Retevis RT22 Review

Depending on your needs, this incredibly inexpensive walkie talkie model is a great choice for the casual hiker or camper intending to keep their radios close together. The RT22 isn't the most durable option in the lineup, but it's still quite useful for a variety of more friendly environments.

Range and Clarity

This isn't the ideal radio for longer distances, with a minor obstruction range of approximately .5 miles and a major obstruction range of about .25 miles. While we did see better range in clear line-of-sight examination, it fell back in the review's lineup.

The RT22 was surprisingly competitive in the minor and major obstruction tests with certain models that were much pricier. However, this radio's transmissions were quick to turn scratchy as we edged closer to its max range. Fortunately, the earpieces that comes included with both radios helped those messier transmissions more comprehensive. As previously shared, these radios still will work very well in certain contexts, from soccer games to weekend family outings, where larger distances are less likely.

Ease of Use

We greatly appreciated the straightforward and no-frills design of the RT22. With two knobs on top, a typical push-to-talk button, and standardized mic/headphone ports, this isn't a walkie you'll likely need a manual for. If you're wanting hands-free communication, this model also offers an open mic feature, which is handy if you want to keep your hands on your handlebars or trekking poles. While some of its more expensive competition came out ahead, the RT22 radio held its own.

We were big fans of the RT22's headphone/mic inclusion, which is commonly sold separately in the nicer models. While the wires got a bit cumbersome, our testing team was able to utilize the 2 clips that come with the walkies to reduce the tangling, and the two different sizes for the earbud were particularly helpful for different users.

This is an FRS (family radio service) walkie talkie, so you won't need any licenses to use the RT22 and neither will your friends or family. It includes 16 channels and 121 privacy codes, allowing you to reduce the likelihood of chatter from other radios. The RT22 also comes with a clip holster, which we were easily able to attach to a hip belt or backpack shoulder strap. It didn't hold the radio as securely as models that have an integrated carabiner loop, but for hikes or play dates at the park it'll likely do the job.

While some like the convenience of using a charging dock station, we were happy this model uses a USB-C, making it easy to charge on the go with a car charger and doesn't require an extra radio-specific piece of gear.

Weather Resistance and Durability

If you're hunting for a radio that can handle a rough life, the RT22 might not be for you. With a plastic housing and a lack of an IP rating, this isn't a walkie that can get submerged in water and we don't recommend dropping it.

When considering its minimal weight and pocket-friendly dimensions, we weren't surprised when it fell further back in the pack in this metric. The RT22 is a walkie that needs to be used mindfully, but we feel that many shoppers shouldn't have an issue with its durability or weather resistance if using these radios in more relaxed settings, from playgrounds to hiking trails to campgrounds.

Battery Life

Despite its small size, the RT22 offers a relatively sizable 1000 mAh battery. After field testing, we found this to land in the middle of the pack.

While each walkie's battery life will vary greatly depending on ambient air temperature, amount of use, and other variables like volume, we found the RT22 to last about a day and a half before needing to be recharged. With heavier use, the walkie is good for one full day, and with lighter use, it's good for about two days.

Weight and Size

At a modest 3.7 ounces, this is an excellent walkie for gram-counters, with some of the competition weighing double or triple the weight. It also doesn't require a docking station, making these even easier to travel with.

The dimensions of the RT22 also are excellent for sliding into a pocket, making this one of the more packable models in the entire lineup. While some of the premium models have better performance, it comes at the cost of a wider body, making them harder to zip up inside a jacket or backpack brain. When clipping it outside the backpack, it was also easy to keep out of the way.

Should You Buy the Retevis RT22?

This is a great walkie talkie if you're prioritizing weight, packability, or pricepoint. It's great for those more casual adventures with the family, at a soccer tournament, or on the bunny slopes on the ski hill. However, the RT22 is not a recommended radio for long distance communication or for more rugged sports, where your electronics are likely to get knocked around or submerged in water. While this model didn't top the charts in most categories, it's substantially lighter and less expensive than the majority of the competition.

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