Despite the increasing use of mobile phones recently, these original two-way radio interaction devices still thrive and are much in demand. Walkie-talkies are popular even in the era of cellular devices because now they are available with several additional features.
Long-range walkie-talkies are irreplaceable during natural disasters when cellular connectivity becomes a problem or for outdoor enthusiasts who love to carry these compact walkie-talkies on their hiking or camping trips.
The 6 Best Long Range Options
- 2-Way Radios - These Walkie-Talkies Feature 50 Gmrs (General Mobile Radio Service) Channels, Along With Channel Scan To Check For Activity. The Jis4 Waterproof Protection Prevents Splashing Water From Having Any Harmful Effect On It (Splash Resistant)
- 【Two way Radio】FCC ID ; 2ASV6-T5A. MOICO walkie talkies have 22 FRS channels plus 99 sets of CTCSS tones (privacy codes),The continuous tone-coded squelch system gives you up to 2178 combinations to help block other conversations.one-to-one or one-to-more communication function allow more walkie talkies to communicate on the same channel.
- LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY: Pledge to replace product that is defective in material or workmanship as long as you are the original purchaser. Warranty only valid by authorized resellers.
- RUGGED AND WATERPROOF - Waterproof (IPX4) walkie talkie with upto 38-mile range. Built with a strong shell and drop-proof design so your radio can withstand harsh conditions. The waterproof design allows clear communication in rain or shine.
- GUARANTEED TOUGH - Trusted by the world’s most demanding pros.
- 2-WAY RADIOS: The walkie-talkies are equipped with 36 FRS (Family Radio Service) channels, and communication options. Additionally, they offer a convenient channel scan feature that allows users to easily check for activity on different channels. For power, these walkie-talkies offer dual options. They can be powered by the included rechargeable battery pack, providing a reliable and reusable energy source. Users have the option to use 3 "AAA" batteries (not included) for flexibility.
How Are Long Range Walkie Talkies Different from Regular Ones?
Long-range walkie-talkies function just as they sound – they are suitable for long-distance communication. The radios cover a maximum long distance in ideal conditions, or they work at that specific long distance when there are no obstructions. Obstructions can be in the form of buildings, trees, or even mountains that can interfere. Regular walkie-talkies do not cover such a long-range and do not use such advanced technology in their functioning.
Do You Really Need A License?
According to the Solid Signal blog, “if you are using a walkie-talkie labeled “FRS/GMRS” or one labeled “GMRS” then yes, you do need an FCC license.” FRS, or Family Radio Service, channels, are free to use, but GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) walkie-talkies do require licensure. You’ll have to pony up some cash for the fee and file FCC forms 159 and 605 to get certified.
Understanding FRS (Family Radio Service)
FRS or Family Radio Service is a popular two-way and short-distance data and voice communication service that is private. It plays a major role in group and family communication within a neighborhood or during outings. FRS channels are used for two-way communication with the help of hand-held radios or devices that are like walkie-talkies. Many other services allow such communication as GMRS or General Mobile Radio Service.
This is a license-free radio system, and radios use narrow-band frequency modulation, NBFM. All equipment used in Family Radio Service needs to be regulated and approved by the concerned authorities.
Understanding GMRS ( General Mobile Radio Service)
GMRS or General Mobile Radio Service is another licensed radio service used for two-way voice communication and is suitable for short distances. It uses hand-held devices like walkie-talkies or mobile radios for the purpose. GMRS is available to any individual for use in short-range communication. GMRS licensees can establish repeaters that help in extending the range of communication. One GMRS repeater can be linked with any other repeater.
GMRS is generally allotted 30 frequency channels. These are usually around MHz and 467 MHz. These are also divided into 14 interstitial channels and 16 main channels. Licensees can use the 8 main 462 MHz channels for their simplex communication purpose.
The Best Long Range GMRS Walkie Talkies
*Many of these walkie-talkies promise over 30 miles of reach, but that’s under optimal conditions with a perfectly clear line of sight. 1-2 miles is realistic if you’re in the city.
Best Overall: The Midland Waterproof Walkie Talkie
- 2-Way Radios - These Walkie-Talkies Feature 50 Gmrs (General Mobile Radio Service) Channels, Along With Channel Scan To Check For Activity. The Jis4 Waterproof Protection Prevents Splashing Water From Having Any Harmful Effect On It (Splash Resistant)
The Midland Waterproof walkie-talkie is certainly a consistent and powerful choice for long-range communication.
These walkie-talkies are available with 50 GMRS channels with a channel scan feature. The device is available with JIS4 waterproof protection that helps to prevent water splashes that can damage the walkie-talkie. Thus, it is a splashproof device offering a decent range of communication.
Whether you are using it – during hiking, camping, or Overlanding, this walkie-talkie is the perfect device that helps you stay in touch with your family and friends. It is a long-range water-resistant walkie-talkie with a reach of up to 36 miles. The device offers easy voice & sound activation transmission with nine sensitivity levels. It is available with a rechargeable battery pack.
- Number of batteries: 5 Lithium-ion batteries
- Noise Level: 60 dB
- Channels: 30
- Tuner Technology: GMRS
- Temperature Range: -10-50 Degrees Celsius
Mile Range: 36 miles under perfect conditions; 1-2 miles more realistically
With Flashlight: The Retevis Flashlight Walkie Talkie
- Long range; high-power design; RT86 long range two way radio can effectively penetrate buildings; steel structure; provide stable and reliable signal
This walkie-talkie is just perfect for meeting the needs of your business because it has a longer range than any usual walkie-talkie. The device comes with a built-in flashlight. This handheld radio can connect to the base station. The maximum range of transmission can be expanded without worrying about dense forests and mountains. The device comes with advanced voice activation, which provides a smooth hands-free experience whenever you require it.
