Why We Chose It: We feel workplaces will benefit from the ease of charging as well as the lengthy 96-hour battery life. Grab one from the charger and you’re golden. The build quality is decent for the price. It’s birth rainproof, and the rugged form factor ensures that it can take on the impact of minor falls and drops. You can buy walkie-talkies with voice activated transmission (VOX), which means you can operate them hands-free.

An essential feature to consider when purchasing a walkie-talkie is the device’s range of communication. While some models can communicate over 24 miles, others can only make it to the other side of a family house. When selecting your device, choose a model that can support the range you need. FRS walkie-talkies use the Family Radio Service (FRS) and are designed for short-range, recreational use.

The LXT500VP3 from Midland is a true long-range walkie-talkie that, under ideal circumstances, will provide an effective range of more than 20 miles. Under less than ideal circumstances in the open country, you can expect perhaps 1/2 that range and in the city center, it will be reduced to 1 or 2 miles. This gadget fits neatly into the palm of your hand and the operation is a cinch. Despite the range issues, which exist in even the best walkie talkie, we think you’ll like this two-way radio. Family Radio Service falls under the unlicensed banner, meaning it’s free to use so long as your device falls within an ERP (Effective Radiated Power) allowance of a maximum of two watts. In general performance terms, this means you can expect a range of around two kilometers maximum. What is the farthest a walkie talkie can reach? While some less-capable walkie talkies do, most long range walkie talkies do not require line of sight and can be used indoors, outdoors, and even in heavily wooded areas or cities. What factors reduce the connectivity of long range walkie talkies? For a straightforward, user-friendly pair of walkie talkies that are ready to go right out of the box, it’s hard to look beyond these SAMCOM Programmable Walkie Talkies. The well-reviewed devices come with 20 GMRS channels already programmed into them, meaning you don’t have to get involved in programming if you don’t want to. UHF walkie-talkies use frequencies between 400 and 512 MHz. In simple terms, this means they're more powerful (but also require more power), so the signal can make its way through obstructions, such as buildings and densely wooded areas.

Walkie-talkies for adults have longer ranges compared to kids’ devices. Plus, some are weatherproof, thus making them versatile and fit to be used indoors and outdoors. Walkie talkies and two-way radios are an invaluable piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast, whether you’re hiking, camping or hunting. Similar to handheld GPS devices, they provide a direct and reliable means of staying connected in areas with limited or no cell phone coverage. They can keep you safe and even potentially save your life in emergency situations, allowing you to call for help or coordinate rescue efforts. Lastly, they promote a sense of camaraderie and nostalgic fun—after all, there’s something about using a walkie talkie that makes you feel like a kid again.That said, users were able to get around half the mile range in suburban areas. The audio reception has been praised by its user base. Another noteworthy feature is its battery life and charging tech. The audio quality is clear, but the transmission is not loud. On the upside, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around. The battery life is decent, and add-ons like a built-in flashlight and an illuminated screen are the cherry on top. 4. Cobra MR HH500 Radio

This excellent radio is easy to use and offers great, reliable performance from sunny days to stormy ones These walkie-talkies are ideal for any emergency requiring a long communication line. Midland’s GXT1000VP4 walkie-talkies are capable of a 36-mile range in open areas and include several features designed to help you out in dire circumstances. The Motorola Talkabout series has become the ultimate budget outdoor communication radio line. It’s purpose-built to keep you connected, informed, and secure while exploring the great outdoors. The standout feature of the T265 is its dual power capability. You can use standard AA batteries for up to 29 hours of use or the included rechargeable NiMH 800 mAH batteries with up to 12 hours of power. Most walkie-talkies have a belt clip, so you can attach them to a belt or waistband for easy access. FAQ If you want to feel like a walkie-talkie pro (or you need to be one for work), you might want to learn some of the common shorthand phrases that radio operators use when communicating.

5. Best Waterproof Walkie Talkies for Adults—DeWALT Walkie Talkies

With great power comes responsibility. You must understand local regulations every time you use a GMRS radio to avoid fines or penalties. For example, where we tested the BF-F8HP in California, only licensed amateur radio operators can use it and only on amateur radio bands. You must walk a tightrope between taking advantage of this unit's extensive power and programmability and staying within legal guidelines to avoid breaking FCC rules. If you're not prepared to put in the time to learn how to properly use the radio and earn the license, this isn't the right one for you. This radio is for technically inclined users who are willing to get licensed to get the best range and flexibility for their specific needs. We believe that with a range of 5-10 miles (but we’d say closer to five to be on the safe side), these are a great choice if your outdoor buddy has a bit more skill, experience, and wants to forge a little more ahead and give you the all-clear to proceed via radio. We wouldn’t recommend these for getting more than a mile or so of separation. These Midland LXT600VP3 are great for those who don’t take it easy on their gear. These are built to communicate with a range of 30 miles in the mountains, and with a hard plastic design, rugged conditions are not a worry. This radio's main selling point is its waterproof housing making it an easy choice for a sea kayaker or paddleboarder. You'll pay for it though, and the extra protection adds heft and bulk. If you don't expect to drop your radio in the water and need one that can withstand the odd slash or light rain shower, most of the options we tested will work. Many are smaller, lighter, and less expensive. If you spend all your time on the water and don't want to worry about sinking a radio, we recommend the T600.