We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We purchased the best walkie-talkies from Rocky Talkie, BCA, Motorola, Midland, Cobra, BaoFeng, and more, and put them through months of testing, including tests for range, clarity, and battery life
Credit: Gray Grandy
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 6, 2026
The best walkie-talkies offer dependable range and clear communication, keeping you connected to friends and family while playing outside. We sometimes use them to stay in touch at the park during a family picnic, but we often rely on walkie-talkies while skiing, hiking, and climbing, so we also want them to be weather-resistant and durable, with batteries that last a full day in the cold.
The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio ticks all of these boxes. It's easy enough for kids and grandparents to use, yet rugged enough for alpine climbers and backcountry skiers. Among the walkie-talkies you can use right out of the box, it has the best range and clarity, by far. Its battery can go for days on a single charge, even in the cold, and it's highly waterproof (just don't submerge it!).
If you want even more range and better battery life, the Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio is the obvious upgrade. It has more than twice the output power of your standard walkie-talkie, which means you can rely on it for clear communication, even in mountainous terrain or deep forests. Even though it's still compatible with other walkie-talkies, its increased power means you'll need to pay the $35 fee for a special license.
Both Rocky Talkie radios are sold individually, so buying a set can be expensive. If you don't need a rugged mountain radio, the Retevis RT22 is the best value for a 2-pack. Its short antenna makes it easy to fit in your pocket. Despite its small size, it has plenty of battery life for a full day of consistent use. Even though it can't quite compete with more expensive options, its range and clarity are more than enough to talk between cars on a road trip. Best of all, it costs hundreds of dollars less than the top radios we tested.
Over the past decade, we've purchased and tested more than 50 different walkie-talkies. We spend months using them: hiking and climbing in the mountains, linking up with friends at the ski resort, exploring new cities, talking to each other on long road trips without cell service, and keeping track of our families at beachside picnics.
We combine real-world use with extensive, in-depth testing to measure key factors like battery life, range, and clarity – not just line-of-sight, but range and clarity in deep forests and mountainous terrain. Our side-by-side testing lets us score and rank them relative to one another, so we can offer expert recommendations based on your needs and budget.
Editor's Note: We updated our walkie-talkie review on October 6, 2026. After reviewing our test data, we're offering a new list of award winners.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Walkie Talkie recommendations.
Highly water-resistant; cannot be submerged (IP56)
Hand Mic or Earpiece Available?
Both available and sold separately
The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio is a durable radio designed for rugged mountain environments, yet easy enough for kids to use. As a 2-watt radio, it's what's known as an 'FRS' radio ('Family Radio Service') – these are your standard walkie-talkies that anyone can use. But the Mountain Radio stands out among other walkie-talkies of this class for its exceptional range and clarity. “I was amazed at how crisp the sound stayed even with trees and rocks in the way,” our lead tester remarked during testing. It has a reliable battery that lasts for days, even in cold weather, and recharges easily with a standard USB-C cable. It comes with a carabiner, so you can clip it to your backpack and hit the trails or slopes, knowing you can confidently communicate with anyone else carrying a radio.
The Mountain Radio's sensitive microphone captures background noise: sometimes too clearly. “I noticed that every little sound was picked up by the mic,” our tester said, adding that even background noise like clanking hiking poles was a bit distracting. As a rugged outdoor radio, it's highly water-resistant, but not submersible (IP56-rated). If you're specifically looking for a waterproof radio for activities like boating and kayaking, the Motorola T605 H20 is an affordable alternative – the 6-mile line-of-sight range is ample for open water, and it floats! If you want the best-of-the-best, the Rocky Mountain Expedition Radio is the obvious upgrade. But for most people – even most adventurous people – the Mountain Radio is more than enough.
