Travel gear can get pretty expensive – trust us, we’ve racked up a pretty big bill a time or two. While budget is undoubtedly one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing anything, you still expect decent quality for your money. This also applies to walkie talkies – you want an affordable walkie talkie that doesn’t break the bank that still functions as you expected. And walkie talkies are pretty important – they make a huge difference if you need to communicate in an emergency, or even if you’re just trying to keep tabs on your kids during a hiking trip.
To help you save money on your next trip, we’ve researched some of the best budget walkie talkies on the market. Take a look at our review below, as well as our buying guide and FAQs toward the bottom.
What is the Best Budget Walkie Talkie?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 9 Best Budget Walkie Talkie. We compiled this list from budget walkie talkies we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with value for money walkie talkies you can be assured that this article will give you what you’re looking for.
We also wrote a buying guide and answered some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.
1. SOCOTRAN T80 Two-Way Rechargeable Walkie Talkies
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.11 pounds (0.05 kg) Size: 5.7 x 1.8 x 1 inches (14.5 x 4.5 x 2.6 cm) Range: 5 miles Battery Life: 72 hours Power Source: 2000mAh rechargeable Li-ion batteries Continuous Talktime: more than 8 hours |
When your outdoor adventure lasts for days, you might benefit from the SOCOTRAN T80 Two-Way Rechargeable Walkie Talkies that come with 2000mAh Li-ion batteries. Per full charge, they will last up to 72 hours, and you’ll get all the functionality of pricier models here.
These radios come with LCD screens and have a key lock, auto channel scan, monitor, and VOX for hands-free operation. In addition, each product comes with a lanyard, belt clip, and a headphone jack. For dark conditions, there is a built-in flashlight.
While a few owners mentioned occasional interference, the variety of 22 FRS channels with 121 sub-codes allows switching the frequency to enjoy the crisp sound. Another gripe by owners is towards dock stations as the chances are they’ll break quickly.
Pros
- LCD screen and flashlight,
- VOX, key lock function, auto scan, and monitor,
- Headphone jack, lanyard, and belt clips,
- Impressive battery capacity
Cons
- Some channels might get interference,
- Dock stations aren’t lasting
2. Retevis RT628 Easy-to-Use Walkie Talkies for Kids
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.2 pounds (0.09 kg) Size: 6.3 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches (16 x 5.5 x 2.8 cm) Range: 0.5-0.6 mile Battery Life: 18 hours Power Source: AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries |
To make the game more entertaining, you can get the Retevis RT628 Easy-to-Use Walkie Talkies for Kids. Along with being both ultra-compact and lightweight, these radios have the functionality of the models for adults. There are adjustable call tones, VOX, dual-channel monitor, auto squelch, and key lock among others.
The backlit screen makes it simpler to switch between 22 channels, while the headphone port allows hands-free use. Speaking of which, the belt clip needs improvements as it doesn’t hold the radio well and is easy to unclip. Luckily, the durable ABS housing is ready for heavy use.
You can still find the difference between this and pricier models in a max signal range. It will hardly exceed 0.6 miles, especially when used among buildings. The good news though is it allows using regular alkaline and rechargeable batteries.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact,
- Backlit LCD screen and headphone port,
- Key lock function, 10 call tones, VOX, monitor, scan, and auto squelch,
- Two power options
Cons
- The belt clip doesn’t hold the radio in place,
- Limited signal distance
3. ANSIOVON Family Long-Range Walkie Talkies for Adults
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.44 pounds (0.2 kg) Size: 6.5 x 3.4 x 2.6 inches (16.5 x 8.5 x 6.5 cm) Range: 3 miles Battery Life: 48 hours Power Source: AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries Continuous Talktime: up to 24 hours |
For those who need a set of affordable and compact radios that easily fit into pockets, we suggest the ANSIOVON Family Long-Range Walkie Talkies for Adults. Each unit has 22 channels with 99 privacy codes, a backlit screen, and an LED flashlight.
The display shows battery and volume levels, current channels and CTCSS sub-code, Tx-Rx icon, keylock, scanning, and hi-lo modes. Next, the belt clip is a convenient addition that saves some extra storage space, and the external speaker jack offers hands-free use.
If you haven’t used walkie-talkies before, it can be a bit unclear how to pair those, especially when you don’t have the instructions at hand. The signal range is also shorter than specified, according to customer reviews. However, there is no need to worry as the product comes with a 1-year replacement warranty.
