We’ve used lots of walkie talkies from Brazil to China, and some of the most time-consuming were ones that required a licensure step. Registering for a license takes time and energy that we often don’t want to deal with, so finding a set without this step can be very convenient. This is especially true if you’re using your walkie talkie for a hunting or hiking trip, and don’t have time to mess with it before setting off on the trails.
To help save you some time, we’ve gathered some of the best FRS walkie talkies that don’t require a license for you to choose from. Check out some of our favorites below for your next outdoor adventure.
What is the Best Walkie Talkie Without License?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 9 Best Walkie Talkie Without License. We compiled this list from walkie talkies without license we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with no license needed 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. Midland 36 Channel FRS Long Range Walkie Talkie
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 1 x 2 x 7 inches (2.5 x 5.1 x 17.8 cm) Range: 48.3km Battery Life: 2-3 hours Power Source: 2 AAA batteries |
The Midland 36 Channel FRS Long Range Walkie Talkie is waterproof and has a clear transmission It is licence free which means it has FRS channels. It also has a yellow faceplate which makes it easily visible. It also has a Hands Free Operation with a 30 mile communication range without obstruction.
Lastly, it has NOAA Weather Scan + Alert which is excellent as it sounds an alarm for when there is a risk of severre weather in you vicinity.
Pros
- Waterproof.
- Long range of communication,
- NOAA weather scan+Alert,
- Licence free,
- Hands free.
Cons
- Transmission is not so clear,
- Short battery life.
2. Retevis RT20 Small Walkie Talkies for Adults 10 Pack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.37 pounds (0.17 kg) Size: 3.5 x 2 x 0.6 inches (8.9 x 5.1 x 1.5 cm) Range: 2.5 miles Battery Life: 48 hours Power Source: 1000mAh Li-ion batteries Continuous Talktime: 10-12 hours |
With the Retevis RT20 Small Walkie Talkies for Adults 10 Pack, everyone will stay connected, and the impressive battery capacity will provide up to 12 hours of continuous operation. Next, the ultra-thin and lightweight housing makes carrying them more convenient. Each unit features 16 channels with 50 CTCSS and 208 DCS sub-codes and has a built-in 87-108MHz FM radio. As for the functionality, you’ll get channel scanning, BCLO, power saving mode, VOX, time-out timer, key lock, low battery alert, and high-low power switch.
The set includes USB type-C charging cables and slings, which, unfortunately, have flimsy plastic clips that break easily. Also, the max range is much shorter when you use these walkie-talkies indoors.
Pros
- Ultra-thin and lightweight design,
- 87-108MHz FM radio,
- Scan, VOX, TOT, keyboard lockout, low battery warning,
- USB-C charging port
Cons
- Limited range indoors,
- Plastic clips on slings break easily
3. Rechargeable License Free FRS Two Way Radio with Flashlight
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.1 pounds (0.04 kg) Size: 4.9 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches (12.4 x 4.8 x 2.3 cm) Range: Up to 5 miles Battery Life: 18 hours Power Source: Rechargeable Li-ion Battery |
The Rechargeable Walkie Talkies may be small in size but it has all the basic functions of a walkie-talkie. Its rugged and sturdy design is built to survive a 1.2m drop and has a function that prevents kids from easily switching channels, which might be a big issue if you’re trying to locate your kids on a camping trip. Another handy feature is its flashing low battery alert to remind you to recharge to prevent any unexpected power failure. Seemingly designed for family-friendly trips in mind, the walkies tend to run on the smaller side in order to suit children. This may lead to some adults finding it flimsy. However since this walkie is very child-friendly, it may be a good option for those taking their kids out camping.
Pros
- Has a channel protect function that will prevent kids from easily switching channels,
- Has 22 channels and 121 privacy codes,
- Rugged and sturdy design built to survive 1.2m drop,
- Flashing low battery alert.
Cons
- Comparatively smaller in size to a standard walkie,
- Maximum working range may not always be as advertised.
4. Radioddity FS-T1 FSR Long-Range Radios
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.26 pounds (0.12 kg) Size: 6.7 x 2 x 1.1 inches (17 x 5 x 2.8 cm) Range: 1.5-6 miles Battery Life: 15 hours Power Source: 1500mAh lithium-ion batteries Continuous Talktime: 6 hours |
With the 2-watt output power, the Radioddity FS-T1 FSR Long-Range Radios have a decent max range and operation time of more than 15 hours per charge. Depending on the set size, you can get either 2, 4, or 6 radios in the package. You’ll receive earpieces, a USB charger, lanyards, and belt clips as well.
