One of the most frustrating things we’ve encountered when using walkie talkies on our trips abroad before is interference. It doesnt have to just be distance, buildings can easily interfere with signals, which can be especially frustrating while you’re working. One option to consider is a walkie talkie designed for city use, as these are less likely to deal with interference from nearby buildings. These were especially useful for us when we visited cities with lots of buildings, like in the US. We went ahead and did the research and found some of the best ones out there for you to choose from. If you’re still unsure, you can then check out our FAQ for some more of our helpful tips.
What is the Best Walkie Talkie For City Use?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 8 Best Walkie Talkie For City Use. We compiled this list from walkie talkies for city use we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with walkie talkies for city use 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. Moico Long Range Walkie Talkies for Adults
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.46 pounds (0.21 kg) Size: 6.6 x 3.4 x 2.7 inches (16.8 x 8.5 x 6.8 cm) Range: 5 miles Battery Life: 40 hours Power Source: AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries Continuous Talktime: 8-10 hours |
Along with being slim and lightweight, the Moico Long Range Walkie Talkies for Adults features 22 FRS channels and 99 CTCSS tones that provide clear reception. The radios have a backlit LCD screen, built-in flashlights, and microphone jacks for hands-free operation. To save extra space in your pockets or big backpack, each walkie-talkie comes with a belt clip.
The impact-resistant shell protects the components from occidental drops, making them a great pick for all family members. Next, the provided functions are VOX, channel scan, keypad lock, and roger beeps. While the latter can be too loud for some situations, especially when used indoors, the good news is that you can turn them off completely.
A few buyers mentioned that these radios had a shorter signal range compared to what the manufacturer has specified, so keep that in mind when planning a trip.
Pros
- 22 FRS channels with 99 CTCSS privacy codes,
- Impact-resistant and lightweight,
- Backlit LCD screen, flashlight, and speaker/mic jack,
- VOX, scan, and keypad lock
Cons
- Limited max range,
- Confirmation beeps are too loud
2. Baofeng UV-5R Two-Way Dual-Band Walkie-Talkie
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 10.2 x 2.1 x 1.2 inches (25.9 x 5.3 x 3 cm) Range: 20 miles Battery Life: 12 hours Power Source: 1800mAh Li-ion battery Continuous Talktime: 6-8 hours |
If you are looking for a powerful radio packed with a bunch of functions and one that supports CHIRP reprogramming, check the Baofeng UV-5R Two-Way Dual-Band Walkie-Talkie. The 1, 4, and 8-watt selectable modes allow to get up to 20 miles of signal range. Next, the product comes with dual standby and A/B frequency switch.
The LCD screen has adjustable color themes, but the menu and keypad can be somewhat complicated at first. Once you get hang of it, you can benefit from using VOX, busy channel lock-out, keypad lock, emergency alert, and more.
Keep in mind that this model might get interference while driving. Other than that, it is a decent choice for long-distance conversations.
Pros
- Adjustable LCD screen and built-in flashlight,
- VOX, keypad lock, emergency alert, and busy channel lock-out,
- Comes with earpiece, belt clip, hand strap, desktop charger, and adapter,
- Frequency switch and keypad,
Cons
- The menu isn’t intuitive,
- Gets interference when used while driving
3. GOCOM G200 FRS UHF Family Radios
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.88 pounds (0.4 kg) Size: 6.9 x 2.1 x 1.5 inches (17.5 x 5.3 x 3.8 cm) Range: 16 miles Battery Life: 8 hours Power Source: 300mAh NiMH batteries (900mAh in total) Continuous Talktime: 4-5 hours |
For travelers, hikers, and sportspeople, the GOCOM G200 FRS UHF Family Radio are a nice compact option with impressive customization. As such, you can select between 9 squelch and 3 VOX sensitivity levels, and the radios have 22 built-in channels, 121 privacy codes, and 10 weather channels. In addition, the walkie-talkies arrive with earpieces, dual USB charging cables, and belt clips.
The LCD screen makes it easier to change those settings and see how much power is still there in the batteries. Some buyers didn’t like their capacity, but finding a replacement isn’t a problem. Also, the coverage is only about 6 miles, which is still more if you compare it to similar radios in this price range.