Pros
- Slim and lightweight,
- LCD screen and flashlight,
- VOX, keypad lock, monitor, and scan, Built-in belt clip and speaker jack
Cons
- Limited max range,
- Can be hard to pair the radios without the instructions
4. LUITON Rechargeable 3-Watt Outdoor Mini Walkie Talkies
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.19 pounds (0.09 kg) Size: 3.7 x 2.2 x 1.5 inches (9.4 x 5.6 x 3.8 cm) Range: 8 miles Battery Life: 8 days Power Source: 1500mAh Li-poly battery Continuous Talktime: 6-12 hours |
For those searching for ease of use, try the LUITON Rechargeable 3-Watt Outdoor Mini Walkie Talkies. These have 16 channels that work within the 400-470MHz range using CTCSS/DCS privacy codes. Additionally, you’ll get VOX for hands-free operation, time-out timer, scan, low battery alert, and squelch.
Although there are no call alerts or battery indicators, they are powerful enough to provide clear signals even when used in buildings. Just like with typical Baofeng walkie-talkies, you can reprogram them via CHIRP software.
In the package, you’ll find belt clips, earpieces, and chargers. Unfortunately, the earpieces aren’t of the best quality, but the overall price tag of this kit is very affordable.
Pros
- Pocket-sized and lightweight,
- VOX, scan, TOT, low battery alert, and squelch,
- Reduce interference,
- Programmable with CHIRP software
5. Topsung NOAA Rechargeable 2 Way Radios with Earpiece
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 6.3 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches (16 x 5.6 x 3.3 cm) Range: 20 miles Battery Life: 48 hours Power Source: 1800mAh Lithium-polymer batteries Continuous Talktime: 10 hours |
When your budget is limited, the Topsung NOAA Rechargeable 2 Way Radios with Earpiece is a decent choice that has 22 channels and 121 privacy codes per each. The ABS plastic housing is antiskid and drop-resistant, and the walkie-talkies come with backlit screens. There are plenty of automatic functions, such as power saving, channel scan, squelch, low battery alert, and memory. In addition, the product boasts VOX for hands-free use and weather alerts for unexpected situations. You can customize the call tones, and the radios also feature confirmation beeps and keypad tones for convenience. Just keep in mind that the hard-molded earpieces might hurt after an hour of using them.
While traveling, you can recharge the batteries in your car or use a power bank because the radios come with USB ports. However, the signal becomes weaker when you use these radios in urban areas, which limits the range to 1 mile only.
Pros
- Antiskid and drop-resistant housing,
- Auto power-saving, scan, squelch, low battery alert, memory, and VOX,
- Backlit LCD screen,
- Weather alerts, 10 call tones, keypad tones, and confirmation beeps
Cons
- Limited max range in urban areas,
- Uncomfortable earpiece
6. Proster Rechargeable Walkie Talkies
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.92 pounds (0.42 kg) Size: 1.2 x 2.3 x 4.5 inches (3 x 5.8 x 11.4 cm) Range: 3.2km Battery Life: 9 hours Power Source: 2 Lithium Metal Batteries |
The Proster Rechargeable Walkie Talkie has a 2 mile range but reduces if there are obstructions in the area. It comes with a charging dock which makes it really easy to charge. It has a DCC ad CTCSS feature that helps reduce interference and noise therefore you can have private conversations.
It also has a built in flahlight which is excellent if it is being used in the dark and can be used to show location if you are lost. It also has a USB charging option so you can charge while discovering the world by car or using a power bank. It has a belt clip that comes in handy so its out of your way while you are working or when you child is playing.
The Proster Rechargeable Walkie Talkie is not water resistant so you might want to take that into consideration if you are looking for a device you can use outside or when hiking. It is however an excellent choice for use in outdoor activities such as camping or hiking.
Pros
- USB Charging design,
- Easy to use for both adults and kids,
- Built in LED torch light,
- It has a DCS and CTCSS feature.
Cons
- They do not have privacy settings,
- It only has 16 channels,
- Not water resistant.
7. Retevis RT1 2-Way Long-Range Radios
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.6 pounds (0.27 kg) Size: 5.2 x 2.3 x 1.4 inches (13.3 x 5.9 x 3.6 cm) Range: 5-6 miles Battery Life: 48 hours Power Source: 3000mAh Li-ion battery Continuous Talktime: 8-10 hours |
If your crew relies a lot on walkie-talkies be it an outdoor trip, business, or any other activity, try the Retevis RT1 2-Way Long-Range Radios that offer an exceptional battery life of up to 2 days. The military-grade housing easily withstands 2-meter drops and has a built-in flashlight. Additionally, you can select between high and low power modes to meet your needs.
The adjustable squelch provides crisp sound, while an emergency alarm helps to notify or find your friends quicker. For hands-free operation, you either can choose VOX or provided earpieces.
Many buyers adore this 5-pack kit, but some of them noted that the belt clips fell apart during the first use. Although the side buttons are programmable, it can be somewhat tricky to learn the process, as the instructions are useless.
