13 Best Walkie Talkie of 2023: Reviews

Our lives are made easier and more enjoyable by a walkie-talkie that provides long-range communication, durability, and clear transmission. This article looks at 13 of the best walkie-talkies on the market in 2023.

It’s not easy to find the perfect walkie-talkie system. All the walkie-talkies are not designed to provide the same function. Some walkie-talkies provide long-range communication, while there are others that provide waterproof design and long-lasting battery life. There is, indeed, a trade-off between various features and standards. While compiling this list of the top walkie-talkies for 2023, we kept all of these things in mind. For each of your demands, we’ve identified and reviewed at least one good walkie-talkie.

Before going into details, let us have a quick look at our top choices:

Top Walkie Talkies of 2023

Why Should You Get a Walkie Talkie?

Walkie talkies are the perfect way to remain connected, as it offers reliable communication, without distractions like calls and notifications!

• Walkie talkies have made their way into the modern era with their rich-feature functionality and effortlessness. The radios of present times are loaded with features like a built-in flashlight, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, and much more.
• Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and storms can disrupt communications, making it difficult for people to seek help. With radios, you can ensure prompt communication as a result of better connectivity. In short, walkie talkies help improve the response time and certainly should be a part of any emergency survival kit!
• Some other advantages of having a walkie talkie are that they have larger battery capacities than standard mobile phones. Moreover, as mobile screens are made of delicate glass, they’re more prone to damage. Walkie talkies, on the other hand, are durably built and can withstand tough conditions.
• Several walkie talkies on the market today are programmable and customizable. Hobbyists can use the devices for monitoring various frequencies to socialize and connect with new users.
• Handheld radios are suitable for different business activities like running schools, managing restaurants, and guarding complexes. They enable users to perform tasks efficiently and stay connected even when there is no cellular coverage. The best part about walkie talkies is that they offer instant communication; there’s no need to dial numbers and wait for the other person to answer. More importantly, they enable hands-free communication to make operations smoother.
• Walkie talkies are beneficial for users looking to communicate in areas with limited cellular coverage. Unlimited communication makes it apt for outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, skiing, camping, and cruising.
• Additionally, kids who are too young for mobile phones can use walkie talkies to stay connected when playing around the neighborhood. They can also incorporate radio communication in their playtime to encourage their imagination and creativity.
• Standard baby monitors tend to have limited range coverage. However, by using a VOX-enabled walkie talkie, you can enjoy long-distance baby listening. While the baby sleeps away in the hotel room, you can enjoy dining with your buddies several floors away while maintaining a reliable connection with them. The talkback feature helps soothe the little ones when they’re fussy.

Best Walkie Talkie Reviews

1.       Uniden SX507-2CKHS – Best Long range

If you are looking for the best long-range walkie-talkie, Uniden SX507-2CKHS is what you should get. Although relatively pricey, SX507-2CKHS has got all the extra features and every bit of range to make this the ultimate best.

The SX507-2CKHS is a solid piece of hardware with an impressive array of functions. It is a fantastic investment indeed, especially if you’re looking for long-distance coverage. Not only does the walkie-talkie radio look sleek, but it performs well, too!

This JIS7-rated radio can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. On top of that, it floats too! The walkie-talkie operates on industry-standard frequencies and boasts NOAA weather alerts to keep you up-to-date with weather information.  Whether you are camping, biking, or hiking, SX507-2CKHS is sure to keep you covered outdoors!

It is relatively costlier for a pair of walkie-talkies. However, given its premium functioning, you can’t get better results within this price range.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Uniden radio during the testing phase, especially for its ease of use, quality construction, and remarkable range.

2.       Motorola T265

You get two earbuds, a camouflage carry case, and a range of up to 25-miles! If you want a pocket-friendly hunting radio, this is ideal. Motorola T265 is the walkie-talkie you should get for hunting.

What I loved about these Motorola radios was how easy they were to grab and talk! With the VOX function, you can transmit by speaking into the mic without pressing any buttons.

The battery life is pretty sufficient for outdoor use. However, once the battery runs low, it will take quite some time to recharge. This is the only disadvantage of this hunting walkie talkie.

In terms of audio, I was quite satisfied to find that there was no distortion at all.  However, the transmissions may turn patchy on low-power, which is why it’s best to have the device well-charged at all times.

Some of the features that helped make the purchase worthwhile were:

• Up to 29-hours battery life
• Supports micro-USB charging
• iVOX for hands-free operation
• 11 weather channels

As far as durability goes, the T265 holds up well in tough conditions. I dropped it a couple of times but noticed no damage to the exterior. 