The Retevis RT22 won over our gear experts as a capable radio at a budget-friendly price point – especially considering that this is the price for two, not just one radio. Even though it's not a walkie-talkie we'd rely on to transmit across mountaintops or through deep, dark forests, its range is more than enough for most people – 4 miles line-of-sight and still 0.5 miles even through heavy trees. With a stubby antenna, it easily slides into a jacket or pants pocket, even smaller kids' pockets. The RT22 is a great option for families trying to keep track of each other at theme parks, on cruises, or even hanging out at a big city park.
Even though it is much more expensive, if you need a dependable radio for hiking, consider the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio. Transmissions with the Retevis RT22 were static-laden within about a half mile, especially with trees in between, whereas the Mountain Radio was incredibly clear for nearly three miles. The equally affordable PXTON 888S has better range and improved clarity, but requires either a commercial or amateur ham operator's license. While it may not be the best radio in any one way, the RT22 competes with the top radios we tested at a fraction of the cost.
This slim RT22 fits easily in a pocket and includes useful accessories often sold separately for other models. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio is a high-powered radio designed to meet the demands of mountain guides, backcountry hunters and anglers, whitewater paddlers, and motorsports adventurers. It's the obvious upgrade from the highly-regarded Mountain Radio: an IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and waterproof (submerged up to 3 feet); its battery lasted a week in the cold on a ski trip in Alaska (turned off at night); and it transmits 20-30% farther than its 2-watt sibling. “I couldn't believe how clearly this radio transmitted, at pretty massive distances,” our tester marveled. You can check backcountry weather conditions with NOAA weather channels, and it even has repeater channels (if you're in a location where a repeater can help boost your signal).
The Expedition Radio is unlike the other 'FRS' ('Family Radio Service') radios we've tested. FCC regulations allow for anyone to transmit over a 2-watt FRS radio – these are your standard walkie talkies. The Expedition Radio qualifies as a 'GMRS' ('General Mobile Radio Service') radio, a step up in two-way radios. Its 5-watt power transmission has a greater range, but you also have to pay a $35 fee for a GMRS license.
Having to pay for and carry a license to use the Expedition Radio immediately complicates things. “Getting the license is simple enough,” our tester noted, which is really just a fee – no testing required. While the Expedition Radio is just as easy to use as the Mountain Radio, the additional channels, especially the repeater channels, take some radio knowledge before you can use this walkie-talkie to the fullest. The Baofeng BF-F8HP is a step up from the Expedition Radio in range and clarity, but it requires you to become a licensed ham radio operator. Even dedicated radio enthusiasts we spoke with admit that if you're looking for a high-powered radio for outdoor adventures, the buck stops with the Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio.
Moderate rain resistance; cannot be submerged (IP55)
Hand Mic or Earpiece Available?
No
The Backcountry Access BC Link Mini is a small, lightweight radio that easily fits in your jacket pocket. But its small size doesn't sacrifice any performance, and clarity is exceptional. We could consistently transmit and receive clear messages via line-of-sight over six miles and through dense trees over four miles. It really puts the 'family' in 'Family Radio Service' (FRS) – the large knob on top makes it easy to turn on/off and adjust the volume, and the large mic button is easy for kids to press, even with gloves on.
Rather than an upgrade, the BC Link Mini is a simpler, lighter version of BCA's perennially popular BC Link 2.0. Unlike the BC Link radio, however, the Link Mini isn't compatible with a hand mic or earpiece. Even though it's water-resistant enough for snow sports and even moderate rain (IP55-rated), it can't be submerged, so we don't recommend it to boaters – instead, check out the floatable, fully waterproof (IP67-rated) Motorola T605 H20. It's also a bit annoying that it always monitors two channels. While this can be handy for keeping track of a family, it can also get noisy with heavy traffic – we wish there was an option to just operate on a single channel. Aside from our minor gripes, the Link Mini is still the smallest, most capable radio on the market.
Whether you're rafting, kayaking, or canoeing, the Motorola T605 is the choice for anyone who wants a walkie-talkie for the water. It's fully waterproof (IP67-rated) – we submerged it for half an hour, and it emerged no worse for wear. What sets the T605 apart from other waterproof radios is that it also floats – it even has an emergency flashlight on the bottom that automatically kicks on if you drop it in water. Communication is clear up to six miles line of sight, which is ideal for open water.
