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10 Best Long Range Walkie Talkies in 2019

long range two way radios best long range two way radios

In a Hurry? Our Top Recommendations

Long range two way radios are a great way to stay in touch over vast distances. To help you find the perfect product, we have researched over 50 new and bestselling products.

Uniden SX507-2CKHS
Best Overall Walkie Talkies

two way walkie talkie
Review and Buying Guide

Range
30 miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
22

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Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
Yes

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GeekWrapped Budget Pick

Midland LXT630VP3
Budget Cheap Walkie Talkies

best 2 way radios
Review and Buying Guide

Range
23 miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
22

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Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
Yes

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How To Pick Your Long Range Radio



long range two way radios

Range

Different products will offer different ranges (measured in miles). Make sure that the two way walkie talkie you buy has a sufficient range for your needs. It is always better to have too much than too little.

long range 2 way radios

Channels

The ability to alternate channels is necessary to avoid interference. The best two way radios come equipped with multiple channel capabilities, as well as private channel security codes.

long range walkie talkies

Power

Measured in watts, the power output of the 2 way walkie talkie determines its transmission power. It is a major factor not only for its range but also the signal strength and audio quality.

long distance walkie talkies

Waterproof

Consider a waterproof two way walkie talkie if you plan to use it in the rain, on oceans and lakes, and similar situations. Depending on the environment this could be a must-have feature.

handheld two way radio

Weather

The best 2 way radios offer access to NOAA and local weather forecasts to receive current weather alerts. It is an essential feature when you are out in nature or on ships, so keep an eye on this spec.

best two way radios

Weight

The weight of a walkie talkie is determined by the materials used in its construction. If you plan to use it for hiking or traveling, weight might impact the everyday ease of use.

Radio Reviews and Buying Guide

If you are in the market for a set of long distance walkie talkies, don't feel overwhelmed by the number of available products. We are here to help and make the whole process easy.

Below you will find a list of the 10 best long range two way radios. Each product listed here offers excellent transmission quality, great features, an affordable price point, and is very reliable. Let’s take a look at the winners.

Uniden SX507-2CKHS Long Range Radio

two way walkie talkie
Review and Buying Guide

Range
50 miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
22

Review and Buying Guide

Power
5 Watts

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
1 lbs

Uniden's new radio offers high-end quality, pro options, and durability - all at a great price. These top two way radios come in a set of two. You get accessories like a dual charging station, extra batteries, two headsets, belt clips, and more. In short, everything you need to start enjoying this fantastic product immediately.

If you're looking for a high visibility radio, go with our budget pick below. Otherwise, the futuristic black and red look of this model hits the spot. Besides the fresh design, these radios are unique in that they are extraordinarily waterproof. Not only will they easily withstand rain, they also float in water and are rated at 3 feet submersion for 30 minutes.

Add an excellent 14 hour batter life on top and you got a fantastic long range radio. The strong combination of quality, ruggedness, price, and accessories makes this an excellent choice. Our top pick!

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Midland LXT630VP3 Long Range Radio

two way walkie talkie
Review and Buying Guide

Range
30 miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
36

Review and Buying Guide

Power
5 Watts

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
1 lbs

This new pair of long range radios from Midland is an easy choice as the best cheap radio. It offers you professional features, combined with a very low price. Let's take a closer look!

You get 36 FRS (Family Radio Service) channels, an impressive 30 mile range, 36 channels with 2,662 coded channel options to help block other conversations, NOAA Weather Scan, and hands-free voice activation. We also loved the high visibility yellow faceplate that can come in handy outdoors.

The set comes with a convenient charging station, extra batteries, belt clips, and more. so if you're looking for a powerful but affordable long range two way radio - this is it! This is the very best option for great range, quality, and price.

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Retevis RT-5R Long Range Radio

2 way walkie talkie
Review and Buying Guide

Range
30 miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
128

Review and Buying Guide

Power
5 Watts

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
No

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
No

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
0.4 lbs.

