In this guide, you'll know 5 best long range two way radios with detailed reviews. The best part?
I'll show you how to choose a good range radios if you're still wondering. Let's dive right in:
Best Two Way Radios on the Market:
1. Midland GXT1000VP4 50-Channel FRS/GMRS (Editor's Choice)
Best Long Range Two Way Radios Reviews:
To help you choose the most suitable one, we’ve handpicked 5 best 2 way radios that will keep you and your pals in touch at all times.
1. Midland GXT1000VP4 50-Channel FRS/GMRS:
Via Amazon.com
The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a high-powered unit that has an unbeaten record of 50 channels and 142 privacy codes.
It comes with a silent feature that lets you communicate quietly with your unit and still be heard clearly.
You’ll get a crisp and clear sound from the channels, and buttons are very easy to access.
Design
The design is durable, sturdy and lightweight. It features an antenna that is 8 inches long and 2 ½ inches wide.
The length of each of the radios is up to 5 inches, making it a perfect fit in your pocket.
Water Resistant
You don’t have to worry having it out in the rain. But, don't dunk them in the water all.
What’s the Actual Range?
While Midland claimed that you could get 36 miles in range, our homework shows this isn't correct.
You can only get up to that range if you're in one mountain top talking to other person in another mountain top, which is a direct line of sight.
In average use of the same height, you can expect anywhere from 1 to 3 miles which is good for the neighborhood.
So, ensure you use a GMRS, which will give you more than 5 miles while FRS, low power, will give up to 2 miles.
But if a terrain obstructs your unit, you won't be able to get up to 1 mile.
So, it depends on how separated the device is by terrains.
Via Amazon.com
Backlit Display
Yes, it offers a crisp and bright Backlit Display that is clear, making super easy for you to use it for both day and night.
Call Alerts And Weather Alert
I also like the addition of the SOS Siren feature. This sends out sounds to your group if you are in any kind of distress or emergency.
The Best Part ?
NOAA Weather Alert Radio feature enable you to scan the weather.
This impressive feature sends you an alert when there’s a severe weather condition.
You can even decide to turn off all tones in silent mode for a quiet operation.
This, of course, will come in handy when you have deer in front of you.
2. Uniden Submersible 50 Mile FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radios:
Via Amazon.com
The Uniden Submersible has a unique feature of being able to be in the water for about 30 minutes and will still float on the water surface.
So, if you are kayaking, this will work great as it gives you the ability to paddle without holding them.
And if you are in the rain, this unit, with its rugged and lightweight design with being a better option for you.
Weather Alert
Just like the Midland Radio, the Uniden comes with an NOAA feature, which gives you weather alert to keep you abreast of the current weather conditions.
What about the range?
Uniden claimed that you would get 50 miles of range depending on your terrain.
Well, our experience has taught us that you can't get 50 miles of super clear reception anywhere.
You can only get about 1 mile in woodland areas, depending on how hilly the terrain is and its foliage density.
Our research also revealed that the range of open water could be up to 3 miles while on shoreline waters, like cliff edge, will be 1-2 miles.
The Strobe and Backlit Display LCD
I also like the fact it offers an emergency strobe light to let others know your location in case of emergency.
Thanks to its super bright LCD backlight and glow keys, which makes using the unit in the night so convenient.
3. Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS:
Via Amazon.com
The Motorola MR350R 35-Mile is a gorgeous two-way radio that offers a lot of impressive features.
You would typically see these fuctions in high-end Radios.
The Motorola comes with 22 different channels with 120 privacy codes, so won't be disturbed by other radios.
Design wise, this radio is reliable, rugged and offers a lightweight design.
The Motorola features extra-large buttons, which makes it comfortable and convenient to use even with gloves.
What about the range?
The Radio boasts of 35 miles, but based on our testing, it seems to be an exaggerated figure.
But, if you live close to a dry lake bed where you can travel about 40 miles in one perfect straight direction without any obstacles, you can get up to 33 miles.
But if you are in an area that has a lot of mountains and hills, you won't be able to make it up to 1 mile.
Backlit Display
The unit also offers an excellent red backlit display that comes in handy for evening adventures, or unexpected emergencies.
You will also see a flashlight button at the bottom, which allows you to use the emergency flashlight.
Weather Channel
Also included are 11 weather channels to pick up information about the weather before going on your adventure.
The NOAA Weather Radio Settings give you firsthand info on those transmissions if there’s an emergency situation like a hurricane, tornadoes, etc.
You will be able to listen to the NOAA and get an update on what is going on.
Volume Control
You will also get a good volume control and even the voice control function as well as a headphone Jack.
4. Retevis RT1 10W UHF Rechargeable Two-Way Radio 70CM 16CH VOX Scrambler Handheld Transceiver:
Via Amazon.com
The Retevis offers a stylish appearance and a rugged and sturdy design to withstand any abuse.
The transmission power is 2.5 Watt, and it is powered by a decoy battery to last you 8 hours.
Just like other brands on our list, this also comes with a VOX (Advanced Voice Activation) to give you the convenience of using the hands-free operation.