However, that range and clarity drop pretty quickly as soon as you introduce obstacles like rocks or trees, from six miles down to just over one. So while the T605 is great for the ocean, lakes, and ponds, any river paddlers should consider the more capable Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio (even though it doesn't float). The T605 may score poorly for battery life, but those scores are relative – with 11 hours of rechargeable battery, it should have plenty of a day's worth of adventure, and if you run out of power, it also accepts AA batteries as backup. While the floatable, waterproof housing may add weight and bulk, there's still no other radio we'd rather have on the water.
The only radio we tested that floats, the T605 also has a flashlight on the bottom that automatically starts flashing when submerged, so you can easily find it. Credit: Gray Grandy
We tested the green T600, which is effectively discontinued, and has been replaced with the Motorola T605. The radios are identical, except the new one charges via USB-C and comes with two earpieces and a carrying case. Since the two radios are essentially the same, we now refer to this walkie-talkie as the T605 and link to the new version, which is more readily available.
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP is one of the most capable 'walkie-talkies' in our lineup, but that's because it's really an amateur/ham radio. To use this radio legally in the US, you must obtain a ham radio operator license, which is a fairly involved process that includes an exam and a license fee. But if you're okay with jumping through those hoops, the BaoFeng is a highly capable two-way radio. Its range is three times better than any of the other radios we tested, and its extra power makes transmissions much clearer in mountainous terrain, which is notoriously difficult for two-way communication.
“With great power comes great responsibility” – as the Spider-Man proverb goes – and you must understand local regulations every time you use the BaoFeng radio to avoid fines or penalties. It takes quite a bit of study to use this radio, between taking the license exam and learning how to program it. Even though we know many mountain guides who use this radio, it also isn't rated waterproof. You can get most of the effective range of the BaoFeng and a waterproof walkie-talkie if you choose the Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio instead (and all it takes is paying the $35 license fee).
It's hard to beat the clarity and range of the BaoFeng radio, but using it requires a steep learning curve compared to other options. Credit: William Gray Grandy
Product Comparison Table
From rock climbs to expeditions, we drug our walkie talkies all over the place in the name of comprehensive testing. Credit: Zach Lovell
Why Trust GearLab
We purchased all these walkie-talkies for rigorous testing. We spent over 350 hours in the field on hikes, climbs, ski tours, expeditions, bike rides, and paddles. These walkies survived the scorching heat of the desert and the Arctic temps of Alaska, and some even made it through river trips. We tested each radio's range in real-world settings, including everything from dense forests to rolling hills. We left no stone unturned to help you make an informed decision.
This review is led by IFMGA Mountain Guide Zach Lovell. Zach utilizes radios year-round, from ski expeditions in Alaska to summertime alpine climbs in the lower 48. Whether on a rock climb or a hike, Zach's walkie-talkie use is essential to his day-to-day job, and he thoroughly loves testing gear.
He's supported by Gray Grandy, a professional ski patroller who's rumored to use the PTT button to talk in his sleep. Gray is a SPRAT Level II rope access technician, an EMT, and holds a California Explosives Blaster's license – he uses radios regularly for some pretty consequential communication.
We use these radios in harsh environments, and closely examine every feature.
Analysis and Test Results
We selected a range of radios, from entry-level models ideal for family camping trips to performance-focused options for more serious wilderness travel. We judge these walkie-talkies based on their field performance and quantitative lab testing.
When most people say “walkie-talkies,” they're talking about 'Family Radio Service' (FRS) radios. These portable, two-way radios operate on the UHF ('Ultra High Frequency') band, have limited channels, and have only 2 watts of power, which limits their range. These walkie-talkies are “licensed by rule” under FCC regulations, which means you don't need a license to operate them. These radios meet most people's needs, and they're what we generally recommend.
However, we do include other popular radios in our review that do require an FCC license. These radios have increased power and better range, which makes them popular among people who spend a lot of time in the mountains.
