Since this is for kids, it features an uncomplicated push-to-talk button which makes this toy easy to use by kids of all ages. This is a great gift for your kid and they will surely love it.

Do note that these walkie talkies don’t come with batteries so you will need to purchase AA batteries separately. Other than that, the walkie talkies claim to offer a 3-mile range and 22 channels, which is definitely more than enough for kids. Plus, they come with a flashlight, which can definitely come in handy at night. Lastly, they are available in a lot of color options such as pink, red, black, and blue.

Pros:

• Crisp  sound quality
• Auto squelch function
• Offers a 3-mile range and 22 channels
• Handy flashlight

Buy from Amazon: $26.68

5. Motorola Talkabout T460

Sporting a pretty compact form-factor, Motorola Talkabout T460 is a modern walkie-talkie with a range of helpful features. Thanks to the lightweight and compact design, you can comfortably hold it in your hand. And with the secure grip, it also reduces accidental slip-offs.

Beyond impressive design, Talkabout T460 supports up to the 35-mile range, which is more than handy for your outdoor adventures. So, whether you are trekking in the wild or skiing down a mountain, it will help you stay connected with your friends.

T460 features a simple press-to-talk button that allows you to get started with conversation quickly. The availability of 22 channels along with 121 privacy codes let you create 2, 662 unique combinations. Thus, you will always have clear channels. That’s not all, T460 is IP54 weatherproof and delivers up to 10 hours of battery life. Plus, it comes with AA batteries which offer up to 26 hours of battery life.

Pros:

• Supports up to the 35-mile range
• 22 channels along with 121 privacy codes
• IP54 weatherproof
• Delivers up to 10 hours of battery life

Cons: 

• Background noise-canceling needs improvement
• Relatively expensive

Buy from Amazon: $94

6. BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way Radio

When you need a walkie talkie that gives you the typical-two-way-radio feel — although it may not be that compact —, you can go with BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way radio. The deal is a pack of six radio devices that can be used for best-in-class in-between communication. With a frequency range of 400 MHz to 470 MHz, BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way Radio supports up to 16 channels.

Also, the device is powered by 1500mAh Lithium-Ion battery which can give you a backup of 12 hours — very impressive. As we said earlier, this walkie talkie comes with individual earpiece for each of the radio devices you have, and that gives a professional look as well.

When talking more about battery and backup of the device, we should mention the Intelligent Charging option as well as the alert setting for low voltage. Indeed, these features make it easy to ensure seamless communication. In addition, it has a power-saving mode that puts your radio in a kind of passive mode to save energy. Altogether, it’s a steal-deal, we would say.

Pros:

• Pack of six radio devices
• Delivers 12 hours of battery life
• Supports up to 16 channels
• The alert setting for low voltage

Cons:

• Buttons are not super responsive
• Build-quality isn’t top-notch

Buy from Amazon: $52.50

7. Floureon Handheld Walkie Talkie

8. Midland GXT1000VP4 Walkie Talkie

If you prefer a not-so-compact professional walkie talkie to a compact one, you should definitely check out Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Walkie Talkie, which meticulously combines stunning features and a good interface. Despite all the impressive stuff, you can get the product at an affordable rate.

As you can see from the image, you’ll be able to have a few accessories when you purchase Midland GXT1000VP4GMRS Walkie this two-way GMRS radio, such as the belt clip that helps you keep the device safe when you’re walking or running. As we come to consider the technical stuff, the device has support for 50 different channels, giving you enough freedom and comfort to choose the best one.

In addition, the maximum distance between both the devices will be a maximum of 36 Miles. Also, you get a few other features such as NOAA weather channels, 5 call alerts, hands-free operation mode, LCD Monitor to check the status, and do other actions, water resistance, etc. You can either use the rechargeable battery pack or three AAA batteries. Priced at $219.95 for a six-pack, it is relatively expensive. However, given the notable specs, Midland GXT1000VP4’s pricing seems reasonable.

