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Updated Jan 24, 2023

Best Long Range Two Way Radio Reviews (Updated 2023)

Long range two way radios have revolutionized camping, hunting and hiking. Thanks to these devices, the outdoor experience for most enthusiasts has become more comfortable and a lot safer.

What if you could get the best long range walkie talkie in the market? The best long range two way radio?

Best Long Range Walkie Talkies In A Glimpse:

• 1. Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS – Best Long Range Two Way Radio (Editors Choice)
• 2. Motorola T465 Two Way Radio – Most Durable Walkie Talkie
• 3. Uniden GMR5095-2CKHS Submersible Two Way Radio – Longest Range
• 4. Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS – Most Reliable
• 5. Midland LXT630VP3 36-Channel GMRS with 30-Mile Range – Best Cheap Walkie Talkie
• 6. Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS
• 7. Olympia R300 Rugged Waterproof Two-Way Radios
• 8. Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios
• 9. Galwad 888S Walkie Talkie
• 10. Retevis RT-5R 2 Way Radio 5W

Comparison Table-Best Long Range Walkie Talkie

Top 10 Best Long Range Two Way Radios

1. Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS – Best Long Range Two Way Radio (Editors Choice)

The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a must-have if you are adventurous as it is one of the best long range two way radio available in the market. It has been specifically designed to operate within a 36-mile radius. It has a number of features including over 300 privacy codes, vibrate alert and can accommodate up to 50 channels. It can withstand rain or water splashing on it because of its waterproof feature and has an impeccable whisper function. The whisper function allows one to speak quietly and still be heard clearly by the recipient.  

It is a long-range radio that comes in handy if you find yourself lost in the woods or in an emergency situation. It allows you to send a distress signal with ease. If you are a long-distance traveler, you will be able to enjoy and still stay safe because of its weather alert function. You’ll receive weather alerts and will have ample time to prepare accordingly.

Lastly, it features an automatic channel search with a dual watch function. This means you do not have to manually search for channels that may be available in your locality and can monitor two channels at the same time. It also has a keypad lock. This keeps your settings safely locked in your radio.

This radio is also the best walkie talkie for hiking.

Midland GXT1000VP4 review video

2. Motorola T465 Two Way Radio – Most Durable Walkie Talkie

As the name suggests, this Motorola radio has a range of up to 35 miles with a waterproof feature that can withstand rain or snow. It is fun to operate partly because of its large controls. This makes it easy even when wearing gloves. It is perfect for both outdoor, including camping and hiking, and indoor use too.

It also features 22 channels, with each coming with 121 privacy codes. The best part of having all these channels and codes at your disposal is that they allow weather alerts and warnings to come through. You get to receive updates in real time. This helps you to be better prepared even for the worst.

The Motorolla 22-channel is regarded as one of the best long range walkie talkies because of its compatibility with other brands. As long as the other radio is an FRS/GMRS radio, then no need to worry. All you have to do is make sure that you are on the same channel with the other radio and you are good to go. One thing worth mentioning is that it has a rechargeable battery with enough power that can last up to 10 hours.

3. Uniden GMR5095-2CKHS Submersible Two Way Radio – Longest Range

Uniden GMR5095-2CKHS is considered one of the best long range walkie talkie because of its ability to connect even in areas with no mobile phone signal. Not only is it waterproof, but submersible too, and can float if submerged in water for easy retrieval. As long as it is submerged under three feet of water for not more than 30 minutes, no damage will be done.

It is designed for extreme outdoor activities such as hunting, skiing, and hiking. With a range of 50 miles in normal conditions, some may say it is the best walkie talkie on the market today. It features more than 22 radio channels with about 284 privacy codes. It is equipped with both FRS and GMRS channels, ideal for both short and long distances.

Safety should always be your top priority, which is why the Uniden GMR5095 is a perfect choice. It comes with a weather broadcast mode that enables you to choose a weather channel and you get to hear weather alerts in real-time. Still, on safety, it has a built-in feature consisting of an LED flashlight that you can use to send a signal to alert others of your location.

4. Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS – Most Reliable

Motorola MR350R is ideal for camping during the cold weather. This is due to the buttons that are specifically designed to easily be controlled even when you are wearing gloves. It comes with an LED light that comes in handy at night and is strong enough to be used as a flashlight so that you can find your way back to camp or home in the dark.

It has a range of up to 35 miles with weather channel alerts and rechargeable batteries. It includes a total of 22 GMRS channels with 121 privacy channels. In case of emergencies, or find yourself in a tricky situation, you will only need a push of one button and you are safe. It can withstand harsh weather conditions too and that’s why we consider it among the best two way radios.

Lastly, they are simple, lightweight and affordable, which makes them very popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t forget they are durable, reliable and user-friendly. There are possible alternative uses of this remarkable long range walkie talkie, such as a replacement for baby monitors. It is just a thought though, an idea that has not been implemented yet.

