9 Longest Range Walkie Talkies in 2024 | LydiaScapes

Longest Range Walkie Talkies

During our many outdoor hikes across countries like the US, we’ve sometimes needed to talk to one another from pretty far distances. As a result, we had to strongly consider the working range of our walkie talkies. If your job requires you to work in remote locations where cell service is limited, or if you need to be in constant communication with your team in the same locale, finding the longest range walkie talkie is crucial. To help you find one that works for you, we researched some of the best long range walkie talkies out there and have listed them below.

Longest Range Walkie Talkies

What are the Longest Range Walkie Talkies?

Below you’ll find the list of the top 9 Longest Range Walkie Talkies. We compiled this list from longest range walkie talkies we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with walkie talkies with the longest range 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. Motorola T600 Talkabout Radio

Motorola T600 Talkabout Radio
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.54 pounds (0.24 kg)
Size: 7.8 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches (19.8 x 6.1 x 3.8 cm)
Range: 35 miles
Battery Life: 23 hours
Power Source: NiMH battery or 4 AA batteries
Continuous Talktime: 9 hours

Motorola T600 talkabout radio is suitable for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. It can cover a very long range of about 35 miles. It can be powered either by an NiMH battery or 4 AA batteries. The two way radio is known for its ruggedness, water resistance and the ability to float on water. Also, it has an LED flashlight feature that turns on to alert you and helps you to easily locate the radio when falls in water. The LED flashlight also functions as torch to help you see in the dark. This flashlight however does drain the battery easily when its on.

Pros

  • Dual power source,
  • Built-in LED that automatically turns on to alert and help you find it easily,
  • Water resistant,
  • Presence of NOA weather scan and alert feature,
  • Floatability.

Cons

  • Not the sharpest sound quality,
  • Fast battery consumption when the LED flashlights function is on,
  • No bluetooth function unlike other motorola products.

2. Samcom 5 Watts Programmable Two Way Radio

Samcom 5 Watts Programmable Two Way Radio
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.9 pounds (0.41 kg)
Size: 1.2 x 1.2 x 11 inches (3 x 3 x 27.9 cm)
Range: Up to 5 miles
Battery Life: 7 days
Power Source: 6 1500mAh Battery
Continuous Talktime: 12 hours

The Samcom Two Way Radio is the only walkie on this list that has its very own programming software (compatible with windows only) that comes with it for those who wishes to reprogram the default channels and settings. It also has a group PTT (press to talk) that allows you to communicate with the entire group in varying distances even if you’re not on the same channel. This is ideal for people who require certain levels of coordination for their camping/outdoor activities. Furthermore, it boasts a 5W transmitting power that has the ability to penetrate obstacles within the urban environment.

However, the instruction manual seem like it is roughly translated from Chinese, which may not seem like a big issue for operating manual, but when this same issue presents itself in the programming software as well, it might take some intuition to figure things out. The Samcom Two Way Radio is the only walkie in this list that specifically highlights its own programming software. This feature might be a big win for those looking to customise their own channels and settings.

Pros

  • Group PTT feature which allows you to talk to the entire group even if you’re not on the same channel (ideal for those that require group coordination),
  • Provides SAMCOM programmable software (compatible with windows only) for those who wish to reprogram the settings,
  • 5 Watts transmitting power have the ability to penetrate obstacles within the urban environment,
  • Has a 2W low power mode to save battery when not the 5W is not required.

Cons

  • Google transalted instructions manual and programming system,
  • Maximum working range may not always be as advertised.

3. NOAA Long Range Walkie Talkies Rechargeable for Adults

NOAA Long Range Walkie Talkies Rechargeable for Adults
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Size: 8.9 x 7.5 x 3 inches (22.5 x 19.1 x 7.5 cm)
Range: Up to 20 miles
Battery Life: 72 hours
Power Source: 1800mAh polymer lithium rechargeable battery

The NOAA Long Range Walkie Talkies are designed to last with its anti-skid design and its drop-protection outer casing made of a durable ABS material. With a built-in keypad lock, there will be not be anymore accidental transmissions. It is also energy efficient with its auto power saver mode. You will also be alerted once it needs charging. It operates on 1800mAh lithium polymer rechargable batteries that you can recharge easily. However, it does uses proprietary plugs, with charging points forking out from the same wire. This means that you will only be able to charge all units side by side so it might be unsuitable for use if you plan to give each unit away to a different person.

Pros

  • Has 22 channels with 121 privacy codes,
  • Compatible with most other brands,
  • Scan up to 10 channels to receive NOAA emergency weather alert,
  • Has a USB charger and a fast charge,
  • Built with durable ABS material, has anti-skid designs and drop protection,
  • Voice activated (VOX) system.

Cons

  • Comes with one USB charging port that forks into 3 cables,
  • Working range might not be as advertised, Signal diminishes when there’s any obstruction.

4. MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS Talkabout T460 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio

MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS Talkabout T460 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.42 pounds (0.19 kg)
Size: 1.4 x 2.3 x 7.5 inches (3.5 x 5.7 x 19.2 cm)
Range: 35 miles
Battery Life: 21 hour
Power Source: NiMH rechargeable batteries or 3 AA batteries
Continuous Talktime: 10 hours

Motorola Solutions Talkabout T460 rechargeable two-way radio walkie talkie is great for outdoor activities covering a wide span of distance and terrain like camping and hiking. It can cover a distance of about 35 miles in open mountains, 6 miles in open water and about 2 miles when used in the neighbourhood areas. The NiMH battery can last for up to 10hours of use while the 3AA batteries can last for about 21 hours. It also has some automatic functions like the VOX voice activation that allows you to send signals without using the keypads and the NOA weather scan and alerts that notifies you about weather emergencies. However you should know that the two-way radio is not made to be water resistant, it can only survive water splashes like rainfall because it is rated IP54.

Pros

  • Can be powered by rechargeable battery or alkaline battery,
  • Built-in LED flashlight that automatically turns on during emergency period,
  • A push-to-talk power boast,
  • Provides automatic functions like the VOX voice control,
  • NOA weather scan and alerts.

Cons

  • Splash Proof, not water resistant
  • Battery cannot last for more than a day of continuous use,
  • Mainly for outdoor activities.

5. Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio

Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio
Specs
Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.3 pounds (0.14 kg)
Size: 2.5 x 9.8 x 1.8 inches (6.3 x 24.9 x 4.6 cm)
Range: 60km
Battery Life: 8 hours
Power Source: AA batteries

The Midland 50 Channel Walkie Talkie is water resistant. It also has an impressive 36 mile range which has clear transmission,

The NOAA Weather Scan + Alert scan feature scans through 10 weather channels and alerts you when there is a risk of severe weather. The privacy codes give you a host of 3124 channels to allow for private conversations removing the possibility of eavesdropping.

The belt clips are sturdy which make sure that the Walkie Talkie is held in place in case you are doing a hands on activity. This Walkie Talkie is great for communicating around the house and extended neighborhood with your family or child when they are out playing blocks away.

Pros

  • NOAA Weather Scan + Alert feature,
  • It has a 36 mile range,
  • Has privacy codes,
  • It has a belt clip.

Cons

  • The SOS button is faulty,
  • Short battery life.

6. Uniden SX507-2CKHS Up to 50 Mile Range Two-Way Radio

Uniden SX507-2CKHS Up to 50 Mile Range Two-Way Radio
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Size: 7 x 4 x 3.5 inches (17.8 x 10.2 x 8.9 cm)
Range: Up to 50 miles
Battery Life: 14 hours
Power Source: 6 AA Rechargeable Batteries

The Uniden Two-Way Walkie Talkies not only has a sleek-looking and durable design, it has the ability to be submerged for 30 minutes in up to 3 feet of water. This might be useful thing to note for those who wants to use the walkie over a body of water like cavers, hikers or rangers. Another notable feature is its ability to establish a private 2-way channel amongst two person in a group channel. This will allow for more private conversations should you require. However, buyers might want to take the advertised 50 miles with a pinch of skepticism as it truly depends on the type of terrain you’re using it for. In mountainous regions, the range ability will reduce.

Pros

  • 22 channels and 142 privacy codes/direct call codes,
  • Operates on industry-standard frequencies,
  • Certified JIS7,
  • Capable of receiving NOAA weather alerts.

Cons

  • Working range may sometimes be lower than advertised,
  • Sound may be low unless headphones are used.

7. Cobra RX680 2 Watt Rugged Walkie Talkies

Cobra RX680 2 Watt Rugged Walkie Talkies
Specs
Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 1.26 pounds (0.57 kg)
Size: 10.9 x 6.9 x 3.5 inches (27.6 x 17.5 x 9 cm)
Range: 38 miles
Battery Life: 18 hours
Power Source: 2 lithium polymer batteries

Cobra RX680 watt walkie talkie is a two-way radio that is known for is ruggedness, all the buttons are sturdy and durable. This radio might be more suited for indoor activities because of its lower range coverage. It makes use of 2 lithium polymer batteries that can last for up to 18 hours of use. Furthermore, it possesses a built-in NOAA that notifies you on weather and climate emergency. It also has a VOX Voice-Activated Transmission that help you transmit signals without pressing the buttons. However, you should know that this hand-held radio is only resistant to water and dust splash, it cannot survive being dipped in these substances because it is rated IP54.

Pros

  • It is strong and rugged,
  • Choice of multiple channels ,
  • Presence of VOX voice activated transmission,
  • Presence of an in-built NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) for weather emergency alerts.

Cons

  • Not water resistant,
  • Low range coverage.

8. Topsung K-10 Portable NOAA Walkie Talkies

Topsung K-10 Portable NOAA Walkie Talkies
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: 8 hours

A wide choice of colors and rugged ABS housing are the first things that you’ll notice about the Topsung K-10 Portable NOAA Walkie Talkies. These offer 22 channels with 121 sub-codes, VOX function, keypad lock, auto scan, and a power-saving mode. Thanks to the backlit LCD screen, it is very fast and convenient to adjust the settings.

To make sure your trip is safe, you can benefit from an NOAA weather scan and alerts. With the help of USB ports, you can charge your radios right in the middle of your adventure using a power bank.

