Best Long Range Two-Way Radios
A great deal of stuff matters when you use a two-way radio, especially when your radio device is considered the best long range two way radio. These long range walkie talkies are often used in critical situations, the most common one is when you’re out hiking with your friends or at the outdoors with family. In that scenario, you will most probably be in a remote area. And remote areas lack reliable cellphone signal reception to contact your companions. That is why two-way radios: efficient, hassle-free, and dependable in any condition because the radio wave frequencies are always going to be there.
And in pressing instances like that, it is only normal that you will prioritize the proper functioning of your two-way radios because if something is off with the walkie talkies, your entire adventure might be in a state of jeopardy, stopping you from having the fun.
That’s why, when it comes to choosing a two-way radio, you should only go with the best. Some radios are explicitly waterproof while other radios are amazing in terms of range. Some are good for the wilderness while others need replacing rechargeable batteries more often. It is, therefore, crucial to know the major details about two-way radios to ensure their proper functioning.
In this piece, we are going to elaborate on the very best long-range two-way radios. These are well-founded and tested through time. Positive reviews, amazing qualities, and a dedication to giving the users exactly what they need to set them apart. Currently, these products rule the market.
Table of Contents
1. Midland GXT1050VP4
Well-trusted and good-looking, this walkie talkie model from Midland is something every two-way expert radio is talking about right now. And it is not trendy only right now, but it is something that hikers have been using for years to contact other team members when outdooes.
Features: Get 50 GMRS channels – a frequency advantage over others; activity search feature through channel scan; covers 36 miles without barriers; ability to block other dialogues using privacy codes; you can monitor two channel at a time with the Dual Watch; SOS Siren allows you to alert others in emergency scenarios.
Ideal usage: Hiking, hunting, and trekking are primary uses of this walkie talkie. Generally excellent for any outdoor activity.
Waterproofing: The Midland walkie talkies come with JIS4 waterproof protection. What this means is that you don’t have to worry about it ranging from splashes to light rain.
Weather reports: The scanner allows you to find any NOAA weather alerts for severe weather updates.
2. Cobra ACXT1035R FLT FRS/GMRS Radio
Highly functional and outdoors-ready radio but with low capacity for charge, unlike other top long range two-way radios. Having this would require you to have rechargeable battery pack or standby aa batteries.
Features: Get 8 hours of battery backup upon 100% charge; range of 37 miles; 22-channel frequencies with 121 privacy codes (other models only have 16 channels); rubber grip for holding in wet conditions along with shock resistance; BURP enables you to flush out any liquid in the speakers; VOX allows hands free operation; you can also rewind the last 20 seconds of the last broadcasting to listen to any information you accidentally missed (Rewind-Say-Again technology); LED flashlight.
Ideal operation: Hunting, adventures, climbs, and outdoor trips.
Waterproofing: Water-resistant with the floating capability to avoid sinking.
Weather reports: Extreme weather conditions are reported through the alert system. It is based on automatic monitoring for storms, etc.
3. Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Radio
This Midland GMRS radio is a record-breaking high-power walkie talkie that excels across wild conditions on any frequency. This radio sturdy and lightweight. An efficient Midland radio for keeping it in your pocket. Definitely a worthy long range radio model to be part of any list of best long-range two-way radios.
Features: Record 142 privacy codes and 50 channels; covers 36 miles of range; SOS horn for emergencies; silent mode for switching off all sounds so that you can quietly communicate.
Ideal use: You can use this Midland GMRS product during your climbing, excursions, trips.
Waterproofing: Enough to protect against light rain but not dipping in water.
Weather reports: This supports NOAA Weather Alert Radio feature
4. Motorola MR350R FRS/GMRS Radio
This good range walkie talkie (35-mile range) looks amazing and offers a great deal of value for money, really. The MR350R is an outstanding two-way radio unit that is definitive and efficient without being a trouble to hold or grip.
Features: 120 privacy codes along with 22 channels make these walkie talkies advantageous; lightweight exterior design; very comfortable to grip and comes with large buttons; 35-mile range; PTT Power Boost; FRS and GMRS; get a built-in led emergency flashlight; voice control function and a headphone jack; iVOX hands-free operation makes things easier.