Pros
- Military-grade drop-resistant housing,
- LED flashlight and high and low power modes,
- Adjustable squelch, VOX, and emergency alarm,
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Cheap belt clip,
- Can be difficult to reprogram
8. Retevis RT27 Rugged Rechargeable Walkie Talkies for Adults
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.41 pounds (0.18 kg) Size: 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches (10.5 x 5.9 x 3.4 cm) Range: 2 miles Battery Life: 24 hours Power Source: 1100mAh Li-ion batteries Continuous Talktime: 8-12 hours |
While dust, splashes, vibration, and shock can cause issues for some radios, the Retevis RT27 Rugged Rechargeable Walkie Talkies for Adults are ready for heavy use. Apart from 22 FRS channels, you can access VOX, scanning, busy channel lockout, adjustable squelch, time-out timer, and emergency alerts. There is also a monitor button that provides a stronger signal to reach your mates that are far away.
In the package, you’ll find five programmable radios, hand straps, and charging bases with USB sockets.
Despite the compact housing, the antennas of these walkie-talkies are too long so they take up more space in a backpack. Additionally, the belt clips are cheap and flimsy.
Pros
- Dust and splash-resistant housing,
- VOX, scan, BCL, adjustable squelch, emergency alert, and TOT,
- Programmable via PC,
- Come with hand straps and charging bases
Cons
- Cheap belt clip,
- The antenna is too long
9. Retevis RT16 Two-Way Walkie-Talkies with Earpieces
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.28 pounds (0.13 kg) Size: 6.6 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches (16.8 x 5.6 x 2.8 cm) Range: 2.5 miles Battery Life: 48 hours Power Source: 1000mAh Li-ion batteries Continuous Talktime: 8-10 hours |
If you are looking for smaller radios packed with multiple useful functions, the Retevis RT16 Two-Way Walkie-Talkies with Earpieces are worth considering. While 22 channels with 121 privacy codes are a standard combination for that price range, this model additionally comes with an intuitive LCD screen and a flashlight.
The best part is the functions, and these include VOX for hands-free operation, NOAA weather alerts, adjustable squelch, button lock, TOT, BCLO, and keystroke tones among others. Just like pricier options, these radios allow dual-channel monitoring and support USB charging on the go.
We were disappointed to find out that the max distance here is lower than specified. On top of that, the hard plastic clips break easily.
Pros
- Slim housing with large buttons,
- LCD screen and flashlight,
- VOX, NOAA weather channel and alert, squelch, and button lock,
- Come with lanyards, earpieces, and a Y-type charging cable
Cons
- Cheap belt clips,
- Limited max distance
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with value for money walkie talkies, we found that SOCOTRAN T80 Two-Way Rechargeable Walkie Talkies is the best budget walkie talkie available today.
Our Premium Option is Retevis RT628 Easy-to-Use Walkie Talkies for Kids with all the best features and high-quality materials, but that’s only if you have more money to spend.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the ANSIOVON Family Long-Range Walkie Talkies for Adults as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying budget walkie talkies
Price
There are a few factors that determines the pricing of walkie talkies. The power output is one of which. The most expensive walkie talkies usually have the highest power output. The higher the output, the farther the radio transmission. The type of frequency used by a walkie talkie also determines the price point. Hand-held Radios with Ultra High Frequency (UHF) are usually the best because the waves are shorter and can penetrate areas of interference. There are also digital radios that transmit signal in a complex way than the analog radios (VHF and UHF), making communication easier and clearer to understand. The more expensive radios use a stronger battery power than other radios. Lithium ion battery is an example of a strong battery. it has the ability to fast charge and it is not prone to memory loss. And it is also lighter than other batteries. The durability also matters. A quality and expensive walkie talkie must be able to function for a long period of time. The type of headphone and other accessories that comes with the radio also determines the quality and price of the radio you want to buy.
Questions and Answers About budget walkie talkies
What is the average range of a walkie talkie?
The average range of a walkie-talkie depends on the quality and type of walkie-talkie you are using. Walkie-talkie comes in the range of 5 to 60 miles. The range of walkie talkie is also greatly affected by the environment. Trees, buildings, and mountains can all interfere with the signals of walkie talkie and can reduce its standard range
Does walkie talkie work long distance?
Generally, devices can stay connected for a 1-2 KM radius depending on your walkie talkie model and its features. It can remain linked for maximum length, but that device needs to have a WiFi function and more specifications. This is because different audiences experience a more comprehensive range, whereas the walkie-talkie gives you an optimal distance experience.
How do you communicate while snowboarding?
You stay connected with your fellow snowboarders on the slopes using a walkie-talkies radio which allows you to keep continuous interaction with your companions even if you are at different ends of the mountain going at your own pace. Aside from considering walkie-talkies that have a long frequency range and good signal strength, using smaller sizes and minimum weight types are best suitable for this active winter sport. Alternatively, there are also those who utilize their hands-free bluetooth feature on their mobile devices together with the speaker and mic feature available on their helmet to communicate with their buddies while smashing the slopes.
No Comments