The walkie-talkie allows free communication in places where it is difficult to find a phone and radio signal, especially in the wilderness. As a toy or a real alternative to the cell phone, its range can reach tens of kilometers. But faced with the variety of offers, finding the right walkie-talkie is not easy. Fortunately, here is our buying guide.
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Our selection
"You'll be impressed by the long range of this set of Komvox walkie-talkies, which is up to 8 km. The same is true for its…"
"Designed for children, these PMR446 walkie-talkies have a backlit LCD screen, 10 call tones and can communicate on 8 channels and 99 CTSS/DCS sub-channels. But…"
"The Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme can be used in the most hostile environments. Operating on the PMR446 frequency, these professional walkie-talkies allow communication on 16…"
"Don't be fooled by its gruff appearance, this Chinese-made walkie-talkie has an impressive efficiency. It allows to communicate on 128 channels with a transmission power…"
"Despite its compact size, the Midland XT10 walkie talkies offer all the basic features of a good walkie talkie for outdoor use. It has up…"
You'll be impressed by the long range of this set of Komvox walkie-talkies, which is up to 8 km. The same is true for its ease of use, its satisfactory autonomy and its resistance to weather.
31,19 £ on AmazonKomvox walkie-talkies keep their promises. Designed for lovers of outdoor activities, these models provide high quality communication. The 2 accessories have 8 channels with channel scan and a yellow front panel for better visibility. There is no risk of reception or transmission being compromised as long as you use the same channels or frequencies.
The Komvox Walkie Talkies can be powered via a 5V USB charging cable. With a range of 5 miles, it features 121 CTCSS privacy codes so you can stay in touch with your friends. Hands-free operation is also possible, as the devices are equipped with voice and sound activation.
Designed for children, these PMR446 walkie-talkies have a backlit LCD screen, 10 call tones and can communicate on 8 channels and 99 CTSS/DCS sub-channels. But you can't use them for outdoor activities.
17,59 £ on AmazonThe Retevis RT388 walkie-talkies are toys, but they still perform well. They're best appreciated for their audio quality, with crisp, smooth sound, not to mention adjustable volume to suit your mood. Each walkie-talkie also has an anti-interference feature that reduces unwanted noise. The powerful antenna of these devices allows them to transmit up to 2 km away in the absence of obstacles.
Not suitable for outdoor activities, the Retevis RT388 remain wear resistant. The durable, non-toxic PC and ABS plastic provides excellent resistance to heat, moisture and impact. With the VOX function, children can talk without pressing the PTT button. As an added bonus, these walkie-talkies have a key lock to prevent kids from touching the settings as well as an LED flashlight, very useful during backyard camping parties.
The Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme can be used in the most hostile environments. Operating on the PMR446 frequency, these professional walkie-talkies allow communication on 16 channels and 121 sub-channels.
68,81 £ on AmazonThe Talkabout T82 Extreme is the two-way communication device you need for your adventures in the mountains or by the sea. This unlicensed walkie-talkie is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, construction professionals and others. With an IPX4 protection rating, the 2 devices offered in this package are resistant to strong water projections.
The Talkabout T82 Extreme has a reinforced shell that allows it to resist drops and shocks. It is also graced with a screen with a hidden display that offers privacy, as well as an LED flashlight. As for the battery, it is of the NiMH type that promises an autonomy of 18 hours. In case of problems, there is an emergency call button to alert other users.
Don't be fooled by its gruff appearance, this Chinese-made walkie-talkie has an impressive efficiency. It allows to communicate on 128 channels with a transmission power of 5W for the VHF and 4W for the UHF.
24,76 £ on Amazon
Despite its compact size, the Midland XT10 walkie talkies offer all the basic features of a good walkie talkie for outdoor use. It has up to 16 channels, including 8 preset by CTCSS.
29,90 £ on ManomanoLooking for ultra-compact walkie-talkies that are easy to forget? This Midland XT10 pair will surely suit you. Despite its size, this device has several major advantages over the competition, including its water resistance and autonomy. Communication is further enhanced by its 38 privacy codes. However, you should not rely on its battery indicator, which is less accurate, and its fairly short range (4 km).
Each Midland XT10 walkie-talkie operates on 3 batteries and has a total of 16 channels, 8 of which are pre-programmed by CTCSS on a frequency of 446 MHz. Available in a set of two, the equipment includes the Call and Vox hands-free functions. Its simplicity of use makes it easy to use by children or for leisure.
Whether it's for hunting, camping or any family expedition in the wilderness, this set of 2 Wishouse M8 rechargeable walkie talkies will make adventurous kids happy. Be careful, the range does not exceed 1 km.
42,62 £ on AmazonThe Wishouse M8, designed for outdoor games, will let you enjoy 2 communication modes. Indeed, you will be able to receive calls as you would with a simple phone, by picking up after the ring, or you can use the hands-free mode. There, the call is launched by the voice. The pack includes 2 rechargeable walkie-talkies each with 2 USB chargers and 3 batteries with a total capacity of 3000 mAh. To increase the life of these batteries, the devices have an "automatic energy saver" function.
