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The best walkie-talkies offer dependable range and clear communication, keeping you connected during outdoor activities.
Our experts have tested nearly 50 different models in the last decade. For each product, we spend months using it across various environments, including mountains, lakes, cities, deserts, and forests. And the hardest test of all: can you stay easily connected with multiple generations during a family picnic?
The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio is the best overall due to its incredible range and battery life. If you don't need a big range, the best value is the Midland X-Talker T10, which is hundreds of dollars less than the top models and may be all the performance you need.
Satellite messengers are increasingly attractive alternative to walkie-talkies. While back-and-forth communication is slower and often requires subscription plans, it offers a nearly unlimited range and tracking.
Editor's Note: On November 6, 2025, we tested three new models and added three other recommendations, including a best option for kids.
The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio excels in various outdoor activities, proving user-friendly during climbs, hikes, and ski tours across multiple ranges. It features a sturdy carabiner and leash for easy attachment, and its 2W power ensures clear communication even in the presence of obstructions. “I was amazed at how crisp the sound stayed even with trees and rocks in the way,” our lead tester remarked during testing. This lightweight, versatile radio is a strong contender, boasting a reliable rechargeable battery that lasts for days, even in cold conditions, and an impressive range for an FRS model.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (Single Radio, with Batteries)
6.7 oz
Watts
2W
Dimensions Body Only
6.5" x 2.5" x 1.6"
Battery Capacity
1550 mAh
Battery Type
Lithium Ion
The Mountain Radio's mic captures background noise: sometimes too clearly. Your clanking gear can disrupt communication. As our tester writes in our review, “I noticed almost every rustle got picked up. This is not a deal breaker, but it is noticeable.” Though splashproof, it's not submersible; for a waterproof option with better range, consider the Rocky Talkie 5 Watt, which requires an FCC license. Still, if submersion isn't a concern, the Mountain Radio suits most adventurers. While the price is in line with other top-performing models, you can save a significant amount of money with the Motorola T600 if you can accept a slightly lower range and battery life.
The Retevis RT22 won over our gear experts as a capable budget radio that carries your dollar very far. While it's not a walkie talkie we'd recommend for far distances, this user-friendly model is great for close-proximity use, “I thoroughly appreciated the included microphone and earpiece, which made it easy to communicate while on a hike or walking around town,” one of our gear testers commented. We also loved the modest size of the RT22, with a slim profile that easily slides into a jacket or pants pocket, which was much harder to do with higher-performing radios, such as the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (Single Radio, with Batteries)
3.7 oz
Watts
1W, 2W
Dimensions Body Only
3.74" x 2.17" x 0.87"
Battery Capacity
1,000 mAh
Battery Type
Lithium Ion
If you're hunting for the best clarity in a walkie talkie, the Retevis RT22 isn't the best option, as transmissions get static-laden within about a half mile of minor obstructions between units. Utilizing its earpiece did improve clarity somewhat, but we suggest taking a look at the PXTON 888S if you want an inexpensive model with better range and cleaner communication. Please note that a license is required. While there are a few setbacks, the Retevis R22 is worth keeping on your radar, as our head tester concluded, “This model is hard to beat for users who don't demand top performance from their radios. As long as you keep it out of water and stay fairly close together, this is a great option for the price.”
This slim budget model easily fits in a pocket and includes some useful accessories that are frequently sold separately for other models.
The Rocky Talkie 5 Watt, a high-powered GMRS radio, boasts waterproof IP67 construction and is designed to withstand submersion up to 1 meter. After the acclaimed Mountain Radio, this sequel meets the demands of mountain athletes and guides. “I couldn't believe how clear it stayed at pretty massive distances,” our tester marveled. It transmits 20-30% farther than its 2-watt sibling through obstructions, with battery life lasting a week-long ski trip (off at night). With 11 weather and eight repeater channels, it excels in repeater applications. This rugged, versatile walkie-talkie justifies its cost.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (Single Radio, with Batteries)
9.5 oz
Watts
5W
Dimensions Body Only
4.05" x 2.44" x 3.4"
Battery Capacity
1800 mAh
Battery Type
Lithium Ion
The Rocky Talkie 5 Watt, a GMRS radio, requires a $35 FCC license. Your immediate family can also use this license, but non-family users need their own license. This complicates group use. “I found the licensing simple enough,” our tester noted after following Rocky Talkie's blog guide. At 9.44 oz, it's heavier than the license-free Backcountry Access BC Link Mini. This powerful 5-watt radio excels if weight and licensing aren't issues.