The product is incredibly lightweight and compact, and each radio is VOX-ready for hands-free operation. Next, it boasts a built-in FM feature and an intuitive backlit display with a Dual Watch mode.
While it receives NOAA weather reports, you’ll have to navigate through the menu since there are no hotkeys. Also, the small PTT buttons are a bit annoying.
Pros
- Receives NOAA weather reports,
- VOX-ready,
- Lightweight and compact,
- Comes with earpieces, a dual USB charger, lanyards, clips
Cons
- PTT button is too small,
- Lacks hotkeys for weather channels
5. Btech MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.5 pounds (0.23 kg) Size: 4.3 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches (11 x 5.8 x 3.2 cm) Range: 8 miles Battery Life: 18 hours Power Source: 1800mAh Lithium-ion battery Continuous Talktime: 10 hours |
With the 15 programmable channels and switchable 20 kHz/12.5 kHz frequencies, the Btech MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio is a fantastic multipurpose option that also has a built-in FM radio. Along with a tri-color screen, you’ll get a flashlight and compatibility with accessories from different brands.
This walkie-talkie features menu lockout, time-out timer, busy channel lock-out, dual-channel monitoring, and channel skip. However, some functions are tricky to activate, and it takes a lot of time to remember how to do that, especially for the beginner.
The good news is that the product is lightweight and has durable housing. Like with many similar kits, you’ll receive a charger with an adapter, earpiece, wrist strap, and belt clip. Unfortunately, the latter is a bit flimsy, but that doesn’t change the overall great impression of the product.
Pros
- Dual-channel monitoring and channel skip,
- Built-in FM radio, adjustable LCD screen, flashlight,
- Menu lockout, TOT, BCLO, and VOX,
- Comes with charger, adapter, earpiece, wrist strap, and belt clip
Cons
- The menu is not intuitive,
- Belt clips are cheap
6. Baofeng BF-88ST Walkie Talkies 4 Pack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 8.2 x 8.2 x 6.6 inches (20.8 x 20.7 x 16.8 cm) Range: 3 miles Battery Life: 25 hours Power Source: 4 Lithium ion batteries Continuous Talktime: 9 hours |
The Baofeng Walkie Talkies is an upgrade on its previous model with an improved battery life and also a faster charging time. The antennae has also been integrated and protected by the body of the walkie. This will lower the chances of signal disruptions or any chances of damage to the antannae. This makes it suitable for use in most camping situations. Coupled with the VOX hands-free activation, this walkie makes for a great choice when doing outdoor activities such as kayaking or climbing as well.
However, you might also need a little bit of programming knowledge to set the frequency at a truly private channel to prevent broadcasting your message to others who are also on the FRS frequency.
Pros
- VOX functions allow hands-free usage,
- Faster charging time of around 3 hours
- Stable, integrated antennae to prevent any signal disruptions,
- Upgraded battery contacts to make the battery more durable and reliable.
Cons
- Might need to be reprogrammed for the device to be on a truly private channel,
- Batteries might not hold a charge as well as advertised.
7. Retevis H-777 Rechargeable 16CH 2 Way Radio
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.89 pounds (0.41 kg) Size: 2.4 x 1.3 x 4.5 inches (6 x 3.3 x 11.5 cm) Range: 2 miles Battery Life: 10-12 hours Power Source: 2 1500mAh lithium metal batteries |
Retevis H-777 rechargeable two way radios can be used for both indoors and outdoors activities like travelling and camping. They are portable in size and also made with strong and quality materials which makes them easy to carry and durable for long time usage. They are powered by 2 1500mAh lithium metal batteries which allows you use the radio for about 10-12 hours. They are also known for the clear and quality sounds it produces when you recieve a signal. These two-way radios also have an LED flashlight that can help you see clearly when using it in the dark. However the hand-held radios does not have a display screen.
Pros
- Produce a clear and quality sound,
- Portable,
- Emergency alert button that you can press in an emergency situation,
- VOX voice control that helps you tranmit signals without using the keypads.
Cons
- No display screen,
- Batteries can not last for more than 24 hours.