The Retevis RT-5R offers true versatility in a two way walkie talkie. A high/low switch lets you toggle between five watts and one watt of power, either to increase the range or to conserve power. It is an incredibly useful feature that significantly increases battery life in real-life situations. Voice prompts guide you through the setup and operation process, making this radio very intuitive and easy to use. Features such as an emergency beacon that can be used as a flashlight, a locking keypad and an alarm system augment an already impressive list of specs.

The walkie talkies come with an earpiece, speaker mic, and a handy charging base. The Retevis RT-5R is the complete package, due to its simple operation and versatile features. We liked the easy setup and simple usability, which makes this a great beginner walkie talkie radio.

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Midland GXT1000VP4 Long Range Radio

long range two way radios reviews
Review and Buying Guide

Range
36 Miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
22

Review and Buying Guide

Power
5 Watts

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
0.3 lbs.

Midland makes some of the best two way radios on the planet, and the GXT1000VP4 is no exception. Featuring a hands-free operation that offers voice activation without the need for an external microphone, this radio will operate with a 36-mile range using 22 channels. You can receive NOAA weather alerts on the go, and if you do run into trouble, you can even use the walkie talkie to broadcast an emergency SOS locator signal.

The Midland is fully waterproof, so it is perfect in any weather conditions, plus oceans, lakes, and rivers. The sound quality is fantastic, as you can whisper into the receiver and be heard clearly on the other end. The GXT1000VP4 is an excellent versatile two way radio set that delivers great performance, excellent signal quality, great range, and helpful emergency functions.

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Motorola Talkabout Long Range Radio

long range two way radios reviews
Review and Buying Guide

Range
35 Miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
22

Review and Buying Guide

Power
5 Watts

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
No

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
0.5 lbs.

Motorola's 22-Channel long range two way radios are a great way to stay in touch over long distances. Offering a dual power source – either via the included rechargeable battery or AA batteries for up to 26 continuous hours of use - the Motorola is guaranteed to be ready when you need it to be.

A 35-mile range, with 22 channels including NOAA weather alerts and dual band FRS/GMRS frequencies are all part of the package, as is a useful emergency transmission capability. When you are looking for a state-of-the-art two way radio set at a good price, the Motorola 22-Channel Weatherproof Two Way Radio should be on your list.

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Motorola MS350R Long Range Radio

long range two way radios reviews
Review and Buying Guide

Range
35 Miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
22

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Power
1.5 Watts

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Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
No

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
0.4 lbs.

The Motorola MS350R is designed with rugged conditions in mind. It is completely waterproof and durably built to handle what nature throws at it. This long range two way radio offers communications over a distance of up to 35 miles, and it operates using 22 channels.

The product is also dual-band enabled, capable of broadcasting over both FRS and GMRS bands, providing more channel combinations. The Motorola is easy to use and even easier to hold, thanks to a superb ergonomic design. When long range communications in any environment are required, the Motorola MS350R is a smart choice.

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LUITON LT-188H VHF Long Range Radio

long range two way radios reviews
Review and Buying Guide

Range
10 Miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
16

Review and Buying Guide

Power
10 Watts

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
No

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
No

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
0.65 lbs.

The Luiton LT-188H may only have a range of 10 miles, but it has power in spades, offering up 10 watts of transmitting power over variable VHF frequencies. Choose between low or high power to increase the range or save battery power, scan channels, and be automatically alerted to busy channels as well as low battery power - the Luition packs many features.

16 channels are available for use, and you can choose the spacing of the channels over the VHF spectrum. The Luiton LT-188H is professional grade yet affordable communications equipment at its finest, due in part to VHF frequency flexibility and powerful transmitting ability.

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Motorola MH230R Long Range Radio

best 2 way radios
Review and Buying Guide

Range
23 miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
22

Review and Buying Guide

Power
1 Watt

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
1 lb.

If you're in a hurry, look no further and get this product. It's an all-around excellent long range radio that combines a great price with excellent features. Motorola is known gof high-end two way radio technology, and the MH230R shows why. This walkie talkie set features 22 channels, 11 of which are weather channels that deliver up-to-date NOAA alerts.

