The 15 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 fifteen of the top rated walkie talkies 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. Motorola MR350R

The Motorola MR350R is a well-engineered two-way radio with plenty of features.

Key Features

• 22 channels with 121 privacy codes
• 35-mile range
• 8 hours of battery life (23 hours with AA batteries)
• Built-in rechargeable battery (also takes 3 AAs)
• 11 weather channels
• Vibrate and hands-free mode
• Includes base station, and charging cord

The Motorola MR350R offers a 35-mile range on paper. However, this is based on ideal conditions. Realistically, expect a range of about 1-2 miles unless you’re on flat, open ground. That’s still not bad, and it’s plenty for camping, construction work, or just about any practical use we can think of.

What really makes this walkie stand out is the 121 privacy codes. These are essentially sub-channels that avoid interference if you’re in an area where there’s a lot of wireless traffic. They don’t actually stop anyone from listening in on your channel, but they’re a great way to block out all the clutter.

The MR350R also features a vibrate mode, so you can respond to a page without a loud squawk or beep. It also features a hands-free “always on” mode, in case you need to talk while you’re otherwise occupied.

Pros

• Reasonably long range
• Lots of privacy codes
• Can be used hands-free
• Long battery life with AA batteries
• Can receive weather alerts

Cons

• Pricey

This walkie is ideal for busy environments where you may experience a lot of interference.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Motorola Talkabout

The Motorola Talkabout Radio T631 is one of the best and strongest walkies on the market.

Key Features

• 22 channels with 121 privacy codes
• 35-mile range
• 9 hours of battery life (23 hours with AA batteries)
• Built-in rechargeable battery (also takes 3 AAs or DC power)
• Waterproof and floats face-up
• NOAA weather alert channel
• Built-in, water-activated LED flashlight
• Includes charging adapter, 2 whistle belt clips, and nylon carrying case
• High-visibility yellow color

The Motorola Talkabout Radio T631 is one of the most rugged walkies on the market. This beast is waterproof down to 30 meters, and it floats to the surface if you drop it in the water. When it gets wet, an LED light automatically illuminates, making it easy to find. This makes it an ideal choice for kayakers, as well as for first responders.

Kayakers, cyclists, and first responders will also appreciate the high-visibility yellow body, which is easy to spot at a distance. This radio also features a micro USB charger, so it can be charged virtually anywhere. And you can use it while it’s plugged in, thanks to a dual-power design that keeps you connected even when you’re out of batteries.

Be careful, though. The 35-mile range is grossly exaggerated. In real-world conditions, you’re looking at about ¾ of a mile tops, so take that into account when you’re making your decision.

Pros

• Ideal choice for first responders
• Ideal for marine use
• Dual-power design
• Charges on micro USB
• Long battery life with AAs
• Can receive weather alerts

Cons

• Very limited range
• Pricey

If you need a walkie that can stand up to the elements, this is the one you need.

6. COBRA CXT1045R

The Cobra CXT1045R has a camo paint pattern, so it won’t give you away in the woods.

Key Features

• 22 channels with 121 privacy codes
• 37-mile range
• 14 hours of battery life
• Takes 3 AA batteries (rechargeables included)
• Built-in LED flashlight
• Waterproof and floats
• 20-second replay button
• Includes charging station and power adapter

The Cobra CXT1045R is a waterproof, floating walkie that’s designed primarily for hunters and sportsmen. This is obvious from the get-go, with the camo paint scheme and the built-in LED flashlight.

However, there’s another feature that makes this walkie talkie a good choice for just about anyone: it has a button that replays the last 20 seconds of audio you’ve heard. This “say again” feature is invaluable when you miss something over the radio and keeps you from bothering your buddies.

The only downside of the Cobra is its limited range. Real-world conditions allow for about a mile of reliable transmission. Outside of that, things will start to get dicey.

Pros

• Lots of privacy code
• “Say again” feature helps you recall information
• Good survival option
• Can receive weather alerts

Cons

• Limited range

This walkie’s “say again” option makes it easy to clarify or recall what your buddy said.

7. 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.

8. Floureon Kids

Floureon Kids are a great way for your child to stay in touch with up to 3 friends, just like the kids from Stranger Things.

Key Features

• 22 channels
• 1.9-mile range
• 12 hours of battery life
• Takes 3 AA batteries (not included)
• Includes belt clips
• Available in a 4-pack
• Available in red or orange

Floureon Kids are also toys. But these particular “toys” provide up to 2 miles of range in everyday conditions, which is pretty good for a discount pair of walkies. Speaking of pairs, these walkies are a good choice if you need more than 2. They’re available in a 4-pack, which makes them a great choice for groups.

Like the last kid’s walkies we looked at, these also allow you to select from 22 channels. They also have rubberized corners, so they’ll bounce when they’re dropped instead of breaking.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Relatively long range
• Good choice for groups
• 12-month manufacturer’s warranty
• Inexpensive

Cons

• It’s a toy

This walkie offers 1-2 miles of range, which is pretty good for a cheap walkie.

9. Tacklife MTR01

The Tacklife MTR01 offers an impressive 3-day battery life.

Key Features

• 16 channels
• 3-mile range
• 72 hours of battery life
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
• Features
• Includes charging station, power adapter, belt clips, and earbuds

The Tacklife MTR01 is a budget-rate walkie talkie that nonetheless has some nice features. To begin with, the nominal 3-mile range works out to about 1-2 miles in real-world conditions. That’s not too shabby, and actually comparable to some of the better walkies we’ve looked at.

This two-way radio also offers an impressive 72 hours of battery life. Nominally, it can last up to a week on standby, but even in a real-world situation, this is an impressive performance.

The downside? There are no privacy codes. You get channel 1-16, and that’s it. As a result, these walkies are better used in rural areas, not in a situation where you expect interference. That said, they’re very reasonably priced, and they come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros

• Exceptional battery life
• Reasonably long range
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Affordable

Cons

• No privacy codes

This walkie talkie is very reasonably priced for what you get.

10. 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.

11. Arcshell

Arcshell is no-nonsense, barebones walkie talkies that get the job done.

Key Features

• 16 channels with 155 privacy codes
• 5-mile range
• 16 hours of battery life
• Built-in 1,500 mAh rechargeable battery packs
• Includes earbuds, charging stations, and power adapters

Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Radios are designed to be as affordable as possible. As a result, they offer a relatively short range and don’t have any extra features like weather reports or flashlights.

That said, these walkies are easy to use. They have a large, soft button and operate on 16 channels with 155 privacy codes, which is a reasonable number for an inexpensive walkie. The batteries offer 16 hours of operation under normal conditions, which is right in the middle of the road in terms of longevity.

Arcshells only provide about a half-mile of useable range. As a result, they’re not suitable for large outdoor events. On the other hand, they’re a great choice for construction crews, retail stores, and other short-range applications.

Pros

• Lots of privacy codes
• Easy to use
• Affordable

Cons

• Short range

If price is your main concern, these walkie talkies are a good choice.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.