The Wishouse M8 does not skimp on safety. In addition to its CE-certified materials, the communication tool allows for night use thanks to its built-in flashlight. It also features a key lock system, so you won't be able to change settings by mistake. Unfortunately, the Wishouse M8 suffers from a relatively low range. Although the manufacturer has announced a maximum of 3 km, in reality, it does not work beyond 1 km.
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The best walkie-talkie in 2021
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| BEST | CHEAP | HIGH END | OUTDOOR | ALTERNATIVE | FAMILY | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Komvox walkie talkie
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Retevis RT388
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Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme Duo
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BaoFeng UV-5R
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Midland XT10
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Wishouse M8
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You'll be impressed by the long range of this set of Komvox walkie-talkies, which is up to 8 km. The same is true for its ease of use, its satisfactory autonomy and its resistance to weather.
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Designed for children, these PMR446 walkie-talkies have a backlit LCD screen, 10 call tones and can communicate on 8 channels and 99 CTSS/DCS sub-channels. But you can't use them for outdoor activities.
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The Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme can be used in the most hostile environments. Operating on the PMR446 frequency, these professional walkie-talkies allow communication on 16 channels and 121 sub-channels.
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Don't be fooled by its gruff appearance, this Chinese-made walkie-talkie has an impressive efficiency. It allows to communicate on 128 channels with a transmission power of 5W for the VHF and 4W for the UHF.
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Despite its compact size, the Midland XT10 walkie talkies offer all the basic features of a good walkie talkie for outdoor use. It has up to 16 channels, including 8 preset by CTCSS.
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Whether it's for hunting, camping or any family expedition in the wilderness, this set of 2 Wishouse M8 rechargeable walkie talkies will make adventurous kids happy. Be careful, the range does not exceed 1 km.
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Dimensions
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16 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm
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8 x 6 x 15 cm
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18.1 x 5.7 x 3.3 cm
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18 x 15.5 x 10 cm
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8.5 x 4.8 x 3 cm
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11 x 5.8 x 2.7 cm
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Weight
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250 g
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79 g
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860 g
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210 g
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73 g
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-
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Range
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8 km
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2 km
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10 km
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5 km
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Up to 4 km
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0.9 to 3 km
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Battery type
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6 AA batteries
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LR03 batteries
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NiMH 800mAh
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Lithium-ion
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3 x LR03 alkaline batteries (AAA, 4.5 V) or 3 x LR03 NiMH batteries (AAA, 3.6 V)
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12 rechargeable batteries x 1000 mAh of 1.2 V
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Number of channels
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8
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8
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16
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128
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16
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8
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The range is the most important criterion to take into account. The transmission distance depends on the quality of the device, knowing that the most efficient ones allow to interact with people located at about ten kilometers. It should be noted that some parameters can reduce this transmission range, as it is the case of magnetic interference, natural obstacles, buildings or capricious weather.
If your walkie-talkies are intended to be used daily in a hostile, dusty or humid environment, bet on robust products. Recommended protection ratings are:
- IP54: protection against water and dust.
- IP55: protection against strong jets of water and large amounts of dust.
- PI67: protection against temporary immersion and dust.
- IPX7: protection against temporary immersion. Walkie-talkies with this protection rating are the best on the market.
While some walkie-talkies run on AA batteries, others are equipped with lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride batteries that offer better battery life.
Depending on the context in which you plan to use them, size and weight are two criteria to consider. Heavy, bulky walkie-talkies can become cumbersome if you want to take them with you on a hike. That's why firefighters, law enforcement, and rescue workers prefer devices that are ergonomic, lightweight, and easy to use.
Today's walkie-talkies are a true concentration of technology. They have many features, as it is the case of call identification, voice scrambling, hands-free function, keypad lock, vibrator, geolocation, in short, with one detail, they equal smartphones.
Walkie-talkies existed long before the arrival of the first generations of cordless phones. Very practical, these communication devices work with radio waves. Therefore, before communicating with your partner, you must set the walkie-talkies to a common frequency. When you want to transmit, you must press the side button. When you release the button, you receive the answers. This device is popular because it offers many advantages, including:
- The possibility of free and unlimited communication on a defined channel;
- The possibility to chat with several people at the same time;
- The possibility to keep in touch in a white zone;
This device is mostly used during activities where people need to communicate constantly. Walkie-talkies have become indispensable tools for construction workers, security forces, police forces, mountain rescuers, but also for hikers and mountaineers. There are also versions for children.
The term "hobby" is used here to refer to products intended for semi-professional use. In other words, recreational walkie-talkies are not toys, far from it. These entry-level communication devices operate on the PMR446 frequency. They can be used on 8 frequencies in steps of 12.5 kHz and from 446,000 MHz to 446,100 MHz. Their range is 80 to 200 m in the city and 800 m to 1 km in the countryside (a well-cleared area).
