9 Best Walkie Talkies

If you’re outside of cell phone coverage and out of sight, the best way to talk to someone is with a walkie talkie. Of course, walkies are also useful in an urban or suburban environment, whether because you need instant, push-button communication or because you’re talking with multiple people at once.

We’ve searched the web for the best walkie talkies, and come up with the top rated models we think are worth owning. As part of this search, we’ve looked for walkies with the longest range, the most channels, the longest battery life, and the most durable design. We’ve also looked at a few budget options, as well as some toy walkies for the kids.

As you read, keep in mind how you’re going to be using your walkie. Depending on your environment, you may not need the longest battery life or the most channels. What works for you is what’s most important.

Best Walkie Talkies

1. BaoFeng BF-F8HP

The BaoFeng BF-F8HP is wide and easy to carry, with a comfortable, adjustable hand strap.

Key Features

• Hundreds of channels
• 30-mile range
• Up to 24 hours of battery life
• 2,000 mAh rechargeable battery pack
• Transmits on VHF, UHF, and FM frequencies
• 1, 5, and 8-watt power outputs
• Includes charging station, earpiece, belt clip, and hand strap

The BaoFeng BF-F8HP is more than just a walkie talkie: it’s a full-featured mini HAM radio, complete with a toggle to switch between VHF, UHF, and FM frequencies. This provides literally hundreds of broadcast channels and makes the BaoFeng a solid choice for avoiding interference.

Of course, you can also use it to contact other radio operators and enjoy all the excitement that comes from joining the HAM radio community.

One nice feature about this radio is the ability to switch between 1, 5, and 8-watt power outputs. This means you can use low power when communicating at close ranges, and only toggle up when you actually need to use that much power. When used properly, this feature can help you squeeze more than 24 hours out of a single battery charge.

Pros

• Hundreds of channels on VHF, UHF, and FM frequencies
• Very long range
• Long battery life
• 12-month manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Complicated to use

If you want a handheld radio that also works as a miniature HAM, look no further.

2. Midland – GXT1000VP4

The Midland GXT1000VP4 is available in pairs or as a three-pack; it’s also available individually, so you can add more to your kit.

Key Features

• 50 channels with 142 privacy codes
• 36-mile range
• 6 hours of battery life (18 with AA batteries)
• Built-in rechargeable battery (also takes 4 AAs)
• Hands-free mode
• 10 weather channels
• Includes charging station, earbuds, and power adapters for both home and car
• Available individually, as a pair, or as a three-pack

The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a mid-range walkie talkie that’s designed for use inside a neighborhood, or within a few hundred yards of a campsite. The rated 36 miles is pure fantasy unless you’re flying a plane or otherwise completely unobstructed.

Our frustration with walkie talkie advertising aside, this is a decent little radio. Not only can it tune to an impressive 50 channels, but it can be set to 142 different privacy codes. All told, that’s more than 7,100 possible channels to communicate on. Not to mention, you also get 10 different weather stations, so you can get your forecast even if you’re outside of cell phone range.

Pros

• Lots of privacy codes
• Can be used hands-free
• Can receive weather alerts
• Earbuds and car charger included

Cons

• Relatively short range

This walkie talkie includes a car charger, making it a good choice for day trips and other excursions.

3. Cobra ACXT645

The Cobra ACXT645 features a built-in LED flashlight for emergencies.

Key Features

• 22 channels with 121 privacy codes
• 35-mile range
• 8 hours of battery life
• Takes 3 AA batteries (rechargeables included)
• 10 weather channels
• Hands-free mode available
• Built-in LED flashlight
• Includes charging station and power adapter

The Cobra ACXT645 is designed to provide as many features as possible while still maintaining a middle of the road price point. It offers 22 channels with 121 privacy codes, which is a large enough number to avoid interference in crowded areas.

It also has a 1-2 mile effective range even under the worst of conditions, up to about 5 miles in the suburbs. No, that’s not the 35 advertised miles, but as we know by now this is totally normal.

In addition to 10 weather channels, the Cobra also offers one other useful safety feature: it has a built-in LED flashlight in the back of the unit. Not only can this be used to find your way out of the woods, but it can also be used to signal for help.

Pros

• Reasonably long range
• Lots of privacy codes
• Great survival tool
• Can receive weather alerts

Cons

• Limited battery life

This walkie talkie provides reasonably long-range transmission at a reasonably low price.

4. Midland LXT500VP3

The Midland LXT500VP3 is an affordable walkie that’s designed primarily to maximize battery life.

Key Features

• 22 channels
• 24-mile range
• 8 hours of battery life (24 hours with AAA batteries)
• Takes 4 AAA batteries (rechargeable pack included)
• Low and high-power settings
• Locking keypad
• Includes charging station and power adapter
• Available in 3 colors

The Midland LXT500VP3 is a walkie that isn’t just easy on your wallet; it’s also easy on your batteries. Not only does it get 24 hours of battery life if you provide your own AAAs, it also has a low-power setting that allows you to transmit with less wattage for short-range applications.

Not only that, but the Midland also includes a locking keypad. This keeps you from accidentally wasting batteries – and silencing your microphone – by pressing the “send” button against your gear. All in all, this is a well-designed two-way radio, particularly for the price.

Pros

• Long battery life with AAAs
• Locking keypad prevents accidental transmissions
• Low-power setting saves battery life
• Affordable

Cons

• No privacy codes

This walkie talkie features a low-power setting to save batteries when you’re transmitting at short range.

5. Motorola RMU2080D

The Motorola RMU2080D is a heavy-duty walkie that’s designed to take a lot of abuse.