Always check the type of radio you're purchasing and determine whether you'll need a license to operate it – we list whether or not a license is required in our Product Comparison table, under Specifications, and right up top for all award winners.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Some people need a robust, adventure-ready radio; many don't, and we recognize that. While the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio scores best overall, we recommend the Retevis RT22 as the best bang for your buck. It's sold as a two-pack – of course, you need two walkie-talkies to talk, but many of the more expensive radios are sold individually (including the Rocky Talkies)! The RT22's range is enough for families trying to keep track of each other; it's small enough to tuck in your pocket, and 10 hours of battery life is enough for all-day use. Best of all, the two-pack costs one-third as much as an individual Rocky Talkie radio.
The Retevis RT22 may not be the best radio on the market, but when we tested it against more expensive options, its overall value quickly became obvious. Credit: Zach Lovell
Range and Clarity
Transmitting a clear message across a distance too far to yell is the whole point of a radio, so we heavily weight range and clarity in our scoring. We tested this metric in real-world outdoor applications, focusing on backcountry environments rather than urban areas for more representative results. While some users may demand extremely far line-of-sight distances from their radios, most outdoorsy people will need a radio that performs well at shorter distances over hills and through trees.
We tested each pair of radios in the same wilderness settings, investigating range variance from minor obstructions, such as trees, to major obstructions, including hills or mountain features, between the two radios. We also noted the line-of-sight ranges during field testing. We took detailed notes along the way, recording when each product's communications began to become unclear.
How Far Can a Radio Transmit? It Depends
A radio's maximum range depends heavily on your environment. The range can be impressive if there is a clear line of sight and minimal interference from obstacles, like trees – this can sometimes be over 30 miles. Obstacles also affect clarity – a garbled message received at a long distance isn't much use. So we combine the two factors, range and clarity, rather than focusing just on maximum range.
Range
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP and the Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio offered the best radio range in our lineup. Beyond the fact that both radios can use repeaters, they also offer more power, with the Baofeng pushing 8 watts and the Rocky Talkie 5 watts of power. These radios performed very well in major and minor obstruction testing, with the Baofeng beating out the Expedition Radio overall.
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP requires a Technician License issued by the FCC in the United States.
The BCA BC Link Mini was among our favorites for FRS radios, offering 4.6 miles of range in our minor obstructions test and 1.1 miles for major obstructions.
For such a simple and weight-friendly radio, we were very impressed by the clarity and range of the BCA Link Mini. Credit: Zach Lovell
The next best models for this portion of our assessment were the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio, Motorola T605, and BCA Link 2.0. These FRS radios boasted ranges of 2.2 to 2.6 miles in forested rolling hills.
We placed all the radios side by side for the range test with medium obstructions. Few of them live up to marketed claims, but there are still big differences between them. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Midland GXT1000VP4 had a much shorter range and is best for close-proximity use under 1 mile. Still, in the context they're designed for – like parks, or days at the beach – we had minimal complaints.
If staying near your ski group, models like the Cardo Palktalk Outdoor have adequate range. Credit: Zach Lovell
Clarity
The Baofeng was, once again, the clear champion in this assessment. With 8 watts of power, this model was the easiest to hear across snowy hills and forests. Even as we progressed to major obstructions, such as a mountain feature or a prominent hill, this radio offered excellent clarity until its range was exhausted.
With this extremely powerful BaoFeng model, you can transmit across much larger distances than most consumer-grade radios. However, with great power comes great complexity. A license is required to transmit with this model. Credit: Caroline Miller
Other clear standouts for clarity are the Backcountry Access BC Link Mini, Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio, and the Expedition Radio. These models were among the top performers in the hilly forests, offering more intelligible transmissions over greater distances.