5. Midland LXT630VP3 36-Channel GMRS with 30-Mile Range – Best Cheap Walkie Talkie

With over 36 channels and a 30-mile range, Midland LXT630VP3 is considered one of the best in the industry.  It comes heavily recommended by major players in the industry because of its multiple features including NOAA weather alerts for safety purposes, a strong battery power which is rechargeable with an option of choosing between high or low power settings hence conserving power when need be.

If we take a look at its build quality, Midland LXT630VP3 is a solid, lightweight device that comes with its own belt clip that enhances grip. Even though it is small, the audio quality is flawless under optimal conditions. It has a knob specifically used for adjusting the volume. This proves to be very convenient as you will not need to go through the menus.

Some of the other exciting features of this magnificent walkie talkie include a keypad lock, which allows you to keep your personalized settings safe, a backlit LCD display for easy reading of the screen, and a battery life extender in the event of a situation where you have no access to power for a few hours.

For its size and price, it is a fantastic two way radio.

6. Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS

Motorola MH230R has a range of 23 miles, which makes it a perfect tool to stay in touch with family and friends on a small hiking trail or camp. It is one of the most sought after two-way radio by outdoor enthusiasts. This easy to handle device, due to its lightweight, has quite a number of features that would put the bigger radios to shame.

Most of the essential features can be found in this device. First and foremost, the Motorolla MH230R comes with a total of 7 NOAA channels. They come in handy when you want up to date weather alerts and broadcasts. This helps to be prepared in advance of any incoming unfavorable weather conditions.

Motorola MH230R comes equipped with a capacity of 22 channels and 121 privacy codes. The privacy codes reduce the number of interruptions, making conversations through these radios a smooth affair. It is compatible with other versions of Motorolla radios. Thanks to the iVOX feature, you can speak hands-free. This allows you to engage in other activities that may keep your hands busy and still keep in touch. 

7. Olympia R300 Rugged Waterproof Two-Way Radios

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The Olympia R300 is a rugged two way radio ham radio designed for outdoor adventure that delivers high performance at an affordable price.

R300 has a communication signal range of up to 40 miles under optimum conditions and competes very well with others long range 2 way radios. The radio is resistant to water and rain splashes. It has 7 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration channels for local weather alerts and 50 preset channels with 121 code combinations that give numerous options to communicate with reduced noise interference. It has a micro USB charging cable and is compatible with many leading headsets. It is well designed for a snug fit in the palm of your hands and features larger buttons for enhanced ease of use.

Olympia R300 Rugged Waterproof Two-Way Radios is among the best long range 2 way radios with many amazing features as discussed above but the best feature and a good reason to buy this 2 way radio is its emergency button. You can press once on this button to broadcast continuously without having to hold down the transmit key; this is a savor if you get injured.

8. Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios

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Arcshell rechargeable long range two-way radios are one of the best long range walkie talkies. They radio come with multiple features as follows.

Signal Range: This walkie talkie has got a signal range of up to 5 miles in areas with little or no obstruction. It usually works best in commercial construction or around the house.

The Battery: Each radio comes with a 1500mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery that you can charge alone or charge the radio with battery installed. It takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge and the battery life is determined by transmitting time. The battery lasts around 8 to 96 hours on a single charge depending on how much you transmit.

Frequency Range: This walkie talkie has got a frequency range of UHF 400-470MHz with16 pre-programmed channels. The channel frequency is programmable within the frequency range.

Speakers: It has got a high-quality inbuilt speaker that provides loud and crystal clear sound. Each radio comes with a single-earbud style earpiece, when you plug in the earpiece, all sound goes to the earpiece and the radio speaker is silent this is a plus when you want to have a private talk.

If you are looking for the best and pocket-friendly walkie-talkie, Arschell long range 2 way radio is highly recommended as evident from the above features.

9. Galwad 888S Walkie Talkie

The Galwad 888S comes with a range of about 1 mile, with a channel capacity of 16. Its range makes this tool ideal for security guards; in addition, you get to talk in real-time. It is also suitable for use in construction areas, for the staff to keep in touch. You can also use this device to keep in touch with your family once they scatter in a shopping mall or amusement park.

If it gets dark, no need to panic if you have this tool in your pocket. It comes with torchlight and a 1500mAh battery which comes in handy if you are not close to a power outlet. To add to this, it features energy-saving capabilities to extend battery life. It also has battery alerts that notify and update you the present condition and performance of your battery.

The audio quality on this device in terms of voice transmission is top notch. It is easy to use for all ages and all kinds of people.

