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Top 3 Best Budget Walkie-Talkies For 2025

Looking for the best budget walkie-talkies? We’ve done the research so you don’t have to!

First, a sleek option perfect for casual users.

Next, a compact model with solid performance.

And finally, a durable walkie talkie packed with features.

Check the video description for prices, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned to see which one fits your needs best!

Let’s get started…

Number 3. Retevis RT22

Priced to be affordable to the casual user and decked out in a nice camo print, Retevis RT22 is a decent pick. It is an FRS radio, so there’s no need for a license and you can use it right out of the box.

However, FRS also means that the power output is limited to 2W, which can also affect range. In most cases, users should expect a range of about a half-mile or less, though a couple of miles might be possible in better conditions. The FCC restricts some FRS channels to 0.5W and this radio respects that by dropping power on these channels.

The compact radio is just about 0.8 inches thick, has a height of 5.1 inches including the antenna, and measures 2.1 inches wide. It will fit into your hands easily and while seasoned radio users might notice the lack of heft, casual users might find the lightweight radio right up their alley! The weight and style also make it suitable for kids, eventhough the lack of a screen might make it slightly more difficult to use for kids or some new users. You change the channel by rotating the knob on top of the radio, and it announces the channel you’re on. That’s simple enough, but a display is more intuitive.

The combination of the compact dimensions of the transceiver and the relatively low resistance of the channel knob can create a problem so if you have this radio on a belt clip and are moving about, there is a chance that the dial will turn and switch the channels seemingly automatically. So, some caution will have to be exercised in such a scenario.

The packaging includes a little plastic extension, which is the radio’s “back clip”. It attaches to the back of the radio and provides the space for a belt clip. As it attaches to the device, it also forms two little bumper-like protective covers for the bottom sides of the radio. This little touch is appreciable if you’re taking the radio out for a hunting trip. However, it doesn’t have an official protection rating for shockproofing, drop-protection, or waterproofing.

The clip also makes it possible for the radio to stay upright during charging. It uses a USB charger and doesn’t need a cradle, thus reducing clutter and making things more convenient.

This is also a good point for comparing the RT22 with the higher-placed model by Retevis, the RT68. The RT68 can stand upright for charging even without the belt clip. It also includes a more powerful 1200 mAh battery, compared to the 1000 mAh battery in RT22. RT68 also features a thinner, longer antenna. This doesn’t affect the performance much, but the different antenna shapes can appeal to user preferences and aesthetics.

Other notable features include a VOX handsfree system, an emergency alarm that users can trigger if they’re in trouble, and a squelch setting of 0-9 for better audio quality.

Overall, Retevis RT22 is a decent pick and is especially useful for those who want a simple, license-free radio that’s cheap and easy to operate.

Number 2. Cobra ACXT345

Cobra ACXT345 is an attractively priced compact walkie-talkie. Its body is built well enough, but I wouldn’t consider this a rugged radio and eventhough it can withstand a few drops of water it’s not really water resistant.

All things said and done, this is an entry-level, low-priced FRS radio with a body and protection that match its rock-bottom prices!

Another point where Cobra ACXT345 (sort of) overstates its capabilities is the range. To be clear, this isn’t the only radio with tall claims of range. Pretty much all FRS radios make similar claims. This range only exists in ideal conditions where there are no obstacles to block communication. Usually, this happens when a person is on a clear and plain field, communicating with someone on a hill.

In practical use, the range of one mile would be considered good radio, though a half-mile range is more likely.

The transceiver works on all 22 FRS channels and has 121 privacy codes, allowing users to find a private channel with some ease. Apart from FRS, the radio can listen to NOAA weather channels. It can also receive alerts for your area if one is issued by NOAA.

The display is tiny, as can be expected from a unit this size and it has a backlight, which can be switched on or off. This helps conserve battery, while also keeping the walkie-talkie functional for low-light environments.

Though tiny the display manages to show all relevant information. The channel is most prominently visible, though it also shows other settings like VOX, signal strength, battery meter, and others.

Speaking of the battery, the radio draws power from a rechargeable NiMH battery. Additionally, it supports dual power, so you can also use three AA batteries to power the unit. Charging the NiMH battery can be done through a micro USB cable. A Y-shaped cable is included in the box.

Overall Cobra ACXT345 is a fairly capable radio for its price and it is certainly worth consideration when you want a low-priced walkie-talkie.

Number 1. Midland X-Talker T51VP3

First up, let’s talk about durability. This is a walkie-talkie that’s designed to take a beating. Whether you’re out on the trail, camping, or moving between locations in rough conditions, this unit can handle it. Even after constant use over several days, in rain and high humidity, the device can held up perfectly. So it’s robust enough for off-road adventures.

Now, let’s get into battery life—a critical aspect for any walkie-talkie. The Midland T51VP3 comes with rechargeable batteries and a dual charging cradle. The included nickel-metal hydride batteries are convenient, but they have their limitations. For example, while they generally last through a day of casual use, they can be drained faster during constant use, requiring a replacement after about six hours. However, if you’re just using these casually, they should last quite a while. The ability to switch to standard AAA alkaline batteries is a big plus for anyone who doesn’t want to rely solely on rechargeables.

As for performance, especially range, it’s a mixed bag. Midland claims a maximum range of 28 miles, but as with all walkie-talkies, your actual experience will vary significantly based on the environment. In open areas with few obstructions, you can expect good performance, even at distances over a mile. But in more built-up or hilly areas, the range drops off sharply, sometimes struggling to maintain communication over a quarter-mile. This is pretty typical for walkie-talkies in this price range, so while it’s a drawback, it’s not unexpected.

Feature-wise, this model packs in a lot for the price. You get 22 channels with 38 privacy codes, which means you’ve got up to 836 channel options to avoid interference—a nice touch for crowded areas. The NOAA Weather Scan and Alert feature is another standout, automatically scanning and locking onto the strongest weather channel, which can be a lifesaver in unpredictable conditions. Hands-free operation with eVOX technology is also available, making it easier to communicate when your hands are full.

However, there are a few annoyances worth mentioning. The lack of a backlight on the display is frustrating if you plan to use these in the dark, and the loud beeping sound when adjusting the volume can be irritating, especially if you’re trying to stay discreet.

When you compare the Midland T51VP3 to other budget models, it holds its own quite well. The Midland’s combination of durability, decent range, and useful features make it a solid choice for general use. While it may not match the extended range and customization options of a mobile ham radio, it’s much more user-friendly and doesn’t require a license to operate. For the price, it’s a tough contender to beat, especially if you’re looking for something straightforward that works well out of the box.

In summary, the Midland T51VP3 X-TALKER walkie-talkie is a solid budget option with some excellent features and a few minor drawbacks. It’s durable, has a decent battery life, and offers good range in the right conditions. Just don’t expect it to perform miracles in urban environments or over long distances in difficult terrain. For everyday use, camping, hiking, or road trips, it’s a reliable pick and it’s definitely worth considering for your next adventure.

To sum up what I like is the…

Durable and water-resistant build
22 channels with 38 privacy codes for secure communication
NOAA Weather Scan and Alert feature
Hands-free operation with eVOX technology
Rechargeable batteries included with the option to use AAA batteries

On the downside

Limited range in built-up areas
Rechargeable batteries may lose effectiveness over time
No backlight on the display, making it difficult to use in low light
Annoying beeping sound when adjusting volume

So what do you think? Which of these is the best budget walkie talkies for you?

Or do you think another cheap walkie talkie is better?

Tell us in the comments below.

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Have An Awesome day!