You will also get 22 channels from this unit and a busy channel lockout, which prevents transmission whenever it detects a conversation on the same channel.
What is the range?
The RT1 10W UHF also boasts of a long range of 4 miles, depending on the terrain and environment.
And this may be true to an extent comparable to the bold claims from other brands on the market.
Our research shows that you’ll be able to communicate from 3 to 4 miles if you're in a surrounding with trees and heavily wooded area.
5. Walkie Talkies 4 Pack Kids Long Range Rechargeable Walkie Talkies:
Via Amazon.com
One of the best long range walkie talkies in our list that is huge fun for kids is the FLOUREON Walkie-talkies.
Kids love this thing, and the best part is that it is budget friendly.
While other brands on this list offer two walkie-talkies, the FLOUREON stood out from the crowd by featuring 4 two way radios even at a ridiculously low price.
The unit helps you communicate with your family and friends when going for an out-of-town trip event like skiing.
The sound and the reception are pretty clear and loud.
The design is lightweight and compact enough to fit into your pocket.
You don't have to worry if you mistakenly drop or smash it on the floor as this was skillfully made to take a beating and to withstand abuse.
You also get the option to select up to 22 different channels to find available channels.
It gets excellent reception at 1/4 mile, depending on the terrain and environment.
I also love the fact that the unit allows you to communicate with different brands using the FRS/GMRS feature on the same channel.
Backlit LCD
It also features a bright LCD backlit display that provides high visibility to see through in the night.
The built-in LED torch is a spot on. It can be used as both an emergency light and flashlight.
However, the unit isn't waterproof, and the battery cover has no sealing band.
So, this leaves the device in the peril of water penetrating through the speaker holes.
How to Choose the Best Walkie Talkie for Long Distance:
Long range two-way radios come in a higher number of features and styles.
So, it will make a lot of sense to know what to look out for when choosing the right one.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for a particular model.
Range
Two-way radios do come with a bunch of different ranges.
Most models on the market range from 1-35 miles, depending on the surroundings and the terrain.
Densely Populated Areas
If you live in a city or a densely populated urban area with lots of building, then you should choose model that can:
Open Field
But if you're in an outdoor trip like hunting or a farm, then go for models, which will provide a substantial range increase when you’re out in an open field.
Wattage Output
Wattage Output is the amount of power the radio will put out.
Typically, larger handheld radios have a 4 to 5-watt output while the smaller radios have only 2 to 3-watt output.
This decrease in watt output will substantially decrease the range of the radios.
For larger radios with 4 to 5-watt output, if you’re in a crowded area with a lot of buildings and using a UHF radio to talk back to another, then you can expect a 3-mile range using analog protocol.
Display or No Display Option
Having a display can be an advantage and a time saver.
It makes you stay aware of your radio and what channel it’s on and what battery life is remaining.
For example, digital radios have come out with features like texting, and private calling, which is a very cool feature.
Apart from this, it also gives you much flexibility when it comes to toggling settings within the radio.
Of course, this will save a lot of time as you don’t have to reprogram the radio every time you want to make a small change.
Waterproof
If you plan to use your two-way radios on oceans, in the rain, and lake, then a waterproof feature is a must-have.
Antenna Length
A two-way radio that has a longer antenna will receive a better reception than the ones that have a short antenna.
So, for better response, go for the ones that have a longer antenna.
Out-of-Range Alert
This feature lets you know whether another radio is out of range or is in range.
It transmits a code to do this.
And if the other walkie talkie isn’t out of range, it will then communicate back to let you know.
Headsets
Most of the times when you're hunting with your recurve or compound bow, a 2 way radio with a headset will come in handy.
This gives you a hands-free operation to be able to aim your deer and still communicate with your buddies about the current situation.
Weather Alert
Find out if the unit comes with an NOAA weather alert.
This scans nearby channels and lets you know about the current weather condition in your hunting area.
Call Alert
Find out if the model gives you the ability to use specific tones of incoming calls from your group.
You can choose to use the vibrating tone so you won't spook your turkey, especially when it is in front of you.
You also want to go for a model that sends an emergency alert like fire, tornadoes, landslide warning, etc., to keep you informed of the latest happenings.
Weight
A two-way radio that is heavy will weigh you down even if you clip it to your belt.
So, go for the ones that come with a lightweight and also a durable design.
Battery Life
You want to go with a two radio that has a stable battery life.
Check out if the battery can last you for several days without a single charge.
Also, keep an eye out for models that offer a power saving mode.
This will help you save the battery life, especially if you don't want to use the long-range functionality.
The Bottom Line:
In case you are confused about which is the best long range two way radios, our editor’s choice will be the Midland GXT1000VP4 while our runner-up is the Motorola.
Editor's choice:
Via Amazon.com
We highly recommend this radio for you because:
We are looking for a radio that has great range and can penetrate concrete/steel buildings. We have Midland GXT and it struggles with good reception at times.
rmoore@amrecycling.com
We can not expect a “perfect” 2 way radio, Ron.