3.       Cobra RX680

With Cobra RX680, you get an impressive radio experience: the handset comes packed with practical features. This is the most recommended survival walkie talkie of 2023. The walkie-talkie doesn’t only offer high-quality audio but reliable communication with a range of up to 38-miles.

The Cobra RX680 scores highly as far as aesthetics are concerned. It feels sturdy, yet very comfortable in hand. It fits perfectly into the hand, all thanks to its slim design.

The radio’s extended signal capabilities provide a range of up to 38-miles, with minimal interference. Also, the walkie-talkie is weatherproof and dust-proof, designed to IP54 standards. On initial testing, I found that the transceiver’s true range is far from what is advertised. However, in areas with limited obstruction, the device is expected to perform well.

Furthermore, the RX680 has a long run time of 18-hours and can be recharged using a micro-USB charger. It also helps in preparing users for storms and emergencies with its in-built NOAA alerts.

Overall, Cobra RX680 is a capable handset with various handy features sure to help in your emergencies. If you keep realistic expectations from the radio, the RX680 certainly won’t disappoint.

4.       DEWALT DXFRS800

This set of walkie-talkies is pretty much at the premium end of the market, with features like shock-resistance and long-range coverage. If you’re looking for the best skiing experience, then the DEWALT DXFRS800 is worth considering!

The DEWALT handsets impress right out of the box. Its rubberized edges and vibrant color give it quite a unique appearance. The talkies are well-built and offer a premium feel in hand. On the downside, the belt clips are quite fragile and break pretty easily!

As for the audio quality, the radio does well here, too. It’s fair to say that the mic volume isn’t the best. However, that’s pretty expected given the float feature and rubberized casing. Despite that, the overall audio performance is certainly hard to beat!

If you’re looking to get solid radios for your skiing group, then we’d suggest getting the DEWALT walkie talkies. You’re not going to find better handsets for this price!

Here are some more reasons why DEWALT DXFRS800 talkies are worth buying!

• Limited lifetime warranty
• Waterproof and dust-proof
• Shock resistant
• Auto-squelch

5.       Arcshell 6-Pack – Best for Cruise Ships

Every aspect of the Arcshell radio is impressive, particularly how well it performs regardless of its surroundings. In addition to that, it’s solidly constructed and is quite a useful option to have!

The Arcshell walkie talkies are aimed at adventurers, boasting a robust design that is built to survive. The water-resistant construction is a bonus, especially for those looking to use these aboard cruise ships. The device allows users to program any 50 CTCSS tones and 105 CDCSS tones on the programmed channels.

When onboard a cruise, you will need a radio that enables private and secure communication. Using privacy codes, you can create multiple channel combinations in addition to the 16 pre-programmed channels. You can also use the Arcshell earpieces for silent and discreet communication!

Another notable feature of the Arcshell talkies is the high-quality in-built speaker on the radio. It provides loud and crystal-clear sound output. When using the radio around crowds, you don’t have to worry about muffled audio and low volume!

6.       Retevis RT15

The RT15 has just the amount of power you need in a compact design. Despite its small size, it works amazingly well as a professional walkie talkie with extended battery life. In fact, RT15 is one of the top compact walkie talkies in the market.

At under $40, the RT15 sits in the low to mid-range and boasts an array of features to match its rivals. The rechargeable and compact radio is an excellent buy for use indoors and outdoors. It’s a handy little device for emergencies with practical features like:

• 0 to 9 squelch levels
• 10-12 hours of battery life
• Mini-USB interface
• VOX for hands-free operation

It is particularly beneficial for professionals working 8-hour shifts as it has got great battery life. Besides, it easily fits into the pocket, thanks to its compact and lightweight design.

If the size is a major concern, you cannot go wrong with the Retevis RT15. However, bear in mind that the audio can be patchy depending on terrain and other environmental conditions.

7.       Motorola Talkabout T800 – Best Bluetooth

One of Motorola T800’s major selling points is its Bluetooth technology.  It is a well-put-together handset with top-notch features and hardware that seems like it’s going to last!

If you’re in search of an effective radio for off-grid communication, you’re in luck! The Motorola T800 from the Talkabout series is the perfect pick for off-grid messaging and broadcasting. On the plus side, it’s got Bluetooth connectivity, too!

The T800 is a popular choice among hobbyists as it allows for location sharing, easy group communications, and emergency location tracking. Moreover, its channel combinations total 2,662, which guarantees safer communications.

My opinion of the T800 is that it’s certainly a great pick for security personnel. The walkie talkie works like a charm with absolutely no audio problems. However, it does require frequent charging as the battery seems to drain pretty quickly. But, with micro-USB charging, you shouldn’t have trouble recharging this device while on the go!

