The best walkie talkies
Walkie talkie – Buying Guide, Opinions and Comparison in 2022
One of the best forms of communication when you go for walks outdoors, hiking or camping, is through the use of good walkie talkies, since they will allow you to be connected with your group instantly. In addition, they also serve to facilitate processes within the professional field. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze its characteristics, such as scope, design, plugins, among others. Currently the market offers a wide variety of models, however, here we will talk about the most outstanding. Among them are the Retevis RT602, which has 8 channels and an LCD screen. Then there are the Motorola Talkabout T82 Extrem, which have a range of 10 km and include a powerful flashlight.
Opinions on the best walkie talkies
Walkie talkies are the perfect companions during outdoor adventures because they facilitate instant communication between the group in case of an emergency or simply to agree routes and give directions. In this sense, it is important to know the characteristics offered by each model.
walkie talkies for kids
Retevis RT602
These walkie talkies for children have an attractive orange design, are made of highly resistant plastic to ensure a long life and have dimensions of 115 x 55 x 28 mm. In this sense, they offer a comfortable and easy-to-use structure for children.
They also have an LCD screen that allows you to view the configured functions, in terms of available channels and battery status. On the other hand, they have 2 rechargeable lithium ion batteries and incorporate a charge indicator light to know when they are fully charged, for this reason, each device in this pair could be considered by many as the best walkie talkie.
As accessories, they include a flashlight to use in dimly lit places, it has 10 ring tones and incorporates the VOX function, which allows it to be used in hands-free mode. They also have a user manual, base, adapter, 2 batteries and 2 belt clips.
If you are looking for the best walkie talkie of the moment and that is also practical for children, then this model could be a good option, so it is convenient to review its main features in detail:
Pros
Battery: They have 2 lithium ion batteries, which thanks to the double charging base can be charged at the same time.
Dimensions: They have dimensions of 115 x 55 x 28 mm, so they are comfortable for children’s small hands.
Screen: They have an LCD screen that shows the battery status, the selected channel and the configured functions.
Cons
Scope: Some users consider that the scope is not as long as has been indicated, so it is a product mainly for children to play.
Caroger PMR446MHZ
These are compact, lightweight walkie talkies for children with small keys to provide greater control and ease of use. Likewise, their cases have an attractive camouflage design and include an antenna to improve the transmission and reception of messages.
Its power source is 4 AAA batteries, which can be rechargeable NiMH or alkaline and have a 2.5 mm jack headphone connection. In addition, they allow calls with a range of up to 3300 m, at a power of 0.5 W and work with the PMR 446MHz frequency.
On the other hand, they are among the cheapest, but they offer the possibility for you to communicate through their 8 channels and 99 sub-channels of radio. They have 7 adjustable volumes that are displayed on their LCD screen as well as the battery status.
A walkie talkie can be your best ally during walks outdoors or even indoors, so it is necessary to know the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Channels: They have 8 radio channels and 99 sub channels that provide more communication alternatives.
VOX: The VOX function makes it easy to use, because it will allow you to speak without having to hold down the button.
Accessories: Includes 2 walkie talkies with camouflage casing, 2 clips to attach to clothing or belt and 1 user manual.
Cons
Batteries: Some users consider it inconvenient that this model of walkie talkies does not include the necessary batteries.
Motorola walkie talkies
Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme
They are long-range walkie talkies, since they can reach 10 km of distance thanks to the 500 mW of transmission. They have 16 communication channels and 121 privacy codes. Likewise, they allow a quick and easy configuration with the equipment of the other members of the group by means of a button.
These Motorola walkie talkies include caller ID, alert button for emergencies, iVox that allows its use without the need to hold down the button, hidden screen, automatic channel change and flashlight to facilitate seeing the road or reading maps.
On the other hand, this complete kit contains 2 transmission devices, 2 belt clips, 2 fall arrest devices, 2 headphones, 16 customization stickers, 2 NiMH battery packs, charger with 2 micro SD plugs, user manual and carrying case. transportation, so they are considered by some users to be one of the best walkie talkies of 2022.
Having the best brand of walkie talkies gives you the necessary security in your outdoor adventures. In this sense, it is important to analyze in advance the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Range: They have a range of up to 10 km away, thanks to their 500mW power.
Accessories: They incorporate LED flashlight, emergency button, caller ID, VOX function and automatic channel change.
Synchronization: They are easy to configure, so you can pair them with most walkie talkies of family and friends.
Cons
Materials: One user felt that the casings and antennas might be too rigid, which could be uncomfortable when attached to clothing.
Motorola T50
The Motorola T50 walkie talkies have 8 channels and 121 subchannels, to facilitate communication between connected people, in addition, they have a range of 16 hours so that you feel calm during your adventure. In this sense, you should know that they are powered by 4 AAA batteries, which can be rechargeable NiMH or alkaline.