Ideal utilization: Rugged wilderness, outdoor activities, hunting.
Waterproofing: Unavailable.
Weather reports: 11 weather channels to be forewarned about serious conditions and extreme weather.
5. Retevis RT1 FRS/GMRS Radio
Great transceiver radio for rugged use—exactly what you need in these devices. This radio comes with top-notch elements and some handy quirks that make it a quite powerful walkie talkie. It also offers some stylish looks along with a sturdy exterior. Designed for maximum performance. Sure, it is a little bit expensive and doesn’t come with a reliable belt clip. Radios like this lack waterproofing, which can be a bummer for a two way radio with amazing range. See our full review.
Features: Built for rough handling; 2.5 watt power; get 8 hours of power; VOX allows for hands-free communication; 22 channels, coming with busy channel lockout that helps you prevent broadcasts when there are two conversations on the same channel, kind of like a subtle privacy lock (detection for this is automatic); FRS and GMRS; 3-4 miles UFH range that permeates obstacles like woods and other blocks no matter what the terrain; powerful speakers with clear audio quality.
Ideal usage: A great radio that’s excellent for use in all kinds of outdoor activities, mostly thanks to its hardwearing exterior design.
Waterproofing: Unavailable.
Weather reports: Unavailable.
6. Midland LXT630VP3 FRS/GMRS Radio
This Midland unit is a two way radio with ergonomic design with a lightweight structure and a compact build. Carrying and strapping this radio on is effortless, unlike other complicated devices. Check our more extensive review here.
Feature/s: Get 36 channels with a 30-mile range (without obstructions; less than the 35 miles of MR350R); VOX allows hands free communication; comes with a HI/LO power settings that save battery backup if battery is drained; FRS and GMRS; short 6-hours battery life; Auto Squelch helps in cutting background noise to clarify transmission; silent mode can be used to turn off all sounds.
Ideal use: You can use this Midland FRS GMRS model for mountaineering, climbing, and other excursions where cell phones are unlikely to be reliable
Waterproofing: Unavailable.
Weather reports: NOAA weather alert is supported to find cover immediately.
7. Uniden MHS75 Submersible
Radios of this type are water-ready. Lightweight and durable, the Uniden Submersible is a great walkie talkie. Speaker loudness is less than what we’d like. In addition, external noise is a problem with these devices.
Feature/s: This walkie talkie an be in the water for up to half an hour, floating; has a rugged and lightweight black design that allows you to safely carry it even in extreme conditions; 16 mile range; 22-channel and 142 privacy codes; can be submerged for about 3 feet; display is very bright; can give you up to 12 hours of power
Ideal usage: This is one of the two way radios you can take on trips where water will be abundant and kayaking. However, it may not be ideal for long-distance usage because of its shorter 16 mile range coverage.
Waterproofing: Can float on water for up to 30 minutes, and comes with waterproof protection for use in light rain and splashes.
Weather reports: It monitors current conditions using NOAA weather channels broadcasts so you can get advanced warnings
8. Floureon 4 Packs FRS GMRS Walkie Talkies
Floureon walkie talkies or radios are budget-friendly 4 two-way units appropriate for and loved by kids. It is the best long-range walkie talkie for children. The price is very much lower than other two-way radios even when this set is of 4 units/radios! It, however, the radios don’t come with a battery charger.
Features: Clear and loud sound; strong signals in little distances (for a few miles) along with strong reception coverage; sturdy enough to take a beating; 22 channels and 121 privacy codes; FRS and GMRS; safe for kids (environment-friendly material build); simple to use yet effective at shorter ranges.
Ideal usage: Take this FRS GMRS radio on trips out of town, skiing, and other short-range outdoor activities that don’t necessarily include wilderness.
Waterproofing: Unavailable.
Weather reports: Unavailable.
The range is important, and that’s why manufacturers often misinform
The range is extremely important when in search for walkie talkies. People base a large part of their decision when buying new two way radios on the effective mile range. And that is why companies tell you that they have 30 miles of range when you will be getting just a mile or two in most practical situations.