This walkie can handle most outdoors adventures, even the pack attachment is reliable.
The Backcountry Access BC Link Mini boasts great packability without compromising performance. Our tester noted, “This radio easily fits in my jacket pocket yet offers some of the best clarity I've seen. The weight-to-performance ratio is hard to beat.” This radio transmitted clearly to its range limit, despite minor obstructions, and rarely required message repeats. A simpler, lighter version of BCA's BC Link 2.0, it's user-friendly and boasts an IP55 rating, which means it is dust protected and resistant to water jets from any direction. Translation: It's sufficient for most uses, except for white-water boating. This is a top contender for a light, durable, simple radio for non-water sports.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (Single Radio, with Batteries)
6.0 oz
Watts
2W
Dimensions Body Only
6.25" x 2.5" x 1.25"
Battery Capacity
1800 mAh
Battery Type
Lithium Ion
The Backcountry Access BC Link Mini features a large, glove-friendly mic button that protrudes, which can risk accidental presses in a pocket or pack. Unlike the sturdy steel clip on the Rocky Talkie 5 Watt, its lightweight plastic clip needs the included leash for security. “I love monitoring two channels at once,” one tester said, “but it can get noisy with heavy traffic—we wish there were a single-channel option.” Aside from its dual-channel capabilities, this lightweight walkie-talkie delivers solid performance for most outdoor activities.
The Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0 keeps things simple but includes enough extra features to help you adjust to almost any condition. The radio's main body stashes nicely in a backpack, and the extended smart mic works wonderfully with a sturdy clip and an ergonomic design. Our tester noted, “It gave me an impressive range across steep landscapes and even during a blizzard. The rechargeable batteries have a long life (though they were not the best in my test).” The radio also stands up well to dust and water, staving off any signs of wear after returning from several trips in harsh mountain conditions. A favorite feature is that the dial on the microphone lets you change channels without looking at it, even with gloves on.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (Single Radio, with Batteries)
11.0 oz
Watts
2W
Dimensions Body Only
6.75" x 2.75" x 1.5" Body;
3.5" x 2.25" x 1.6" Mic; 26" cord
Battery Capacity
2,300 mAh
Battery Type
Lithium Ion
It's the largest and heaviest model in the test, primarily because it includes a radio and a separate microphone, both of which are attached by a cord. It's best to have a bag or a large pocket to carry the main radio and something to clip the microphone to — we recommend the shoulder strap of a backpack. (We appreciate that this setup makes the Link 2.0 one of the easiest models to hear.) If you like the idea of a small and lightweight check out BCA's smaller cousin, the BC Link Mini. While the unit does seem sturdy, we've scratched the display on one of our units, and the small plastic hook that secures the cord connection in place appears to be an obvious weak point. We avoid it by detaching the mic as rarely as possible. This is an excellent option if you carry a pack and don't mind the extra bulk and expense.
The Motorola T600 is a solid choice for anyone who wants a radio for water-based activities. It boasts the best waterproof rating and beautifully supports its manufacturer's claims. We placed it under a meter of water for half an hour, and it survived unscathed. Luckily, it's unlikely that you'll ever accidentally repeat this test because the T600 floats. The walkie-talkie also performs well in our unobstructed range test. It maintained communication for 6 miles along a straight, flat road, making it ideal for a long-distance conversation on the water.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (Single Radio, with Batteries)
8.4 oz
Watts
.5W, 2W
Dimensions Body Only
2.4" x 1.5" x 4.9"
Battery Capacity
800 mAh
Battery Type
NiMH, Alkaline AA
This radio's main selling point is its waterproof housing, making it an easy choice for a sea kayaker or paddleboarder. You'll pay for it; the extra protection adds heft and bulk. Most of our tested options will work if you don't expect to drop your radio in the water and need one that can withstand the odd slash or light rain shower. Many are smaller, lighter, and less expensive. If you spend all your time on the water and don't want to worry about sinking a radio, we recommend the T600. For those in the market for a bare-bones, affordable walkie-talkie, you can't go wrong with the Midland X-Talker T10.