Professional two-way radios are more powerful and have a plethora of features. Sure, they also operate on the free PMR446 frequency, but these walkie-talkies are more durable than the hobby models. They also have better battery life and longer transmission range. These walkie-talkies transmit between 5.5 W and 5 W.
From a technical standpoint, licensed walkie-talkies are slightly similar to professional walkie-talkies, but they operate on a private frequency at UHF or VHF. People considering using this category of walkie-talkies must pay an annual fee to ARCEP or a similar authority in other European countries. In addition, they are more powerful (emit up to 5W) and offer a range of about 10 km.
The analog or classic walkie-talkie is very common on the market. It can be used on the PMR frequency in VHF and UHF, but its range is reduced. The sound quality can be affected during an exchange if the interlocutors are too far away from each other.
Also known as Digital Mobile Radio or DMR, the digital walkie talkie is of higher quality. In fact, most of the professional models are digital walkie-talkies. They are quality accessories in every aspect.
Gradually, the analog walkie-talkie will be replaced by the digital walkie-talkie which offers a better sound quality because it is digitally processed. Even its range is significantly higher. In addition, the communication channels can be encrypted.
Free communications
Unlicensed walkie-talkies operate on public frequencies which are free. In other words, these devices will allow you to interact with multiple callers without you having to pay a penny. The only remaining cost is the purchase of batteries or recharging the battery.
Communicate without using the telephone network
Smartphones are dependent on the telephone network, which is not the case with walkie-talkies, which work with radio waves. In white areas, walkie-talkies are an alternative to mobile phones. At any time, you can always reach your relatives who live within a radius of 5 to 10 km.
Communicate with several people
Unlike smartphones, walkie-talkies allow you to communicate simultaneously with several people using the same frequency. There is no need to dial a number. Simply press a button to transmit and release it to receive. People on the same channel will be able to hear the communications, this is the only drawback encountered with this device.
High resistance
Walkie-talkies with a protection rating are very resistant. They are intended to be used for outdoor activities unlike smartphones. Only the antenna is relatively fragile on a walkie talkie. To communicate when you are at sea, the walkie-talkie is an excellent alternative.
Innovative features
The latest generations of walkie-talkies have built-in features that allow them to activate electrical devices remotely. For example, with a walkie-talkie you can open a door or trigger an alarm using the five-tone system or even newer technologies.
In our opinion, the best brands of walkie-talkies in 2022 are :
Specializing in communication devices since 1928, Motorola is the patriarch of the walkie talkies as you know them today. Do you want to acquire quality walkie-talkies for the general public or for professionals? You will find what you need with this manufacturer.
Radioddity is a little-known brand, but its walkie-talkies have a good reputation, especially in the hiking and extreme sports communities. It seems that Cobra walkie-talkies are well suited for recreational and professional activities.
Located in Hong Kong, Baofeng is arguably the leading supplier of walkie talkies to the West. Powerful and robust, Baofeng walkie talkies will enable you to communicate in hostile and rugged environments.
Retevis is a Chinese manufacturer based in Shenzhen province. Don't be mistaken, the walkie-talkies manufactured by Retevis are reliable, efficient and have a beautiful design. These accessories will be of great use to you during your outings in the mountains.
In business since 2011, Floureon got its start in remote monitoring equipment before turning to nomadic communication devices. Are you looking for a cleverly designed walkie-talkie? Choose Floureon products.
Communicate more discreetly
With the hands-free function, you will have the leisure to communicate more easily and discreetly. However, to transmit, you'll still need to press a switch on the headset.
Keep the walkie-talkie handy
To keep the walkie talkie within reach, it comes with a belt clip or strap. If you don't, it won't be hard to find.
Encrypt your communications
If you're using the paid frequencies, you can encrypt your communications so they can only be heard by you and the right people.
Put the walkie-talkie on vibrate mode
If you're hunting or fishing, it's best to put the walkie-talkie on vibrate mode so you don't scare your prey.
Prefer models that include a weather radio
This feature is very useful in that it informs you of the changing weather in the area you are in when you are off mobile and internet service. This will allow you to take the necessary precautions.
The range of a walkie-talkie depends on its quality of manufacture. For the so-called leisure models, the maximum range is only one kilometre. On the other hand, professional models are capable of transmitting up to tenkilometres. There are even devices that are capable of transmitting up to 50 km, but they are reserved for the armed forces.
Protection ratings depend on the walkie-talkie, but if you want to get a really tough model, an IP67-rated product is dust resistant and can be submerged up to 1m deep without worry. The protection rating is something you can see on all walkie talkies on the market.
Recreational walkie-talkies can be used for classic outdoor activities. However, for activities that require you to cover several kilometres in a day, such as hiking, it is better to opt for professional models with geolocation and weather information functions.
Yes and no at the same time. If you communicate on free frequencies, the use of the walkie-talkie is free of course. However, if you wish to keep your communications confidential, you must purchase a licence from ARCEP before you can use walkie-talkies.
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