Additional features include an automatic squelch to avoid listening to other frequencies, 5 types of audible alerts to notify you of incoming calls, and channel scanning. They also have a Babyphone to monitor the baby’s room, timer and VOX.
On the other hand, according to the opinion of many users, they are the best value for money walkie talkies, because in addition to not being very expensive, they have a design with clips to attach to the belt, external antenna and have a liquid crystal display with backlight. each one, in this way you will be able to see the tuned channel and the charge level of the batteries.
If you like outdoor adventures, it is important that you have good quality walkie talkies that also have an affordable price, so you should learn more about the characteristics of this model:
Pros
Channels: They are two-way devices that have 8 channels, as well as 121 subchannels to facilitate conversation.
Add-ons: Feature squelch, pulse tone, room monitoring, audible alert, key lock, and backlit display.
Battery: They offer 16 hours of continuous connection with the use of 4 AAA, alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries.
Cons
Design: They have an unattractive design compared to others on the list, however, this does not affect its functionality.
professional walkie talkies
Retevis RT21
The Retevis RT21 are a pack of 6 professional walkie talkies, which reach a range of between 1 and 2 km in the city and 2 to 3 km in the open field, depending on the environment. They have 16 communication channels and their VOX function has 9 sensitivity levels to communicate clearly and conveniently.
They have a discreet and elegant design in black, made of very hard plastic, capable of offering resistance to falls or scratches. Also, they come equipped with removable antennas that allow a very good reception of the signal and include a strap and clip, to be adjusted correctly to clothing.
On the other hand, they have a rechargeable lithium ion battery that can provide an autonomy time of 8 to 12 hours of use and 24 hours in standby mode, after a charge of 5 to 6 hours.
Working as a team requires good communication and to achieve this goal it is necessary to know in detail the teams of your choice. In this sense, we present the most outstanding pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Set: Includes 6 walkie talkies, 6 1100 mAh lithium-ion batteries, 6 belt clips, 6 straps, a charging base, EU adapter and user manual.
Charger: It offers a 6-way charging base, where you can charge the walkie talkies or just the batteries.
Functions: They have 16 channels, emergency alarm, protection against short circuits, overload or overvoltage and VOX.
Cons
Range: Its range varies depending on the environment, which could affect communication.
BaoFeng walkie talkies
BaoFeng BF-888S
These BaoFeng walkie talkies have an output power of 5 W, which together with its 1500 mAh battery allow it to reach a distance of between 4 and 6 km in open places and 3 km in areas with obstacles. Likewise, they can work in one or two frequencies, UHF 400 – 470 MHz.
They have 16 memory channels and have 50 CTCSS and 105 DCS. Its functions include low battery indicators, emergency alarm, energy saving, scanning, monitor and timer.
They are quite light devices, weighing 180 g each, which makes them easy to use. In addition, among its accessories are 2 antennas, 2 headphones, 2 independent charging bases, 2 li-ion batteries, 2 head straps, 2 belt clips and a user manual.
The BaoFeng BF-888S are probably one of the cheapest walkie talkies on the list, however, they have great quality, so you should consider their features in more detail before making a decision:
Pros
Channels: They have 16 channels with 50 CTCSS and 105 DCS, in addition, they work with the UHF 400 to 470 MHz frequency range.
Range: They can reach up to 6 km in open places and up to 3 km in areas with interference.
Functions: They have emergency alarm, energy saving, low battery warning, monitor, channel scanning and can be programmed for computers.
Cons
Headphones: Some users are of the opinion that the quality of the headphones might not withstand a harsh work environment.
walkie talkie with wifi
LIGHTOP Wi-Fi
For those who are wondering which is the best walkie talkie, the LIGHTOP company offers a great option in communication, since in addition to the traditional remote intercom it has the Android 4.3 operating system, which will allow you to use it as a mobile phone. However, you should know that it has a range of between 2 and 5 km.
In this way, it includes 9 buttons with specific functions, 12 numerical keys, micro USB input for headphones, support for MP3 and MPEG4 to listen to music and play videos, Internet connection via wireless signal and Bluetooth technology to facilitate connection with other devices.
Also, this walkie talkie with WiFi has a distance and acceleration sensor, in addition, it offers an exclusive application through which you can monitor the position of your teammates with images in real time and has IP68 protection against water, dust and falls.
If you want to acquire state-of-the-art walkie talkies, which in addition to communicating with other people allow you to surf the Internet, you should know in detail the positive and negative aspects of the LIGHTOP WiFi model:
Pros
Battery: Its 2800 mAh battery offers a continuous use time of 20 hours and 350 hours in standby mode.
Memory: It has a memory card with a 32 GB capacity, to store the necessary information regarding the work carried out.