The T600 is currently unavailable. The T605 is the same radio but comes bundled with a hard case, car charger, and other accessories. We now link to the T605.
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP amateur/ham radio is one of the most capable radios in our lineup, though it requires aham radio operator license to use legally in the US. If you want to get the license, the BaoFeng may become your favorite portable two-way radio. Using a longer antenna and 8 watts of power, the BF-F8HP has two to three times the range of the other radios in the test. It transmits further and works better in hilly terrain and adverse weather conditions. Its rechargeable battery life is also among the best tested. You can purchase multiple accessories for this radio, including a cable that allows you to program it with your computer instead of manually adjusting the unit.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (Single Radio, with Batteries)
7.8 oz
Watts
1W, 4W, 8W
Dimensions Body Only
2" x 1.2" x 3.7"
Battery Capacity
2,000 mAh
Battery Type
Lithium Ion
With great power comes responsibility. You must understand local regulations every time you use a radio with a power higher than an FRS to avoid fines or penalties. For example, when we tested the BF-F8HP, it could only be used by licensed amateur radio operators, and only on amateur radio bands. You must balance taking advantage of this unit's extensive power and programmability with staying within legal guidelines to avoid breaking FCC rules. If you're not prepared to put in the time to learn how to use the radio and earn the license properly, this isn't the right one for you. This radio is designed for technically inclined users who are willing to obtain a license to achieve the best range and flexibility for their specific needs. If you want an easy-to-use set of walkie talkies for family adventures, the Motorola T600 does the trick and is waterproof.
The Cardo Packtalk Outdoor is a unique walkie talkie design that allows a group of skiers or mountain bikers to communicate with one another without having to push a button. Each device is connected via a technology called “Dynamic Mesh Communication”, like a greatly improved version of Bluetooth, allowing up to 15 people to connect. Our lead tester shared, “This model uses wired headphones and a microphone to integrate into a helmet, making it very user-friendly for our review team once set up.” With 40mm JBL headphones, the Packtalk boasts great clarity, allowing its wearer to listen to music or talk on the phone, which automatically mutes if a paired radio starts communicating. While it can be used for other activities, such as hiking, you'll need to use or purchase earbuds, as the included headphones only attach to over-ear helmets or earflaps. If you like the open-mic design of the Cardo but prefer something wireless, take a look at the Milo Action Communicator, which easily attaches to handlebars or a backpack strap
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (Single Radio, with Batteries)
3.8 oz
Watts
Not listed
Dimensions Body Only
4" x 3" x 3.5"
Battery Capacity
Not listed
Battery Type
Not listed
The max usable range of the Cardo Packtalk is around .5 miles in treed terrain, which was plenty if sticking with our ski or biking group, but we did lose contact if significantly separated. If range is a more important metric, consider the Rocky Talky Mountain Radio or the Rocky Talky 5 Watt, though neither can truly integrate with a helmet like the Packtalk. Throughout several seasons of testing, we also found that this model is resistant to snow and rainstorms, boasting an impressive IP67 rating. If you need a radio for the specific application of lift-accessed skiing or biking, the Cardo Packtalk Outdoors is worth considering, as long as it fits within your budget.
While we used the Cardo for hiking and biking, we found it was best for skiing/riding, so we tried this model with several different ski helmets to see how well it worked with various headwear.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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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
After researching over 50 walkie-talkies, we purchased 13 models for rigorous and comprehensive 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 every radio's range in real-world settings, which included everything from dense forests to rolling hills. We ensured no stone was left unturned to help you make an informed decision.
This review is led by IFMGA Mountain Guide Zach Lovell and professional ski patroller Gray Grandy. 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. Gray uses radios exhaustively as a professional ski patroller and has been rumored to use the PTT button to talk in his sleep. He offers unsolicited tirades on the importance of effective communication for safety and efficiency in high-risk environments. He is a SPRAT Level II rope access technician, an EMT, and holds a Professional Level Avalanche 1 certification and a California Explosives Blaster's license. Our other tester, Clark Tate, is a certified Maine sea kayak guide who uses marine band radios for work and FRS radios to communicate with climbing and ski partners in the mountains.