Key Features

• 99 UHF channels with 219 privacy codes
• 1.5-mile range
• 16 hours of battery life
• Built-in rechargeable battery pack
• Military-grade shock and particle resistance
• NOAA weather frequency
• Includes charging station, power adapters, and belt holsters

The Motorola RMU2080D is no shrinking violet. These walkies are engineered to military specifications, both for shock and particle resistance. They also include rugged belt holsters, which secure your walkie far better than a simple belt clip.

These walkies have a range of about a mile in real-world applications and offer 16 hours of battery life. While that’s not spectacular for camping use, it’s plenty for private security, where 16 hours means a double shift.

This Motorola walkie also receives NOAA weather alerts, which is a good feature for anyone on security duty. Finally, the loudspeakers provide a clear broadcast of whatever you’re receiving, so you won’t miss out on a transmission just because of noise.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Lots of privacy channels
• Loud, clear speakers
• Can receive weather alerts

Cons

• Limited range
• Expensive

The loud speakers on these walkies make them an ideal choice for private security.

6. FAYOGOO

Fayogoo is an affordable way to provide your kid with a walkie talkie.

Key Features

• 22 channels
• 4-mile range
• 12 hours of battery life
• Auto shutoff after 15 minutes of inactivity
• Takes 3 AA batteries
• Includes flexible lanyards
• Available in 4 colors

Fayogoo Kids Walkie Talkies are, to be blunt, toys. There. We said it. Now let’s talk about how awesome they are, and how much fun your kids will have while they’re using them.

To begin with, these walkies can transmit and receive on 22 channels, which is plenty for kids who are using them for entertainment. They also have an automatic shutoff feature, so you won’t endlessly be replacing batteries just because someone forgot to turn their walkie off when they were done playing.

Fayogoo walkies have a rugged, rubbery design that can take some abuse. They’re available in four fun colors, so they’ll match all tastes.

Pros

• Great choice for kids
• Rugged, drop-resistant design
• 12-month manufacturer’s warranty
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Very short effective range
• It’s a toy

These walkies are rugged enough to stand up to the beatings kids will dish out.

7. Retevis H-777

The Retevis H-777 comes in a 10-pack, so it’s an exceptional value for the price.

Key Features

• 16 channels with 50 privacy codes
• ½-mile range
• 8 hours of battery life
• Built-in 1,000 mAh rechargeable battery packs
• Includes belt clips, hand straps, charging stations, and power adapters
• Comes in a 10-pack

The Retevis H-777 is a short-range walkie that’s designed for construction crews, Boy Scout troops, churches, and other organizations that need to keep close together. It transmits and receives on 16 channels with 50 different privacy codes. While this is by no means impressive, it’s enough to avoid interference in most environments.

These walkies come in a 10-pack, including charging stations, power adapters, belt clips, and hand straps for each walkie. If you need a set of walkies for a large group, it’s hard to beat what Retevis is offering.

Pros

• Comes in a 10-pack
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Affordable

Cons

• Very short range
• Short battery life

This walkie is an ideal choice for large groups like Boy Scout troops or churches.

8. Cobra ACT220B

The Cobra ACT220B is a simple, rectangular walkie that’s designed to clip to your backpack strap.

Key Features

• 22 channels
• 12-mile range
• Up to 10 hours of battery life
• Built-in rechargeable battery packs
• Unique, speaker-shaped design
• Waterproof
• Includes micro USB chargers

The Cobra ACT220B is a small, square speaker that clips directly to your backpack strap. It can be heard easily without the need to un-clip it, and it features large buttons for quick, easy responses.

This may not look like a traditional walkie, but it performs like one. The signal can be picked up from about a mile away, which is about average for a mid-priced commercial walkie. Ultimately, the only thing we didn’t like about the Cobra was the fact that it doesn’t allow for the use of any privacy codes. Your channel may get crowded in a populated area.

That said, the Cobra is a great choice for backpackers, and for anyone who needs to keep their hands free.

Pros

• Large and easy to operate
• Great choice for backpackers
• Mostly hands-free
• Charges with micro USB
• Unique design

Cons

• No privacy codes

This walkie is a good choice for backpackers who want to keep their hands free.

9. AINA PTT Voice Responder

The Aina PTT Voice Responder is a Bluetooth accessory that converts your cell phone into a walkie talkie.

Key Features

• Hands-free walkie add-on for mobile phones
• Infinite range
• No interference from wireless channels
• Compatible with most walkie talkie apps

The Aina PTT Voice Responder isn’t technically a walkie talkie. It’s a Bluetooth accessory that works with multiple cell mobile walkie apps, including ESChat, Azetti, Talk-IP, Novatalk, and Zello. Provided you have cell signal coverage, you’re good to go.

This attachment provides a transmission that’s as clear as if the other person was standing right next to you. And it won’t pick up interference from other wireless devices. That’s not a bad deal, as long as your buddies also download the app.

Pros

• Crystal clear signal
• Excellent battery life
• Works with Android and iPhone

Cons

• Requires a cell phone signal
• Pricey

If you want a reliable signal and cell phone coverage is not an issue, these walkie talkies are an ideal choice.

Bottom Line

As you can see, these are all good walkie talkies. But not all of them are equally well-suited for all purposes.

For example, the best walkie talkie for hiking is going to be one that has a long-range, so you can communicate with your friends across several miles of trees and hills. Conversely, if you’re working on a construction site in an urban area, you’ll likely be more concerned with having a lot of channels to avoid interference.

No matter why you’re buying a walkie talkie, it’s important to remember that rated distances are based on open terrain. In other words, a 35-mile walkie will only transmit that far if you’re on an open plain in Kansas. Woods, buildings, and especially hills will reduce the range of your walkie.

Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and guides including must know walkie talkie lingo.