The MH230R boasts a range of up to 23 miles, perfect for when you need extended coverage. Each channel comes with 121 privacy codes for enhanced security. Waterproof, shock-resistant, and durable, the Motorola MH230R is built to last while offering superior radio technology. It’s an excellent choice at a very good price.

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Midland LXT500VP3 Long Range Radio

long range two way radios reviews
Review and Buying Guide

Range
24 Miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
22

Review and Buying Guide

Power
5 Watts

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
No

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
1 lb.

One of the best 2 way radios on the market with excellent simplicity and ease of use is the Midland LXT500VP3. The new radio brings 22 channels and 24 miles of range to the table. Featuring a low/high power setting that will let you conserve energy or improve transmissions, it also incorporates such features as a security keypad lock and a battery life extender.

The LXT500VP3 is waterproof, so it's ready to use in any climate and weather. A call alert feature will let you know when someone is trying to reach you, and a channel scan function can help you locate the right frequency to use. Simplicity, elegance, and power are at your fingertips with the Midland two way radio set. It is an excellent choice.

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Olympia R300 Long Range Radio

two way radio reviews
Review and Buying Guide

Range
40 Miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
50

Review and Buying Guide

Power
5 Watts

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
0.32 lbs.

The Olympia R300 two way walkie talkie offers an impressive set of features at a very reasonable price. It will operate over a range of up to 40 miles with crisp and clear sound. You get 50 channels with 121 privacy codes. The walkie talkies in the set are also waterproof, as well as dustproof and splashproof, so they are the perfect choice for outdoor use and travel.

A built-in LED flashlight is there for you in an emergency, and you will always be aware of weather changes thanks to built-in NOAA alerts. In summary, the Olympia R300 offers superior range and sound quality, as well as emergency features to ensure your outdoor activities stay safe. It is a great radio with excellent quality and specs.

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Olympia R100 Long Range Radio

long range two way radios reviews
Review and Buying Guide

Range
37 Miles

Review and Buying Guide

Channels
50

Review and Buying Guide

Power
5 Watts

Review and Buying Guide

Waterproof
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weather
Yes

Review and Buying Guide

Weight
0.3 lbs.

Communicate over a distance of up to 37 miles with the Olympia R100. You can choose from a selection of 50 channels including NOAA weather alerts. The R100 offers exceptional ruggedness and durability for the price, with its waterproof, splashproof, and dustproof design that will keep the sensitive electronics dry. Each channel has 121 code combinations for better privacy, so you will can be sure your communications are secure.

Ergonomically designed to fit securely in your palm, the Olympia R100 is the perfect combination of durability and power in a budget-friendly, handheld two way radio set.

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Long Range Radios Explained

We’ve gone over the basics of what makes a high-quality two-way radio, but your actual shopping experience may be a little more than confusing. Before settling on a particular model, there are several factors that you should keep in mind.

Perhaps most importantly is the type of two-way radio you’re getting. There are generally five types of two-way radios available – Ham radios, CB radios, FRS, GMRS, and MURS. The main differences between each type are wattage, range, and the number of available channels.

Additional Information

Ham Radios

Ham radios, a.k.a. Amateur Radio Service, are extremely powerful radios that let operators talk to one another from opposite ends of the globe. Due to its long-distance range, users will need to obtain a license to legally operate one. They’re great to have during emergency situations, and in fact first-responders are most likely licensed technician “hammers.”


Pros:

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Additional Information

CB Radios

Citizens band (CB) radios are mobile radio systems that open short-range communications. These are extremely easy to use and don’t require passing an exam to legally own and operate. They all operate on the 4-watt power limit, so the best CB radio is a matter of finding the right features rather than prioritizing range.


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Cons:

Additional Information

FRS Radios

Family Radio Service (FRS) is gaining more traction among radio aficionados. Its simplicity, numerous channels – many of which are compatible with GMRS channels – and license-free operations make it the next best thing in two-way communications. In your search for the best two-way radio, you’ll most likely come across more FRS radios than any other type.