On the technical aspects of these radios, GearLab experts Michelle Powell and David Wise lent their expertise as professional gear testers and writers. Michelle is experienced in developing electronic equipment tests, and David has maintained an active ham radio operator license for over a decade.
Analysis and Test Results
We selected a range of radios that varied from entry-level models ideal for family camping trips to performance-focused options designed for more serious wilderness travel. We judge these walkie talkies based on their performance in the field and during quantitative lab testing.
Many walkie talkies on the market today are Family Radio Service (FRS) radios, which don't require a license. For many users, this type of radio will easily meet their needs and is generally the type of radio we'd recommend for close-proximity use. Any radio with more power than an FRS will require a license from the FCC. Always check the type of radio you're purchasing and determine whether you'll need a license to operate it.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We've found that radios are no different than any other product category: you get what you pay for. However, you can match your needs to the right radio, and those demanding less from their radio may also be able to spend less. There are some discrepancies in cost for higher-performing options; however, generally, one can expect to pay more for models with additional features.
The least expensive options, including the Cobra ACXT145 and Midland X-Talker T10, have fewer useful features and a below-average range. On the other hand, they're small and affordable. If you don't require days of battery life, units that can withstand extreme weather, or need to communicate over a distance of more than half a mile, these could be suitable options. And a huge benefit of these radios is that they are sold in pairs, unlike some high-end walkie talkies, which are sold individually. We also recommend taking a look at the low-priced Retevis RT22, which may not offer the best clarity in the lineup, but it does include an earphone and a microphone that improve the cleanliness of its communication.
As models increase in price, their range and clarity often increase. They also tend to be larger and heavier because they need more battery power to send those powerful transmissions. While pricey, the Rocky Talkie 5 Watt is worth the investment for avid users, thanks to its increased range, decent clarity, ease of use, and impressive battery life. Pricey options like the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor may not have the range, but they offer a robust menu of features. If you like the additional range of a GMRS radio like the aforementioned 5 watt, consider the PXTON 888S, which doesn't quite have the same performance as other GMRS models but is substantially less expensive.
The Retevis was not a top scorer, but it offers great value.
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 the range and clarity metric is heavily weighted 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 in shorter distances in various circumstances. Each pair of radios was tested in the same wilderness settings, investigating range variance with minor obstructions, such as trees, to major obstructions, including hills or mountain features, between two radios. We also took note of 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. The maximum range a radio has will greatly depend on your environment. Even with a powered walkie, the range can be impressive if there is a clear line of sight and minimal interference- this can sometimes be over 30 miles. We focused on range tests that didn't have perfect conditions, so our findings would be more realistic for your next outdoor outing. We suggest selecting a radio with a decent range, even when the transmitting scenario isn't ideal, rather than focusing on the manufacturer's reported maximum range.
Range
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP and the Rocky Talkie 5 Watt offered the best radio range in our lineup. Outside of the fact that both of these radios can utilize repeaters, they also offer more power, with the BaoFeng pushing 8 watts and the Rocky Talkie offering, as the name implies, 5 watts of power. These radios performed very well in major and minor obstructions testing, with the Baofeng beating out the 5-watt 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 T600, 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. Similarly, the open-mic models in this line-up, the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor and Milo Action Communicator, didn't have particularly lengthy ranges. Still, in the context for which they're designed, 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, once again, was the clear champion for 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
The other clear standouts regarding clarity are the Backcountry Access BC Link Mini, Rockie Talkie Mountain Radio, and the Rockie Talkie 5 Watt. These models were among the top performers in the hilly forests, offering more intelligible transmissions over greater distances.
The Cardo Packtalk Outdoor includes 40mm JBL headphones and, if in range, boasts great clarity in testing, partly due to the mesh communication utilized.