Pros
- 22 channels and 121 privacy codes,
- LCD screen and led flashlight, Auto squelch, VOX and weather scan,
- Come with earpieces, Y-type USB charging cables, and belt clips
Cons
- Batteries don’t last long,
- Limited max range
4. Retevis RT45 Rechargeable 2-Way Radio
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.4 pounds (0.18 kg) Size: 4.5 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches (11.5 x 6 x 3.3 cm) Range: 0.5-2.5 miles Battery Life: 48 hours Power Source: 1000 mAh NIMH AA rechargeable batteries Continuous Talktime: 8-12 hours |
The Retevis RT45 Rechargeable 2-Way Radio is a reliable option with 22 channels, 121 sub-codes, and a shock and dust-proof design. The bright LCD screen helps to navigate the menu and switch channels, while the built-in flashlight can be very helpful after dark. Next, the headphone jack allows using accessories with it.
Due to the variety of NOAA channels, you’ll be fully aware of the weather conditions. Unfortunately, these might provide a weaker signal at times, but you can switch to the dedicated channels.
The provided Y-type USB cable allows charging two radios at the same time, and you can keep your hands free with the VOX feature. Just keep in mind that the clips are quite flimsy.
Pros
- 22 channels and 121 sub-codes,
- 11 NOAA channels and VOX-ready,
- Backlit display and built-in flashlight,
- Y-type charging cable
Cons
- Weak weather channels signal,
- Clips are cheap
5. Ansoko Walkie-Talkies ASK-888S Black 3-Pack Radios
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.22 pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 4.7 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches (12 x 5.5 x 3 cm) Range: up to 3 miles Battery Life: up to 24 hours Power Source: 1500mAh Li-ion batteries Continuous Talktime: 8-12 hours |
For those who aren’t interested in unnecessary bells and whistles, you can try the Ansoko Walkie-Talkies ASK-888S Black 3-Pack Radios with a VOX function and a very basic design. Apart from being user-friendly since these have only two knobs for volume and channels and a few buttons, these radios are quite compact.
If you are planning to use them continuously during your expeditions and trips, the batteries should hold the charge for up to 24 hours easily. As for the accessories, these come with decent clips, hand straps, and earpieces. You might want to replace the latter soon because of their poor quality.
It’s a shame that the actual max distance is smaller compared to the number the manufacturer has specified. Still, the monitor button should help you to make the most of it and amplify the signal.
Pros
- User-friendly and lightweight design,
- VOX capable, 105 CTCSS and 50 DCS tones,
- Includes metal spring clips and hand straps
Cons
- Max distance is lower than specified,
- Cheap earpiece
6. SAMCOM Two-Way Black and White FWCN30A Radios
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.27 pounds (0.12 kg) Size: 7.1 x 1.6 x 1.1 inches (18 x 4 x 2.8 cm) Range: 36 miles Battery Life: 40 hours Power Source: 1250mAh Lithium-Polymer batteries Continuous Talktime: 10 hours |
Along with an informative backlit screen, the SAMCOM Two-Way Black and White FWCN30A Radios offer 22 channels and multiple functions. For instance, you’ll get NOAA and Call alerts, VOX, low-battery alarm, and power-saving mode here. As if it’s not enough, you can make group calls on different channels for announcements.
Each radio also comes with a built-in flashlight and has durable housing. It would be much better if the manufacturer had chosen to make them waterproof, but it’s hard to complain given the price tag. As for the accessories, you’ll get belt clips, Y-type USB charging cables, and earpieces.
Despite the variety of channels and modes, the radios have a very limited reception indoors.
Pros
- Slim design and USB Y-charging cable,
- LCD screen and led flashlight,
- Group calls and VOX-ready,
- NOAA and Call alerts and power-saving mode
Cons
- Limited range when used indoors,
- The housing is not waterproof
7. Radioddity FS-T3 2-Watt Rechargeable FRS Radios
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.25 pounds (0.11 kg) Size: 6 x 2.8 x 1.4 inches (15.2 x 7.1 x 3.6 cm) Range: 4 miles Battery Life: 24 hours Power Source: 1500mAh Li-ion batteries Continuous Talktime: 10-12 hours |
The Radioddity FS-T3 2-Watt Rechargeable FRS Radios offer great value for the money given the functions they have built-in and the number of accessories they come with. For instance, you’ll get 22 channels here with 204 CTCSS/DCS privacy tones. On top of that, they have an LCD, flashlight, scan, squelch, monitor, low battery alerts, and VOX for hands-free operation. While the latter requires programming via computer, the user-friendly interface makes them very easy to use and customize.