8.       Obuby Toys T-388

Aimed at the younger lot, the Obuby Toys T-388 is a decent pick for outdoor activities. Its small and light design allows absolute ease of use and just the right bit of functionality.

The most impressive thing about the Obuby Toys T-388 is its exceptional quality. Although intended as a walkie talkie for kids, it’s far better than just toy quality! The audio is pretty remarkable, as well.

Another nice feature is the choice of vibrant colors. It certainly appeals in terms of design and aesthetics.

Some of our favorite features of the T-388 include:

• Intelligent alarm system
• Adjustable volume level
• Anti-interference function
• Built-in flashlight and keypad lock

As for performance, to be honest, it’s not the best in terms of range coverage. However, it serves its purpose in short-range communication. Parents can use these talkies to monitor the children while they’re playing outdoors.

At under $35 for three kids walkie talkies, you can’t find a better deal than this!

9.       BILLFET

This two-way radio serves its purpose well as an audio baby monitor. It delivers crystal-clear audio in a compact and portable design, fit for parents on the go!

Walkie talkies are increasingly gaining popularity as baby monitors, thanks to their great range coverage and an array of features. Traditional baby monitors are typically unreliable owing to short-range capabilities.

When the parent moves to a different floor, the monitors are likely to lose their connection. On the other hand, with walkie-talkies, you can stay connected, even if you are a couple of floors apart!

The BILLFET walkie-talkies offer 32 channels that limit interference and increase the chances of your radio picking up on noise. The talkback feature is another practical function on these BILLFET talkies, which helps soothe the little ones when they get fussy!

10.   VECTORCOM RD08

If you’re looking for a sleek, elegant radio, you’re in the right place. The VECTORCOM radio is designed for everyday use, with a convenient wearable design. If you are looking for a wearable walkie talkie watch, this is the right choice.

Our favorite aspect of the VECTORCOM RD08 is that it’s not a cumbersome piece of wristwear. In fact, it sits comfortably, without snagging on too tightly. It weighs 0.7 pounds, so it’s not heavy, either!

Most importantly, the RD08 isn’t just a walkie talkie. It’s got all the functions of a standard wristwatch, and more:

• Time display
• Includes earbud
• Electronic volume control
• Internal VOX

Although it cannot be used as a dedicated watch due to power reasons, it’s still a fantastic piece to invest in. What makes the RD08 worth considering is that it’s certainly not a toy! Most adult users seem to love this wearable radio for the ease of use it offers!

The only downside to the VECTORCOM watch is that the internal VOX is too sensitive!

11.   Motorola CLS1410

The Motorola CLS1410 walkie talkie is bursting with features more than apt for any restaurant! With its extended battery life and handsets, you’ll have absolutely no problem running business operations.

Motorola’s CLS1410 offers excellent value for money and proves that great things come in bigger packages! These compact radios are just perfect for use in small restaurants. They’re quite handy in keeping teams well-coordinated and in achieving business goals.

It is the perfect combination of power and design – and offers excellent range coverage to suit indoor and outdoor spaces. Motorola CLS1410 comes with a six-way charger that helps in recharging all units simultaneously. Besides the charger, each unit comes with a dedicated earpiece to aid in discreet communications.

Overall, if you’ve got money to spare, these are the best restaurant walkie talkies you can find on the market today!

12.   Retevis RT22

Boasting a design that’s built to survive – the RT22 is an apt choice for walkie-talkies for school businesses. It has a host of features to ensure an efficient and reliable functioning needed to run the show!

These radios don’t stand out in terms of design and appearance. However, that opinion changes as soon as you pick these up and take a closer look. The RT22 walkie-talkies are incredibly lightweight and solidly built.

They’re also quite small and compact. The lightweight and tiny frame make them easy to carry or stow away in your bag.

Another standout feature of the RT22 is the crystal-clear audio output, free from interference and distortion. This particular feature is quite important, especially when looking for a device that aids in team management and coordination.

Some of its other noteworthy features include:

• 16-channels
• Emergency alarm
• Six-way charger
• Integrated, sturdy antenna

If you’re in search of a sturdy yet affordable set of walkie-talkies for school administration and management, you can’t go wrong with these. The Retevis RT22 function pretty well for the money and are quite long-lasting too.

Moreover, the charging base is an excellent deal, especially if you’re looking for convenience and space-saving!

13.   BaoFeng BF-888S

The BF-888S radios are perfect for all kinds of activities. With a lightweight design, user-friendly interface, and crystal-clear audio, these are the best low-cost walkie talkies on the market today!