On land, we think there are better options available. On water, though, the Motorola T605 H20 is a great call. Credit: Caroline Miller
The BC Link 2.0, Rocky Talkies, and Motorola T801 radios all communicated from this ridge to basecamp a mile away. But only the Rockys worked well when the group was clustered like this. Credit: Clark Tate
The BCA BC Link 2.0 performed admirably in a near white-out, beating out almost all of the competition in our storm range testing. Credit: Michelle Powell
Ease of Use
You buy walkie talkies to make your life easier, not more frustrating, so we place a lot of stock in how easy these radios are to use. We considered how difficult they were to set up and how intuitive they were to operate in the field. The BC Link 2.0 and BCA BC Link Mini radios have a well-designed interface. We couldn't find all the functions without the manual, but we got close and appreciate that it's easy to operate while wearing gloves.
The Link 2.0's extendable microphone has an easy-to-press, easy-to-address push-to-talk (PTT) button. It lets you make calls, change channels, and adjust the volume quickly, usually without needing to unclip the radio. A dial on the mic allows you to set and toggle between six preset channels, labeled A through F. While we appreciate the convenience, the lock function, which prevents accidental setting changes, doesn't freeze it. We worried that we might unintentionally jump channels. Still, we consider the BC Link 2.0 a user-friendly and powerful little radio.
The BCA Link 2.0 radio's external microphone makes it easy to use on the go. You can quickly adjust volume, find the orange talk button by touch, and access privacy channels—all without needing to look. Credit: Gray Grandy
The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio and Expedition Radio are other easy-to-use options. Their manuals offer a cheat sheet explaining every button, and that's all you need to have them up and running. While each button accesses multiple functions, they're well-labeled, and we find it fairly easy to remember how to navigate this radio. The 5-Watt version offers more features, including access to repeaters and NOAA weather channels, but that didn't add complexity to the radio's functionality.
The streamlined Rocky Talkies don't have many buttons so they have multiple uses. Their clear labels make them relatively easy to navigate. Credit: Clark Tate
The budget models are all relatively easy to operate since they lack extra features. The Midland X-Talker T10 offers some of the most features in this price range. This option allows access to NOAA weather channels, features keypad locks, and offers privacy codes to eliminate interference on any channel you and your partner(s) are using. The other radios in this price range have some combination of these features, but not all of them. The PXTON 888s is another inexpensive option that features easy-to-turn knobs and a standard PTT button, which is glove-friendly when things get chilly.
The PXTON 888s has a fairly standard positioning of knobs and buttons, and we appreciated its size. Credit: Zach Lovell
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP takes complexity to another level. After you get that ham operator license to use it legally, you've got to learn how to use it. The radio has numerous settings that require time, internet research, and patience to decipher. One of our testers created a cheat sheet for himself and his backcountry companions (including licensed operators) to avoid pressing the wrong buttons and rendering the radios inoperable. We appreciate how easy the power/volume knob is to use, as well as the A/B button, which allows us to toggle between two channels quickly. The screen display is informative, and once you get the hang of the settings menu, it becomes cumbersome to use. This is not a radio you can grab and learn on the go, even if you're familiar with walkie-talkies.
The BF-F8HP had a nice solid casing and a good display that lights up when you need it. Of all models we tested, it is the most complex and requires a greater understanding to utilize and operate. Credit: Gray Grandy
On the other end of the price spectrum, the Retevis RT22 is much cheaper but includes a no-frills earphone/microphone combo and an intuitive interface.
The Retevis RT22 includes a handy earphone/microphone accessory for listening and talking on the go. Credit: Zach Lovell
Weather Resistance and Durability
From white-water boating to all-day rock climbs, several models in the lineup can handle harsher environments. The T605 is waterproof to a depth of one meter and worked well even after we submerged it for IP67-rated. The IP67-rated RockTalkies are a particularly good offering, offering the same waterproofness as IP67 with far less plastic.
The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio and BC Link 2.0 are rated to IP56, meaning they can withstand a high-pressure stream of water from any direction. They both survived our confirmation test. The BCA BC Link Mini has an IP55 rating, similar to IP56, but can't handle as high a water pressure. The Midland radios are water-resistant but offer no warranty support for water damage, and Midland doesn't define the extent of their resistance.