When it comes to accessories, there are belt clips, wrist straps, earpieces, and charging cables. The only drawback that you might find important is the max range as it is slightly lower than specified by the manufacturer.
Pros
- LCD and led flashlight,
- VOX, Monitor, Scan, Squelch functions,
- Excellent battery capacity,
- Come with lanyards, belt clips, earpieces, Y-type charging cables
Cons
- Limited max range,
- VOX requires programming
8. Topsung M920 Family Long Range 3 Pack Walkie Talkies
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.99 pounds (0.45 kg) Size: 6.1 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches (15.5 x 5.6 x 3.3 cm) Range: up to 16 miles Battery Life: 62 hours Power Source: 1000mAh NiMH AA rechargeable batteries Continuous Talktime: up to 12 hours |
The Topsung M920 Family Long Range 3 Pack Walkie Talkies come in different colors to provide every member of your group with a personalized radio. They provide 22 main channels with 38 CTCSS and 83 DCS codes and have an informative backlit screen. As for the functions, it has a built-in NOAA weather scan and alert, busy channel scan, VOX, and keypad lock.
The actual battery life is quite shorter than specified, so you might want to find a replacement with a larger capacity. A few buyers also found these radios quite tricky to set up, because the instructions weren’t clear. On the other hand, the set includes USB cables, adapters, and a lanyard, making it more attractive for buyers.
Once you understand the programming process, you’ll love the level of customization here. For example, you can adjust VOX sensitivity, volume, and call tones.
Pros
- Small and lightweight,
- Backlit LCD screen,
- NOAA weather scan and alert, VOX, adjustable call tones, and keypad lock,
- Come with the USB cable, adapter, and lanyard
Cons
- Short battery life,
- Settings are a bit complicated
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with walkie talkies for city use, we found that Moico Long Range Walkie Talkies for Adults is the best walkie talkie for city use available today.
Our Premium Option is Baofeng UV-5R Two-Way Dual-Band Walkie-Talkie 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 GOCOM G200 FRS UHF Family Radios as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying walkie talkies for city use
Sound Quality
Majority of mainstream walkie talkies for public purchase will come with settings that allows for sound adjustments when you experience a noisy buzzing or fuzzy sound. With squelch settings in some models, it also allows for you to hear extra sound waves. However, do note that it does not neccessary equate to better sound quality. A good sound quality depends on the speaker and microphone aswell as the distance and obstacles in between the two receivers.
Hands Free Communication
The hands free communication featurein a walkie talkie consist of 2 features – VOX as well as microphone jack.
A VOX (Voice-activated) feature switches on the microphone whenever you speak into the radio from a distance. Thus, it lets you operate the walkie-talkie in a hands-free mode. This feature is extra useful for mountain bikers and hikers.
Some walkie talkie models have a PPT button at an access point that makes it more convenient than a VOX feature where you may not have full control over the voice transmitting.
Questions and Answers About walkie talkies for city use
Which is better UHF or VHF walkie talkie?
UHF (ultra high frequency) walkies are suitable for usage both indoors and outdoors. The waves do not travel as far as VHF but they do a better job at penetrating obstacles between the transmissions. VHF (very high frequency) walkies are generally more suited for surroundings which has almost no obstructions and tends to operate best at ‘near-the-ground’ tranmissions. Thus, it is more suited for outdoor terrains.
Can I use a walkie talkie without a license?
Some walkie talkies require licenses to operate. This mostly applies in the US, so if you’re from other country, you should do a proper check and research on whether walkies in your area require licenses to operate. In the US, if you’re using a walkie labelled “FRS/GMRS” or “GMRS” which stands for “General Mobile Radio Service” then yes, you will require a license. You will need to pay a fee and file FCC forms to register it.
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