The Best Two Way Radio - 2022
We looked at the top 9 and dug through the reviews from 60 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best .
Why Trust The DWYM Score?
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Our Picks For The Top
- The Best
- 1. BaoFeng Dual Band Two-Way Radio
- 2. Motorola Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio
- 3. Midland GMRS Two-Way Radio
- 4. Ansoko Long Range Walkie Talkies Rechargeable Two Way Radios
- 5. Retevis Two Way Radios
- 6. Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios
- 7. FLOUREON Two Way Radios
- 8. Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio
- 9. LSENG Waterproof Two Way Radio
Buy in BulkIf you're looking to buy two-way radios in bulk, this set comes with eight radios that charge through a USB port.
Impressive ReceptionImpressive reception and several bonus features make this lightweight radio set a winner.
Affordable RadiosIf you're looking for a budget-friendly set of radios that come with 16 channels, this set is for you.
Why we recommend these ?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 9 and also dug through the reviews from 60 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best .
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
BaoFeng Dual Band Two-Way Radio
Our Take
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios
Our Take
The Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios are among the most affordable picks. You'll get 16 channels to help you find clear reception. One thing to keep in mind is that some EMS services use the same channels as this radio, which may make it tough to find a good channel at times.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
4. Ansoko Long Range Walkie Talkies Rechargeable Two Way Radios
Our Findings
BaoFeng Dual Band Two-Way Radio
What We Liked:
Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios
What We Liked: The Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios are among the most affordable picks. You’ll get 16 channels to help you find clear reception. One thing to keep in mind is that some EMS services use the same channels as this radio, which may make it tough to find a good channel at times.
Motorola Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio
What We Liked: Initially, the Motorola Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio seems a bit on the pricey side, but it comes with a set of eight. So if you’re buying for a group, you may actually be able to save money. We are big fans of the fact that these radios is the fact that you can charge through a USB port, which allows you to leave your charging base at home when you travel. This radio is also weatherproof, keeping it protected during wet weather.
Our Buying Guide
As cellphones have become more popular, consumers have forgotten about the value of a two-way radio. Designed for short-range communication between people, these devices have been around for decades. A two-way radio is ideal for groups of people who want to be able to quickly get in touch with each other. Staff at a campground, for instance, or employees at an events venue can use two-way radios to contact each other and relay messages.
Before you start shopping for a two-way radio, it’s important to know just how many you need. Chances are, you won’t be purchasing just one, which is why you’ll find they usually aren’t sold that way. You can find them in sets as small as two, with an included charging base that keeps all your radios charged when not in use.
One of the first things you’ll notice is that radios differ in the number of channels they offer. This is important because you’ll need your own dedicated channel on which to talk. If you choose a two-way radio with only four channels, you may find that you can’t get the reception you need. More channels will offer a larger range of options.
When it comes to reception, not all two-way radios are equal. Some advertise a wider range than others, but that doesn’t always take into account whether you’re in an open area or dealing with obstructions like buildings or mountains. Many two-way radios offer a reception radius of about five miles, though, which is usually sufficient for what they’re designed to do.
If you plan to use your radio primarily outdoors, look for one that can withstand the elements. Some two-way radios are weather-resistant, while others are weatherproof. Some also are more rugged than others, which is something to consider if you plan to use it on hiking or camping trips.
DWYM Fun Fact
You may have heard two-way radios called “Walkie Talkies,” which was actually the original term for the devices. The first Walkie Talkies were released in 1940 by Gavin Manufacturing, which later became Motorola. These were designed for troops in World War 2 and were carried as a backpack.
But around the same time, Handie-Talkies were invented, and these smaller units were similar in design to what we know today as two-way radios. Eventually, Motorola trademarked the units as HT, which is still included in model numbers for Motorola two-way radios today. Following the war, Walkie Talkies became more of a consumer product, gradually evolving to the devices we are now familiar with.
The Tips and Advice
- Typically, you’ll find two-way radios come with just a few channels. While this will normally suffice, access to more channels means many more options for when you can’t get crisp, clear reception on one. The Midland GMRS Two-Way Radio offers 50 General Mobile Radio Service channels, as well as 142 privacy codes. These privacy codes let you block out other conversations, expanding your channel options even farther. The Motorola Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio offers 22 channels and 121 privacy codes. With Ansoko Long Range Two Way Radios and Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios, you get 16 channels.
- No matter how many channels your radio provides, though, reception can vary from one radio to another. The Midland GMRS Two-Way Radio promises a range of up to 36 miles, but you’ll find that unless you’re in an open area, you’ll have issues. In mountainous or heavily forested areas, you’ll only get a 5-mile range. But you’ll find reception drops similarly with other two-way radios, and they only promise up to a 5-mile radius.
- With Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios, it’s important to note that some EMS services will use the same frequency range as the radios, so you may find that you have to do some calibration work to get around it.
- The Midland GMRS Two-Way Radio has a bonus feature: an SOS siren that will send out an alert if you find yourself in an emergency situation.
- If you plan to use your two-way radios outdoors, look for a radio that offers weatherproofing features. The Midland GMRS Two-Way Radio offers JIS4 waterproofing, which provides protection against light rain or splashing water. The Motorola Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio is IP54 weatherproof, keeping it safe from rain, snow or dust.
- When pricing two-way radios, consider how many you’re getting. Some come with two radios, while others come with eight.
- Two-way radios also differ in their communication features. The Midland GMRS Two-Way Radio has a feature called “whisper,” which lets you talk in a hushed tone while still getting through to the other end. It also includes Direct Call, which lets you reach out to one specific person when using your radios in a group.
- Weight matters when you’re carrying something around all day, especially if you’re hiking. The Midland GMRS Two-Way Radio weighs only 4.8 ounces, while the Ansoko Long Range Two Way Radios is 5.5 ounces. Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios and Motorola Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio are slightly heavier, at 6.3 ounces and 6.9 ounces, respectively.
- Two-way radios run on batteries, but they differ from the type that is rechargeable to those that require regular batteries. The Midland GMRS Two-Way Radio offers two options: Run on a rechargeable battery that goes into the charging dock or use four AA batteries. That lets you carry AA batteries along with you as a backup in case your rechargeable batteries die while on the go. The Motorola Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio has a handy feature that lets you recharge through a USB port, which means you can leave your charging base at home while traveling.
- It can take a while to get the hang of a new two-way radio. Ansoko Long Range Two Way Radios make it easy to get started, building in a programmable channel feature that allows you to quickly start a session without having to stop to key in frequencies. As many features as it has, the Midland GMRS Two-Way Radio can be a bit more difficult to learn.
About The Author
Stephanie Faris is a former information technology professional who spent most of her career working with computers and printers. Now a novelist and professional writer, her writings on electronics have been published on top tech sites. When she isn't writing about technology, she's often checking out the latest news on the upcoming iPhone release.
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