While many radios offer weather resistance, you should decide what matters most. The BCA Link Mini is lighter but has less weatherproofing than the heavier Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio. Credit: Zach Lovell
The simple and compact Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio has little to break, and we confirmed its reputation for durability. The radios with more water resistance were also more robust in general. The Motorola T605 was burly enough to survive a lot of knocking around. The BC Link 2.0 is also sturdy. The antenna feels stout and inspires confidence. The only possible weak point we can see is the plastic hook at the top of the cord connection port. It's easy to put pressure on it to leverage the cord in place, and we could see it failing.
The T605 excels in wet environments. Credit: Gray Grandy
Budget models like the Retevis RT22 aren't quite as inspiring in this metric, with an all-plastic build and minimal water resistance for anything more than a brief drizzle. However, context is crucial when considering a bargain-priced radio, and some may not need a walkie that can be fully submerged.
Battery Life
The Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio had one of the best battery life scores in our lineup, and we confirmed the manufacturer's claims of 4-6 days of battery life. We didn't need to recharge this radio during our use, thanks to its lighter 1800 mAh battery.
If you need something lighter, the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio required less frequent charging on our winter camping trip than much of the competition, making it a great choice for cold climates, thanks to its rechargeable lithium batteries. The battery life indicators on the Mountain Radio and BC Link 2.0 were accurate during testing, informing us that the units would soon run out of power.
Even in cold weather, the battery of the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio held up well. Credit: Jacob Holmes
Notably, the Midland X-Talker T10 performed nearly as well as the BC Link 2.0. Unfortunately, its battery indicator fluctuates constantly. It's more confusing than useful, displaying strong battery life in standby mode but dropping with every transmission. The BaoFeng BF-F8HP posted respectable results (over 17 hours) considering its higher power use. Its large lithium-ion battery does its job well.
The waterproof T605 H20 had a good rubber seal around the battery compartment and accepted regular AA batteries in place of the supplied battery pack. The battery compartment door was held firmly in place with two screws. Credit: William Gray Grandy
The lithium-ion battery pack on the BaoFeng BF-F8HP clipped firmly in and was easy to remove. While you can't use regular batteries in this radio, you can buy extra Li-ion battery packs so you can charge one while using another. Credit: William Gray Grandy
Only the Midland X-Talker and Motorola Talkabout are not rechargeable. Our testers prefer models that can be recharged since batteries can be expensive. Perhaps best of all, the Motorola T605, Cobra, and Midland GXT run on batteries and can be recharged. This offers much flexibility if you travel the backcountry and must maintain a charge.
The BC Link 2.0 radio is a great option if you're wearing a backpack. Credit: Clark Tate
Impressively, the inexpensive PXTON 888S offers a 1,500 mAh battery, lasting longer than certain higher-end models. While it does require a license to operate, the license is inexpensive and lasts a decade, making this a worthy option if you need decent battery life on a skinny wallet.
Weight and Size
The Cobra and Midland X-Talker T10 are among our review's smallest and lightest options, both weighing less than 4 oz. It's easy to forget we're carrying them even during light, fast activities like climbing or trail running, but they have a limited range.
In the lightweight category, the Retevis RT22 was another standout option, weighing just 3.7 ounces and boasting a slim profile that fits well in a pants or jacket pocket. While accessories like its belt clip and headphone/microphone added utility, this incredibly compact model bested much more expensive options in this metric.
The Retevis RT22 itself only weighs 3.7 ounces, though its accessories do add some weight. Credit: Zach Lovell
The BCA BC Link Mini was among the best-performing FRS options, boasting excellent range and clarity that outperformed its modest 6.0 oz weight. The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio is another option, weighing 6.7 ounces, and boasts one of the best ranges among the FRS options in the test.
At 6 oz, the BCA Link Mini can easily be taken for most adventures. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Midland GXT and Baofeng both weigh slightly over 7 ounces, making them easy to carry for most outings. The waterproof casing that protects the Motorola T605 adds a bit of weight, bringing it to 8.4 ounces.