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Additional Information

GMRS Radios

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is designed for short-range communication, but with the help of repeaters, you can extend its maximum range by several miles. The best thing about GMRS is that it is FM, resulting in crisper audio quality and less interference.


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Additional Information

MURS Radios

Multi-use Radio Service (MURS) is a license-free two-way radio that has a maximum power of 2 watts. The number of MURS models is limited, forcing customers to seek alternatives. However, if you get a MURS unit, your communications will most likely not be uninterrupted by unknown parties.


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What Else Do You Need to Know?

You could take a stroll through the two-way radio aisle and ask the salesperson to point you to the latest and greatest model, but you may end up getting something that doesn’t fit the bill. Plus, with a wide selection of radios available, that salesperson might be just as perplexed as you. You can find the right two-way radio by answering three simple questions.

Purpose – Consumer or Business?

If you’ve searched online for two-way radios, you might have noticed a significant price gap between models. Two-way radios typically fall into one of two categories: consumer-grade and business-grade.

Consumer Two-Way Radios

In terms of price and audio clarity, consumer two-way radios are on the cheaper, lower-quality end of the spectrum. They’re not necessarily bad, but they don’t have access to exclusive frequencies like business radios do. The majority of consumer two-way radio models use FRS to deliver messages. They operate on 14 of the 22 UHF frequencies available to the general public.  

Business Two-Way Radios

Many business industries rely on two-way radios as a means of efficiently sending audio messages to one another. You’ll mainly find them in hotels, hospitals, and music or sporting events.

The FCC has defined 22 specific UHF frequencies available for free use by anybody. The remaining frequencies have been allocated specifically for business purposes. These frequencies reserved for businesses have very little interference since the general public cannot access them.  

Which do I need?

Just because you work in a business doesn’t mean you need a business-grade radio, and the same applies to consumers. Anybody can benefit from either type, but if you’re looking for the best quality radios (durability, longevity, and sound quality) than business-grade radios are your best bet.

Location – Where will I be using my two-way radio?

Knowing where you’ll use your two-way radio will help you sift through the seemingly infinite pile of radio models. There are two available types of frequencies that work optimally in different situations.

VHF for Outdoor Use

Very High Frequency (VHR) signals use longer wavelengths to send audio messages between receivers, allowing them to travel greater distances than UHF. VHF signals travel best in unobstructed outdoor spaces.

UHF for Indoor Use

Ultra High Frequency (UHF) signals are the polar opposite of VHF. Their shorter wavelengths are better at penetrating concrete and metal obstacles, making them the optimal choice for use in highly populated cities and inside of buildings.

Features – What to look for when shopping.

Two-way radios have evolved in a way that separates them from the walkie-talkie you used as a child. There are a ton of different features that make two-way radios easier and safer to use.

Digital Displays

With a digital display, your two-way radio can show you the time, date, network, and remaining battery, as well as important notifications from paired devices.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Free your hands by connecting a headset via Bluetooth to your two-way radio. This lets you work and move safely while communicating with the other handset.

Text Messaging

Double your communications line by getting a two-way radio with text messaging. Text messaging solves the problem of unclear audio caused by poor signal and background noises.

Lone Worker

A handy feature for those in hazardous situations, Lone Worker will automatically alert the paired device(s) after the preset inactivity timer has expired.

Emergency Alerts

The panic button. Pressing it will alert all paired devices that you’re down and in need of assistance.

Channel Scan

When you don’t know which channel is currently in use, switching on the channel scan will flip through every available channels and stop wherever there is activity.

Power-Saving Features

If you’re out in the wild, conserving battery is key to maintaining communications for longer. One power-saving feature is automatic shutoff; if the “TALK” button is engaged for too long, it’ll automatically cease the transmission.





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Long range walkie talkies are available in a wide variety of styles and with an even greater number of features. However, since there are so many of them available on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. We highly recommend out top and budget picks above, these will be the ideal two-way radios for most use cases.

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