8. Baofeng GT-22 FRS License-Free Portable Radio
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 5.3 x 2 x 0.8 inches (13.5 x 5.1 x 2 cm) Range: up to 4 miles Battery Life: 40 hours Power Source: 1500mAh lithium-ion batteries Continuous Talktime: 8 hours |
The Baofeng GT-22 FRS License-Free Portable Radio is a budget-friendly model that is available as a set of two or four walkie-talkies. Along with a very slim housing, it features intuitive knobs and buttons. Since the antenna is quite short, there will be no issues with carrying it in your pocket all day long. Alternatively, you can use the belt clips that come with the product. Just be careful not to switch the channel inadvertently, since the knob is quite large.
As for the functionality, you’ll get 16-channel, VOX-ready radios with multiple ports. You can charge them with a power bank through a mini-USB port, and this model allows reprogramming the frequencies. However, this will require you to buy a different cable.
Pros
- Thin and lightweight design,
- Y-type charging cable and mini-USB port,
- VOX function,
- Fast charging time
Cons
- Easy to switch channels inadvertently,
- Requires a cable to reprogram it
9. Retevis RT48 Waterproof Walkie-Talkies
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.26 pounds (0.12 kg) Size: 10.4 x 4.7 x 3.6 inches (26.4 x 11.9 x 9.1 cm) Range: 5 miles Battery Life: 72 hours Power Source: 1200mAh Li-ion batteries Continuous Talktime: 12 hours |
If you head out to sea frequently, our recommendation is Retevis RT48 Waterproof Walkie-Talkies. The radios feature IP67 waterproof and durable housing along with impressive battery capacity. Once fully charged, they provide up to 12 hours of continuous talk time or up to 72 hours in standby mode.
The built-in squelch dampens the interference, while VOX is very helpful while paddling. On top of that, they have an emergency alarm, time-out timer, and channel lock functions.
Because the belt clips are non-removable, these can be quite bulky and tricky to put in smaller pockets. Also, be mindful that pre-programmed channels don’t match with radios from other brands.
Pros
- IP67 waterproof housing,
- VOX, squelch, alarm, time-out timer, and channel lock,
- Excellent battery capacity,
- Come with dock stations and hand straps
Cons
- Channels and frequencies don’t match with other radios,
- Non-removable belt clips
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with no license needed walkie talkies, we found that Midland 36 Channel FRS Long Range Walkie Talkie is the best walkie talkie without license available today.
Our Premium Option is Retevis RT20 Small Walkie Talkies for Adults 10 Pack 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 Rechargeable License Free FRS Two Way Radio with Flashlight as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying walkie talkies without license
Battery Type
The general rule of thumb for Walkie Talkies is that every 1 watt is equal to 1 mile. Check the wattage of your radio’s batteries and convert using this scale. Checking the type of batteries your Walkie-Talkie has may be of interest to you. Most walkie talkies use the Li-ion batteries which are great for day to day use. Others use the NiMH batteries which are durable and resistant to impact. They also charge quicker but may be more prone to heat damage, reducing their charging capacity. It eventually deteriorate over time.
Hands Free Communication
Almost all 2 way radios and walkie talkies have a push-to-talk feature or a PPT button to allow you to start communicating and transmitting. However, certain walkie talkie models with VOX can also be hands-free, which is perfect for usage for outdoor sports. VOX means “voice-operated exchanged”, and can also be explained as “voice activated transmission”.
Questions and Answers About walkie talkies without license
What walkie talkie channels can I use without a license?
If you are using a walkie-talkie that is labeled as FRS/GMRS, then you would need an FCC license to operate it. If your walkie-talkie is below 2 watts then you don’t need a license for operating it. FRS channels are all licensed by rule so you don’t need a license to use the 22 channels which come under the category of FRS. If your walkie-talkie is labeled only FRS, you can use it for personal or business use unless you are a representative of a foreign government.
What is the farthest a walkie talkie can reach?
Manufacturers often label what is the furthest range their walkie talkies can handle. However, one important thing to note here is that often, manufacturers will indicate the furthest distance base on the assumption that there is no obstruction between two walkies. However, they fail to apply it to real-life situations where one will face a lots of natural obstacles in the way like trees, rocks and terrain. Thus, it is still important to read reviews of the walkie-talkie you have in mind first prior to purchase.
No Comments