BaoFeng BF-888S promises an impressive set of features at a wallet-friendly price. BaoFeng is a renowned brand in the world of two-way radios, consistently producing walkie talkies with cutting-edge features. The best part about BF-888s is the premium audio quality, which has zero static and distortion.

Can it beat its rivals with some of the best walkie talkies on the market, too?

After testing out the BF-888S, we can confidently say ‘yes’! These beginner-friendly radios are perfect for acquiring basic radio skills. The device is well-endowed with features you’d expect from a standard talkie but at a significantly lower cost.

However, in terms of construction and build quality, you get what you pay for. We do not recommend these for tough use.

Walkie Talkie Buying Tips

You can buy a high-quality walkie-talkie with the following buying tips:

Types

First off, before picking any device, you need to identify where and how you plan on using the walkie talkie. There are two categories: FRS and GMRS. While FRS typically does not require licensing, there is a legal limit to the power output. On the contrary, the GMRS band requires users to obtain a license, as it handles greater power and offers improved range coverage.

Next, you’ll need to identify the walkie talkie type that you’re looking for. When purchasing a device for kids, you will need to pay extra attention to the design and construction aspects. We highly recommend wearable walkie talkies, which are easy to carry and lightweight.

If you are looking for a versatile walkie talkie that serves multiple functions, you should look for VOX. Using this function, you can transform any standard radio device into a fully functional baby monitor with talkback capabilities.

Additionally, you can find walkie talkies with varying distance-coverage abilities. If you’re looking to reach users miles away, you must ensure that the walkie talkie you’re purchasing has greater power output and range coverage.

If you’re a hunter, we highly recommend you to look into the Motorola T265, which comes with a camouflage carry case. The package includes earbuds with a PTT microphone to help users silently communicate while searching for their prey!

Bands

Another essential selection factor is VHF vs. UHF. The two radio bands operate at different radio frequencies and differ in how their penetration abilities. For example, the VHF band works well at covering longer distances in areas with little interference.

VHF radios have a relatively taller antenna that helps communicate in open areas, penetrating trees and vegetated areas.

The UHF radio band is fairly versatile and more common in cities and urban areas. The UHF waves are better at penetrating buildings and structures without getting interference.

Conclusively, whether you’re looking to use the walkie talkie around tall buildings or open areas can determine the radio band to opt for.

Waterproof

One feature to look for, particularly for outdoor walkie talkies, is weatherproofing. For example, when kayaking or cruising, you need a device that will continue to function if subject to water splashes. Similarly, when camping or hiking, you should look for dust-proof radios to ensure that the exterior is well-protected.

You can identify the protection level by looking at the IP ratings of each device. The higher rating it has, the more resistant the radio is. It is recommended to look for radios with high IP-standard ratings to ensure that the radios survive in dusty or wet conditions.

Battery

In most cases, you will need a device that does not require frequent charging. A radio with a longer standby time is the right choice, especially if you’re looking for a walkie talkie baby monitor.

However, most low-cost walkie talkies run on AA or AAA batteries. In that case, you will need spare batteries with you at all times.

For rechargeable radios, it’s a good idea to have a device that supports USB-charging. That way, you will be able to charge your device on the go using a power bank or vehicle phone charging adapter.

Channels

Having a walkie talkie with more channels makes communication easier and reduces privacy concerns, as well. Besides the number of channels, you should also look for privacy codes to create multiple channel combinations for safer communications.

Other features

• You never know when a built-in flashlight may come in handy. When hiking or camping, it’s a great idea to have a multi-function device, which will help in nocturnal activities.
• If you’re headed out in the woods for hunting, you will need vibration alerts so that you can operate silently.
• While most standard walkie talkies boast an LCD, you may find a few options like the Retevis RT15 and RT22 without a display. An LCD is important because it displays essential information like battery levels, channel numbers, timers, and more.
• If you’re looking for an outdoor walkie talkie or a survival radio, you may as well purchase one with weather channels and alerts.
• When handing out radio gadgets to kids, we recommend walkie talkies with channel locks to prevent them from changing the settings or frequencies.
• It is good to have a device with jacks for an external microphone, headset, and speakers.
• Other features to look out for include GPS and Bluetooth technologies.

FAQs

What is the best brand of walkie talkies?

Several brands are leading the show in the telecommunication industry with their range of two-way radios. These include:

• Motorola

Motorola is leading the walkie talkie scene with its premium-quality radios. They are recognized globally for their military transceivers. Currently, some of their best units include T265, Talkabout T800, and CLS1410.

• Cobra

Another brand recognized for its quality is Cobra. Not only are the brand’s radios feature-rich, but highly capable, as well.  Our top favorite is the Cobra RX680 for its unbelievable 38-miles range coverage!