At 11 ounces, the BCA BC Link 2.0 is the heaviest of the bunch in both size and weight, mainly because of its two-piece design. Since it splits the weight between the mic and the receiver, you don't notice the weight, especially if you're carrying a pack. The external microphone is small and comfortable on your backpack's shoulder strap. The radio's body fits in any backpack's smaller pockets or even a jacket pocket. Yes, it is bigger and heavier than the rest, but we never noticed the weight.
Whichever radio you ultimately reach for, we hope this review helps you arrive at the best purchase decision for your needs. Credit: Caroline Miller
Other Walkie Talkies to Consider
Radioddity FS-T3 - This offers a good range for an inexpensive walkie-talkie, and it's one of the smaller and lighter units we tested. While it appeals to people who love vibrant colors, other walkie-talkies perform better for the price.
Midland X-Talker 36 - This sits between budget-friendly models and larger, high-end options. The range is solid, and we experienced clear transmissions. However, we experienced some quality control issues: namely, a non-functioning headphone jack.
Cardo Packtalk Outdoor - These are a fairly popular “mesh” communicator – devices are connected directly via Bluetooth to create a communication web – but it's not a walkie-talkie. Rather than talking over an open radio channel, these units are only compatible with other Cardo or Bluetooth-enabled devices, like a motorcycle intercom.
Roar Baby Monitor - While these are marketed as baby monitors, they are essentially walkie-talkies for a parent and kid. The kids' unit is a continuous microphone; the other model stays with the parent and has a speaker, so you can press a button to talk with your child. The claimed range isn't great by walkie-talkie standards, but impressive by baby monitor standards.
3-year-old GearLab tester with the Roar. Credit: Chris McNamara
How to Choose a Walkie-Talkie
Before buying a walkie-talkie, consider the type of radio that best suits your needs. Below, we've summarized the key points from our buying advice article.
Which Type of Radio is Best for You?
The three main radio types that comprise most of the walkie-talkie/handheld radio market are FRS, GMRS, and Amateur/HAM. Understanding the differences between each option will help you find the right radio for your next outdoor adventure.
Family Radio Service (FRS)
A Family Radio Service (FRS) radio will be the best option for many outdoor sports. They are very easy to use and don't require a license. Simply take the walkie out of the box, charge it or insert the batteries, and then go outside. Their range is adequate for most uses, especially considering most recreationalists will be communicating with another member of their own group.
FRS radios are simple, highly effective for many outdoors sports. Credit: Zach Lovell
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
If you need a higher-powered option, a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) walkie-talkie is worth considering. These require a test-free $35 license from the FCC, valid for a decade, which can be used by your immediate family. GMRS options typically have greater range than FRS, especially since they offer access to repeaters, though this generally comes at the cost of added weight. If you decide to purchase these walkie-talkies, remember that your backcountry partners also technically need to obtain a license, unless they're your immediate family.
GRMS Radios are the higher powered cousin to FRS. Credit: Zach Lovell
Amateur/HAM
The most complex handheld radio is an amateur/HAM option. These require a $35 FCC license, but unlike GMRS licensing, you must take a test. These high-powered radios offer the best range of any walkie-talkie and the most features/capabilities, but they require a lot of time to learn and set up. Amateur radios aren't channelized and have a wide range of frequencies, allowing for international communication. However, we suggest programming preset channels for easier field use. Most recreationalists don't need the power of a HAM model, but radio enthusiasts will love this option.
Going beyond your simple walkie-talkie, options like the BaoFeng are getting into the much more complicated world of radio operation. Credit: Caroline Miller
Conclusion
Good radios can be important additions to your backcountry kit. Effective communication can avoid frustration and keep your team safe. To be helpful, they must stand up to the rigors of long days and harsh environments. We hope the rigorous tests our team of professional and recreational radio users performed will help you decide which ones are worth their weight and expense for your next outing.