When in range, we were simply impressed with the JBL speakers of the Cardo, which were great for music but also offered clean transmissions.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Ease of Use
You buy walkie talkies to make your life easier, not more frustrating, so we put great 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 a large, 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 Rockie Talkie 5 Watt 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 are 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 less 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
Options like the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor, which integrates with a helmet, aren't the quickest to set up, but once you and your team are paired, the feature list is extensive. With a well-designed companion app, you can do everything from making phone calls to listening to music to (of course) chatting with one another. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Retevis RT22 is several times less pricey 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 environments on the harsher side. The T600 is waterproof to a depth of one meter, and worked well even after we submerged it for 30 minutes. The IP67 rated Rocky Talkie 5 Watt, was a particularly standout radio, which offers the same waterproofness as the Motorola and doesn't rely on nearly as much 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 the IP56 rating, but can't handle water pressure as high. 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, it is important to determine your priorities. The BCA Link Mini is lighter but has less weatherproofing than the heavier Rocky Talkie 5 Watt.
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 T600 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 T600 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 5 Watt had one of the 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 for over a week when the radio usage was lighter, with a dependable 1800 mAh radio.
If needing something lighter, the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio required less frequent charging on our winter camping trip than much of the competition, making them a great choice for cold climates, thanks to their 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.
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 MotorolaT600, 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 needing decent battery life on a skinny wallet.
Weight and Size
The Milo Action Communicator leads the pack in this metric, with an impressive weight of only 2.5 ounces and excellent packability. It's easy to utilize the rubber attachment straps in different sizes to secure this small device to your pack strap or handlebars.
The Milo Action Communicator can be taken anywhere, and the rubber attachment on the back makes it easy to keep near your ears and mouth for cleaner communication.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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 that we're carrying them even during light and 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 some weight, this is an incredibly inexpensive model that bested much pricier 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 T600 adds slightly more weight, coming in at 8.4 ounces.
At 11 ounces, the BCA BC Link 2.0 is the heaviest of the bunch in both size and weight, primarily due to 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: $50 gets you four handheld units. At 4.1 oz, it is one of the smaller and lighter units we tested. It has a good display and button layout. The battery lasted 10 hours in our tests: not a peak performer. This unit appeals to individuals who enjoy the vibrant colors and compact form factor.
Midland X-Talker 36 - This sits between budget-friendly models and larger, high-end options. The 2.6-mile range is solid, and we experienced clear transmissions. The battery life of just under 12 hours is less impressive. We experienced some quality control issues: a non-functioning headphone jack. Otherwise, it delivers a good range and clarity at a fair price.
Roar - While these are marketed as baby monitors, they are essentially walkie-talkies for a parent and kid. One unit stays with your child in a pocket or on a lanyard, they can wear. The kids unit is a continuous microphone. The other model stays with the parent and features a speaker, allowing you to press a button to talk with your child. The claimed 1000+ foot range and 20-hour battery life is impressive by walkie-talkie standards, but great by baby monitor standards. They have a slim profile that fits in almost any pocket and offer decent battery life. They still use the old-school USB charger, but otherwise, we had no complaints with this model other than the price. They are the same cost as a premium walkie talkie with much longer range and functionality.
3-year-old GearLab tester with the Roar.
Credit: Chris McNamara
How to Choose a Walkie Talkie
Before making a walkie-talkie purchase, it's essential to 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. It's important to understand the differences between each option to 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 considering they offer access to repeaters, though this generally comes at the cost of weighing more. 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 license from the FCC, but unlike GMRS licensing, you must take a test. These high-powered radios have the best range of any walkie-type and have the most features/capabilities, but they require a great amount of time to learn and to set up. Amateur radios aren't channelized and have a wide range of frequencies, allowing for international communication. However, we suggest programming your radio to pre-set channels for ease of use in the field. Most recreationalists don't need the power of a HAM model, but radio enthusiasts will love this option.
Mesh Communication
A growingly popular form of person-to-person or bike-to-bike communication is “Mesh”. Mesh communication is a network setup where each device connects directly to other devices, creating a web-like structure. This enables data to travel across the network via multiple paths, thereby making the system more reliable and resilient. If one device or connection fails, the network automatically reroutes data through other devices, ensuring continuous communication and easy expansion. In plain speak, think of this as a graduated version of Bluetooth, connecting multiple Bluetooth-capable models on the web.
Impressively, mesh devices can offer a bunch of features while still boasting great packability.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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.