• Uniden

Uniden is recognized as one of the most reputable brands within the telecommunication industry. Its use of cutting-edge technology and range of affordable radios is astounding! The most noteworthy contribution has been in SX507-2CKHS, which is currently the best walkie talkie of the year!

• DEWALT

Due to DEWALT’s unmatched reliability, the brand has emerged as one of the best for recreational two-way radios! The DEWALT DXFRS800 is a popular choice among adventurers for activities like skiing and kayaking!

What is the most powerful walkie talkie?

Most standard handheld walkie-talkies use 0.5-5 watts of power for transmissions. You will find some professional radios designed with slightly more power handling, usually between 1-5 watts. The general rule of thumb regarding transmission power is that the higher wattage results in a greater range.

However, if greater power handling is the determining factor of your purchase, we recommend you to look into the Midland MXT400 micro-mobile. The radio is among one of the most powerful GMRS walkie talkies with a broadcasting power of 40-watts!

Which walkie talkie has the longest range?

When you go out in search of the longest-range walkie talkie, you’ll find several professional devices with such capabilities. However, the true range coverage of any radio is highly dependent on environmental factors like the terrain and weather.

Our top favorite for long-distance communication is the Uniden SX507-2CKHS, with a range of up to 50-miles.

Are children’s walkie talkies safe?

Radio frequencies are open for public use, which means that strangers can tune in to the same frequency and eavesdrop. To minimize this risk, we recommend parents opt for walkie talkies with multiple channels.

Some walkie talkies have an additional feature called ‘privacy codes’ to create sub-channels. This function creates multiple channel combinations to reduce the risk of strangers hijacking. However, as a safety precaution, you must teach your children to not communicate with strangers over walkie talkies.

How do I increase the range of my walkie talkie?

Walkie talkies are an excellent tool for communicating for individual and business use. However, certain circumstances like weather and terrain can drastically restrict the range. To boost your walkie talkie’s coverage, consider the following tips:

• Replace the stock antenna with an external one. Using a tall whip will help in reducing interference and improving the radio’s range coverage.
• Using signal repeaters is another way to transmit further away.
• Lastly, it is recommended to check the power level of your radios. If your walkie talkie has lower battery strength, it may impact the signal strength.
• Adjust the walkie talkie squelch to increase receiver sensitivity.

What walkie talkies do the military use?

When it comes to national security, the need arises for a radio that can guarantee reliable communication at all times. Due to this, the military uses specialized equipment to advance its missions by accelerating efficiency.

The Motorola RMU2040 UHF radio covers an outdoor range of two-miles with full two-watt power output. The well-constructed walkie talkie is designed to withstand tough conditions and help troops reach far from the base. It also meets several military standards for vibration, shock, and more.

The RDU4100 is another military-standard walkie talkie by Motorola with a power capacity of four watts. It covers about three miles outdoors and 350,000 sq. feet indoors.

Which is better, UHF or VHF walkie talkie?

The Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) band operates between 400-512 MHz. Its short waves are better at penetrating through areas of interference, like buildings, roofs, doors, and other such obstructions. The UHF band is an excellent choice for users looking to communicate indoors, across different floors.

The Very High Frequency (VHF) band, on the other hand, operates at 136-174 MHz. Compared to UHF, VHF has long waves, making it capable of covering vast distances while utilizing lesser power. VHF band walkie-talkies work best when the two transceivers have a clear line of sight.

We recommend VHF radios for outdoor activities like fishing, horse riding, shooting, and golfing.

Do walkie talkies work through walls?

Walkie talkies utilize radio waves for communication where different bands possess varying wavelengths. Among the two popular two-way radio bands, VHF radios work excellently in covering longer distances. However, to cover vast ranges, VHF requires minimal interference and obstructions.

UHF, on the contrary, can penetrate wood, steel, and concrete with its short waves. If you’re particularly looking for walkie talkies that work through walls, Ultra-High Frequency is hands down the best!

Conclusion

In a nutshell, whether you plan on spending time backpacking or running business operations smoothly, you certainly need a dependable mode of communication. Cellphones can be expensive and are subject to cellular network availability. Walkie talkies, on the contrary, work ’round the clock, in almost all settings.

Although old-fashioned, the devices remain effective AND affordable, even today! Choosing the right radio will depend on individual requirements and factors like purpose and area of use.

 We highly recommend compact yet sturdy devices for adventurers like campers, hikers, and hunters. If you work as security personnel, you’ll need exceptional distance coverage and headset compatibility. Lastly, for recreational needs, users can do with affordable devices with simple interfaces.