The drawbacks are uncomfortable earpieces that come with the product and a limited range if you use these radios indoors. Luckily, the signal can go for 20 miles when used in open.

Pros

  • Rugged ABS housing,
  • VOX-ready, keypad lock, auto scan, power-saving mode,
  • Backlit LCD screen,
  • NOAA weather scan and alerts

Cons

  • Earpiece could be more comfortable,
  • Limited range in urban areas

9. Midland T295VP4 X-TALKER GMRS Camo Long Range Walkie Talkie

Midland T295VP4 X-TALKER GMRS Camo Long Range Walkie Talkie
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.38 pounds (0.17 kg)
Size: 6.5 x 2 x 1.6 inches (16.5 x 5.1 x 4.1 cm)
Range: 40 miles
Battery Life: 8-10 hours
Power Source: 700mAh NiMH batteries
Continuous Talktime: 6-7 hours

The Midland T295VP4 X-TALKER GMRS Camo Long Range Walkie Talkie is similar to the T290VP4 version with the only difference in design. Instead of the silver and black combination, this one has a camouflage color that many adventurers might like. This radio offers 22 GMRS channels with scan mode, has extra 14 privacy channels, and 121 Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System sub-codes.

As for the controls, this walkie-talkie has a volume knob and a keypad below the backlit screen. You can activate silent mode to disable all sounds if need be. For hands-free use, you can choose either VOX or an earpiece that comes in the bundle.

Before heading out on your trip, we recommend checking the max signal range as it is lower than specified. Don’t forget about the battery too, as the radio drains it fast.

Pros

  • Lightweight design with camouflage color,
  • Straightforward controls and backlit screen,
  • NOAA weather scan, channel scan, and VOX,
  • Includes belt clips, dual-unit charging station, cable, adapter, and earpieces

Cons

  • Max distance is lower than specified,
  • Low battery pack capacity

Verdict

Based on all of our experience with walkie talkies with the longest range, we found that Motorola T600 Talkabout Radio is the best longest range walkie talkie available today.

Our Premium Option is Samcom 5 Watts Programmable Two Way Radio 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 NOAA Long Range Walkie Talkies Rechargeable for Adults as an affordable alternative.

Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:

What You Should Know Before Buying longest range walkie talkies

Range of Coverage

The range of a walkie-talkie is one of the most important factors to look for when buying this device. Regardless of solid construction, a good walkie-talkie set should provide an optimum range coverage of 25 to 30 miles on limited frequencies of 400-512 MHz with some ultra-high frequency range.

The range coverage may vary due to unclear whether or location-based obstacles like boulders or buildings. It can be increased by optimizing the built-in components like antenna and signal receivers that may also enhance its overall functionality. Always remember that range coverage of a walkie-talkie set largely depends on the weather, location, distance, and geography factors you are using it in.

Ease of Use

The Walkie Talkie you choose should be very easy to use and ideally have large buttons so you can easily access it when in distress. Check for one that is backlit with an LCD display, so it can be easily visible when operating it in the dark. Pick a walkie talkie that is clearly marked, so you do not press the wrong keys. If it is for a child, check that it is lightweight, has a smaller number of buttons and a channel lock to keep it in the same frequency. If it has a belt clip to keep it in place, thats even better!

Channels and Privacy Codes

Not all the walkie-talkies in the market are private and secure. If you want to build safe and reliable communication, you need to have a privacy code enabled walkie-talkie set to function on specific channels.

Privacy codes are an effective way of communication via radios while you need an end to end encryption. It is beneficial to have privacy and interruption-free communication. These days, advanced walkie-talkies are coming with Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) or CDCSS (Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System) that lets you set your privacy codes to keep others away from your channels.

Questions and Answers About longest range walkie talkies

How far can a walkie talkie reach in a city?

The range of a walkie is extremely dependent on the individual brand/ model and also the type of landscape you’re using it on. In cityscapes, radio waves are very sensitive and can be easily disrupted by something as simple as a piece of concrete/ metal/ plaster in between you and the other party. It can also be disrupted by electro-magnetic waves (EMW) which we cannot tell with the naked eye.

Do walkie talkies work through walls?

Walkie talkie can work through the wall depending on whether you’re using a UHF or VHF walkie. UHF has a wider signal range than VHF and thus tends to penetrate any objects that is in the path of transmission better. Thus, it can be said that a UHF walkie can penetrate walls but that will depend on the strength of the brand/model of the walkie talkie and what range does it claim to work.

When Do I Need An FCC License?

An FCC license is needed if you’re plannig to use a GRMS frequency walkie talkie, which has a broader range, high power and more sophisticated technology as compared to a FRS walkie. You can register for a license with FCC for just $70 which can last 10 years and covers the entire family. An FRS walkie talkie does not require FCC license to operate.

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1 Comment

  • Avatar of Tom Brian
    Reply
    Tom Brian
    November 16, 2022 at 3:44 am

    Beginners will appreciate the seamless functioning that an intuitive radio offers. It ought to have a smooth control panel with simple-to-use buttons. Another wonderful feature that allows for hands-free operation is voice detection.

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