The ideal situation is when you’re on a mountain peak communicating with someone on another one with no taller mountain peaks in between. The range can easily be 30 miles there. But most situations are not ideal. Some blocks interfere radios heavily. Sometimes, they obstruct the signal altogether.
The best way to figure out the effective mile range of walkie talkies is knowing before how much natural obstruction you’re going to face. If it is a lot, then go for a very high power model with a long range coverage. If it is going to be so-so, then any unit will work quite well.
If you’re going with a team that will not be separated by more than a single mile for most of the all-important phase, then any top two-way radio unit will be excellent enough to reach that distance. But if you’re not sure, it’s always better to get units that can reach miles to get the most range. Ultimately, it all depends on how much range you’d really need.
So, which one should you pick?
Which one you should choose depends strictly on what your pattern of use is going to be like. I hope you read through the product summaries of these best two-way radio units that work well on any frequency in their supported spectrum. Let’s take a particular example of why and why not a particular two way radio unit is for you:
For example, the Retevis RT1 provides accurate information about its range: 3-4 miles. That is a very impressive range for areas covered with wood, many can’t provide more than a single mile range in a direction if there’s a prominent natural obstacle like a dense group of trees. It’s expensive but it is built for rugged use. It can withstand a lot of abuse and go through a lot, providing the same fabulous performance. On the downside, it might be out of your budget as it’s a little expensive. Furthermore, it might not be ideal for you if your excursions will involve water regularly, as the RT1 does not come with waterproofing. If you want waterproofing capabilities, we also listed a couple of those in the list.
What to look out for when purchasing your next two-way radio unit?
Of course, you want the topmost long range two way radio unit. Right? And a lot of questions are answered by your specific needs from your radio unit and the radios’ technical power. (For legal questions, dig up some information about the FCC’s dual band regulations).
Still, pay attention to details like wattage output of the radios, and it will give you a clear picture of what kind of power to expect. The operation can be explained in terms of range coverage, but it’s up to nature to allow or disallow your signal, or to produce inconveniences in your radios’ transmission. One good specification to pay attention to is the antenna length. The longer it is, the fewer obstructions along your path. Sometimes, you may need to buy another antenna for better performance.
Display options are also significant in radios. Not all two-way radios provide quality night visibility. Some LCD screens are brighter than others, helping your eyes see the digits more painlessly under the sun. It might even be a dealbreaker for those trimming down their options to the best options for two-way radios. Ideally, you want a display that’s bright enough in all kinds of light.
Some walkie talkies also provide out-of-range alerts, weather warnings through NOAA weather alert feature, call alerts, and vibration instead of ringing. These specifications might also be fundamental during your consideration. Sure, the tuning of the relevant frequency is significant in radios, but that comes easy once you know how to work with the radios you purchased. This also should match your exact need for the radio, as you can consider getting an FRS GMRS two-way radio (Family Radio Service General Mobile Radio Service), for instance.
Headsets are essential, and you need these in radios especially when you’re outdoors. You need good headsets for the sound quality of your walkie talkies to be perfect. Many radios offer clear sound on the main unit but come with poor earphones. This problem is more pronounced with people who want to keep their transference private in larger groups using radios outdoors.
The weight also affects how easy two-way radios are to carry around. Accessories for radios like durable belt clips, VOX hands free communication, straps, etc. also help here.
The battery life of radios or walkie talkies is very crucial. Even if you don’t have an idea of the average time you’ll be out, make sure you spend in the highest battery backup device that you can afford so you won’t run out of power. Also, besides the rechargeability, many radios come with support for alkaline/AAA rechargeable batteries. This is great since you don’t have to purchase batteries each time your power runs out. That is a huge plus, especially when you’re on the lookout for the best long-range two-way radios.
Finally, also consider radios that provides responsive customer service so you can immediately have any concerns resolved.
But if you’re a newbie that just wants a basic two-way radio, we recommend you buy the BaoFeng UV-5R and Midland GXT1000VP4 with basic black headsets (review here) and other UHF radios.
William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.