The sound quality of the device is excellent. Audio is loud and clear in most noisy environments. This walkie-talkie is easily compatible with various models and is suitable for use with different walkie-talkies. Each device has a built-in 2000mah battery which is just enough for meeting the requirements of the members. Charging is easy with its multi-function charging method – thus, a USB cable can also be used.
It is the perfect device to carry in dark and dingy regions where lighting is dim. Its built-in flashlight offers the much-needed support to move through comfortably in darkness.
- Number of batteries: 5 Lithium-ion batteries
- Noise Level: 60 dB
- Channels: 30
- Tuner Technology: GMRS
- Temperature Range: -10-50 Degrees Celsius
Mile Range: 36 (1-2 miles in the city)
Video Overview
Budget Option: The Luiton
- Design & Quality : Strong anti-interference and dustproof;Military quality High-quality precision circuit design
Offered by Luiton, this walkie-talkie is best known for its durability, functions, and smart, sleek design. This is a military-quality dustproof device with a built-in anti-interference feature. It is an ultra-thin device that is compact and convenient to carry, suitable for hands-free communication.
It is available with a 16 memory channel which makes it easy to find a channel. The device is compatible with any other radio and can be used regardless of the brand. It offers a micro-USB charging feature. The device provides excellent range and can reach up to 10 miles, but its reach is dependent on factors like weather conditions and the terrain.
The package includes two radios, 2 charging cables, 2 batteries, 2 belt clips, and an optional charger base. This is the perfect device for various outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and camping.
- Frequency Range: 400 – 470 MHz, 400 – 520 MHz
- Voltage: 3.7 volts
- Channels: 16
- Tuner Technology: UHF
- Dustproof: Yes
Mile Range: Up to 10 miles (.5 miles in the city)
Video Overview
Runners Up
The Retevis
- Long range walkie talkies; the RT21 walkie talkie is engineered for the best audio clarity, ease of use and durability available for dependable on-site communication; including construction; facility management, hospitality; manufacturing; retail; and warehousing
The Retevis is a long-range walkie-talkie that is easily operated and highly functional. It comes with 30 GMRS channels. There are many unique features of this walkie-talkie which include its 35 menu function settings. With so many menu function settings, it becomes easy to operate this walkie-talkie. Other features include the alarm mode, PTT-ID mode, VOX, and many others. The device is also available with its volume and channel adjustment knob. Thus, it is now possible to adjust channels and volume too without checking the walkie-talkie.
One of the most useful features is the side button switch weather channels. Users need to know about weather conditions, especially when they are on hiking or camping trips. Such features allow the user to know about the weather situation at any time. Thus, with prior knowledge of the weather, it gets easier to change plans accordingly. This is an excellent option when looking for 2-way radios for different purposes.
- Number of batteries: 2 Lithium-ion batteries required.
- Water Resistant: No
- Channels: 30
- Tuner Technology: GMRS
- Noise Level: 60 dB
Mile Range: 1 – 1.5 miles
Video Overview
The Olywiz
- 【Works out of the Box】FCC ID: 2AX3U-OL2WHTD, Each walkie talkie has 16 preset channels also can be programmed by software to work with other brand walkie talkies or mobile radio; 50 groups CTCSS/105 groups DCS can be set to prevent signal interference; with multi-function include VOX voice control function, scanning, emergency alarm, and group call.
The Olywiz is a palm-size lightweight device that is suitable for almost everyone. Children to seniors can use the device as its basic functions are easy to use. There is a built-in led flashlight in the device. Thus, it is easy to use in dim light or an emergency. This walkie-talkie is ideal for use in field survival activities, road trips, hiking camping sessions. Every walkie-talkie comes with an earpiece. Hence, users do not have to buy the earpiece separately.
The device offers a long talking range with its stable high-gain antenna. It can reach up to 3 miles if there is no obstruction or in areas with less congestion. Radio transmissions are usually dependent on factors like weather, and if everything is clear, the maximum range can be optimum. The device is just perfect for use in warehouses, schools, supermarkets, restaurants, commercial construction zones, and security purposes.
- Number of batteries: 1 Lithium-ion battery required.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Channels: 16
- Tuner Technology: UHF
- Low Battery Alert: Yes
Mile Range: 3 miles
Video Overview
The Baofeng
- This model has been FCC certified,FCC ID: 2AJGM-BF888S;
The Baofeng is known for its classic design. The device is easy to read because of its tri-cooler display. Its basic settings can be accessed using the keypad and the menu. There are nine sensitivity levels for easy hands-free operation. The device comes with 128 preset channels and 104 DCS digital-coded squelch choices.
Users looking forward to advanced choices can use the advanced settings that offer some powerful options. For this, the device needs to be connected to a computer. Additional NOAA Alert feature is one advanced and necessary feature. This feature automatically scans and sends weather alerts to the user, sending alerts about severe weather ahead. It is one of the most reliable options during inclement weather and when cellular towers are overloaded.
- Number of batteries: 2 Lithium-ion batteries
- Battery Life: 60 hours
- Channels: 128
- Tuner Technology: GMRS
- Water Resistant: No
Mile Range: 3-6 miles
Video Overview
With the availability of so many top-quality walkie-talkies, buy the one with the features that you need. Do not forget to check details like transmission range, extended range, LCD details, optimal conditions for performance, how well it works in severe weather, and its price. Go ahead and buy a smart, simple, reliable, high-performance, and durable device that meets your needs.
I’m a tech enthusiast and I grew up playing with walkie talkies. They were fun when I was a kid and they’re even more fun, and even useful, as an adult. My family uses them when we go camping to stay connected on hikes.