Pros: 

• Offers up to a 36-mile range
• 50 GMRS channels
• Water-resistant
• 9 Sensitivity levels

Cons:

• Buttons are a bit stiff
• Comparatively heavy

Buy from Amazon: $219.95

9. Midland LXT600VP3

If you are looking for a full-fledged wireless communication method at a relatively low price point, to be useful in professional scenarios, this one from Midland is a worth-checking-out. Midland LXT600VP3 (6-pack) ticks off all the essential boxes to be a great asset for staying connected with colleagues.

On top of everything, you get the maximum range of 30 miles, if you are using the device on open areas, such as when you’re in a trekking experience. Notably, it provides 121 ctcss privacy codes which let you use up to 2, 662 channels. In terms of sound quality, Midland LXT600VP3 is up to the mark. Thanks to the 9 sensitivity levels, it offers convenient hands-free operation.

As for battery life, Midland LXT600VP3 is equipped with a robust 700mAh battery that provides up to 12 hours of battery life. As a result, you can communicate freely without having to bother about charging the device too frequently. Furthermore, the Noaa weather scan and the alert feature ensure you don’t get stuck in the bad weather.

Pros: 

• Provides 121 ctcss privacy codes
• Can let you use up to 2, 662 channels
• Noaa weather scan and the alert
• Up to 12 hours of battery life

Cons:

• Not all the sensitivity levels work efficiently
• May not deliver up to 12 hours of battery life consistently

Buy from Amazon: $159.95

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

Baofeng Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition is a great walkie-talkie for people who want extended battery life. The walkie-talkie works in both VHF and UHF frequency range and can monitor two different frequencies at the same time. One of the good things about the Baofeng radio which we are featuring here is that it is FCC compliant so it’s completely legal to use anywhere.

However, you will need to avoid using the radio on restricted frequencies which are reserved for government services including aviation, satellite, and more. I also love that this walkie talkie offers a very good battery saver feature.

Basically, you can use the Baofeng Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition in three different power modes, and depending on your requirement, you can use it in low power or high power mode. The former will give you extended battery life while the latter will give you more range.

Pros:

• High-quality 1800mAh battery
• Three different power modes
• Works in both VHF and UHF frequency
• Dual-band display

Cons:

• Comparatively heavy build
• At times, it tends to overheat

Buy from Amazon: $59.75

11. Motorola T260P Talkabout Radio

We end our list with the Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio as it is one of the best budget walkie-talkies that you can buy. You can either use the included battery pack to power it or you can use three AA batteries if the need arises. The included NiMH rechargeable batteries will last for up to 10 hours while you can use three AA batteries for up to 29 hours.

The walkie-talkie also offers 22 different channels along with 121 privacy codes for each channel making it one of the most secure budget walkie-talkies that you can buy. Do note that while you don’t need any license from FCC if you are using it on FRS channels, you will need the license if you are planning to use it on GMRS channels.

When it comes to range the Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio doesn’t disappoint as it gives a range of 20 miles which is more than enough for most use case scenarios. Additionally, it also supports NOAA weather channels and alerts so that you can avoid bad weather. All things considered, T260TP is one of the best two-way radios in the market right now.

Buy from Amazon: $49.48

12. Seodon Two-Way Radio

Frequently Asked Questions

Are walkie talkies legal in India?

Due to security reasons, the Indian government doesn’t allow the import of walkie-talkie in the country without a license from the wireless and planning coordination wing under the Department of Telecommunications.

What is the strongest walkie talkie?

Though there are several walkie-talkies that claim to be the strongest, Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition stands out.

What is the best walkie talkie for hunting?

You can bank on Midland GXT1000VP4 to make your hunting a pleasant experience as it checks off almost all the essential boxes.

What is the best 2-way radio for long-range?

Motorola Talkabout T460 is easily one of the best 2-way radio for long-range due mainly to its ability to deliver consistent range.

Top Two-Way Radios You can Buy in 2020

So, that was our list of best walkie talkies that you can buy in 2020 for an exciting outdoor activity such as camping with your friends, or for a corporate event that requires a lot of to and fro communication with your team to handle the impromptu situation, etc. If you enjoyed reading this article, you will also find our article on offline messaging apps useful (send messages without cellular network).

Do let us know which one are you going to get for yourself? Also, if you think there’s a more deserving walkie talkie that should be on our list, drop its name in comments.