10. Retevis RT-5R 2 Way Radio 5W

As the name suggests, Retevis RT-5R outputs 5W on VHF and 4W on UHF. This basically means that it has a dual receiving feature. It can accommodate 128 channels in its memory with a frequency range of 136-174mHz on VHF and 400-480mHz on UHF. Equipped with a 1800mAh Li-ion battery and a power saving feature, it is arguably one of the best long range walkie talkies on the market presently.

You can be sure that with the Revetis RT-5R radio, your personal settings are secure because of the keypad lock function. It comes with a built-in torch that comes in handy in case it gets dark. You can also use it as a source of both entertainment and information thanks to its FM radio. Features an LCD display, which is also dual in nature.

You can never go wrong with this 2 way radio being part of your camping and hiking artillery.

 

Best Long Range Two Way Radios Detailed Comparison Table

MODELS	Midland GXT1000VP4	Motorolla 22-channel	Uniden GMR5095-2CKHS	Motorola MR350R	LXT630VP3	Motorola MH230R	Olympia R300 Rugged	Arcshell Two-way Radio	Galwad 888S Walkie Talkie	Retevis RT-5R 2 Way Radio 5W
Dimensions:	7.75 (L) x 2.5 (W) x 1.4 (H) inches.	7.5 (L) x 2.3 (W) x 1.4 (H) inches.	8.6 (L) x 13.39 (W) x 3.76 (H) inches	7.60 x 2.30 x 1.14 inches	7 (L) x 2 (W) x 1 (H) inches.	6.21 x 2.14 x 1.15 inches	8(L) x 2 (W) x 2.6(H) inches	4.53 x 2.36 x 1.30 inches	4.52 x 2.36 x 1.30 inches	4.33 X 2.28 X1.26 inches
Weight:	0.3 lbs.	0.4lbs	1.45 lbs	0.40 lbs	1 lbs	0.29 lbs.	0.30 lbs	0.39 lbs	1.59 lbs	0.4 lbs
Radio Service:	GMRS, FRS.	GMRS, FRS	GMRS, FRS	GMRS, FRS	FRS	GMRS, FRS	GMRS, FRS	UHF 400-470MHz.	400-470MHz.	UHF (400-520 MHz) and VHF (136-174 MHz).
Range:	36 miles	35 miles	50 miles	35 miles	30 miles	23miles	-	5 miles.	2.5 miles	2 miles
Power source:	4 AA batteries	3 “AA” or NiMH batteries.	4 AA or NiMH batteries.	3 AA or NiMH batteries	3 AAA or NiMH batteries	3 AAA or NiMH batteries	3 AAA or NiMH batteries	Rechargeable 1500mAh Li-on battery	1500 mAh Li-ion battery	1400 mAh Li-ion battery.
Power output:	2 watts	-	0.9 watts.			-	-	3 watts.	<5W	5 watts.
Channels:	50	22	22	22	36	22	50	16	16	128
Privacy codes:	387	121	-	121	121	121	121	50 CTCSS/105 CDCSS	50 CTCSS / 105 CDCSS.	50 CTCSS and 105 DCS.
Weather Alert:	NOAA	NOAA	NOAA	NOAA	NOAA	NOAA	NOAA	-	-
Waterproof rating:	JIS4	IP54	JIS7	IP51	water-resistant	IP51	IP54	-	-	NOAA

Best Long Range 2 Way Radi Buyers’ Guide

The following are factors to consider when buying a long range 2 way radio.

Range of Coverage

This refers to the size of the area the radio’s signal can operate. Get a two way radio that has sufficient range for your needs. Depending on the conditions, the range is usually about 2 miles or less than the actual range. More powerful radio with big coverage requires a license which can be expensive. 

Size, shape and weight

If you prefer a more convenient product, go for a lightweight device as opposed to a bulky tool. If you are a hiker or skier, go for a radio with an ergonomic shape, so that you can use it with gloves.

Channels and privacy codes

Privacy codes come in handy if you want your transmissions to not suffer interruptions. The channels play a role in tuning the frequency on which the radios communicate with one another. The number of channels most license-free two way radios have is 8.

Battery Life

This includes the type of battery that powers the radio and the mode of charging. Most radios are powered by regular alkaline batteries whereas others have rechargeable batteries. It is advisable to get a radio that takes regular batteries if you do not have access to power. It is, however, cost-effective to use a rechargeable battery as opposed to regular batteries. This is because, with regular batteries, you will need to replace them with new ones after a while.

Hands-free

This depends on the nature of activities you are engaged in. If you are involved in mountain climbing, skiing and motorbike riding then get yourself a device with VOX, also known as Voice Activated Transmit. With this feature, you will not need your hands to operate the device.

If you keep those few features in mind, then you will be ready to purchase your very own radio. Time to take a look at some of the best walkie talkie long range you might consider getting for yourself.

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