Accessories: Includes a flashlight, 2.4-inch TFT screen, waterproof speaker, distance sensor, among others.
Cons
Unit: This model is just one walkie talkie, which could mean a disadvantage compared to other equipment that usually comes in pairs.
bluetooth walkie talkies
Riding Too RT1
If you are looking for a model with a modern, lightweight and easy-to-use design, the Riding Too RT1 is a compact and lightweight device, weighing 64 g and measuring 17.3 x 9.9 x 9.4 cm. It also has the IP67 protection factor against dust and water.
This Bluetooth walkie talkie can be paired with headsets and mobile phones, allowing you to listen to music, receive phone calls and keep in touch with your group through intercom. In addition, it has a remote control that you can even fix on your fingers to have your hands free.
On the other hand, this model offers between 1 and 3 km of range for outdoor activities, even reaching 5 km in areas without interference, making it suitable for sports such as cycling, hiking or swimming.
If you don’t know which walkie talkie to buy and you want a modern model that also allows you to listen to music and receive calls from your mobile, you should consider the pros and cons of this innovative product:
Pros
Design: It has a non-traditional, modern and lightweight design, which weighs just 64 g.
Functions: It will allow you to listen to music and receive calls from your mobile phone through headphones with Bluetooth technology.
Range: Offers a range of up to 3 km for outdoor activities. However, without interference it could reach up to 5 km.
Cons
Instructions: A user thinks that this device should include instructions in Spanish to facilitate its use.
kenwood walkie talkies
Kenwood TK-3501E
This Kenwood TK-3501E walkie talkie offers a great range, since it can cover an area of up to 9000 m away at an operating frequency of 0.0125, which will allow you to communicate with your group instantly. In addition, it offers the possibility of tuning 16 communication channels to facilitate work.
It offers an autonomy of up to 20 hours of continuous use and has a low battery LED indicator to prevent it from turning off during operation. It also has the keyboard lock function to prevent unwanted channel changes and, as if that were not enough, it is protected with the IP54 code against water and dirt.
On the other hand, it offers a design of discreet lines in black. Also, you should know that its dimensions are 54 x 25.5 x 117 mm and it weighs 280 g, includes a battery and has a clip to attach it to the belt.
To work in a group but over long distances, you must have devices that allow instant communication, so you should know the most relevant details of this walkie talkie:
Pros
Range: It is suitable for sports, construction work or as a security monitor, thanks to its range of 9000 m.
Accessories: It has a low battery indicator with LED light, belt clip, keyboard lock and IP54 protection.
Channels: It offers 16 communication channels at an operating frequency of 0.0125, to facilitate the connection between users.
Cons
Weight: It could be one of the heaviest devices compared to other models, however, it does not exceed the standards.
walkie talkie accessories
walkie talkie headset
Retevis 2 Pin
It is a set of 2 headsets for walkie talkies with remote microphone and PTT button, to talk without having to pick up the walkie talkie, so it is very convenient to communicate in places with a lot of noise or where it is necessary to be discreet, such as bars., discos, constructions, in traffic or for security tasks.
This package includes a 2-pin connector, one for the microphone and one for the audio, a transparent acoustic tube with a soft rubber stopper, suitable to prevent damage to the ear.
Also, the headphones have clips that rotate 360º to attach them to clothing and wear them without being noticed by other people.
On the other hand, they offer compatibility with a large number of walkie talkie brands and models, such as KPG by Kenwood, Kenwood TH, Kenwood TK, Baofeng, HYT, Proster, eSynic, Radioddity, Wouxun, Puxing, Qushengan, Linton, TYT, among others. others, so you don’t have to worry about its configuration.
Guide to buying a walkie talkie
Communication in the workplace is of the utmost importance in order to obtain good results, especially when that work must be carried out over a long distance. In this sense, the team involved must have good quality devices, so we have prepared a guide to buy the best walkie talkie, which provides the most relevant information about its features and functions to select the one that suits you best.
Shopping guide
Scope
When starting a comparison of walkie talkies there are several factors that you must take into account. To begin with, we must talk about its range, since the quality and effectiveness of the signal between the people involved will depend on that. In this sense, before purchasing one of its models, it is important to consider the distance and the work area where you are going to use them, so you can be sure of their effectiveness and functionality.
Each brand and model of walkie talkie offers a different range of range, which can go in some cases from 1 km to 10 km, however, this range can vary depending on the space and the use you are going to give it, since if you are in the city surrounded by many buildings, it is possible that these buildings cause communication interference.
On the other hand, for a good range, it is also important to consider equipment that offers at least 0.5 W of signal transmission power, which will allow clear and stable communication. In addition, it is necessary to study the frequency in which they work, since some models offer the possibility of transmitting in one or two bands, which can be PMR, UHF, among others.
Similarly, each model puts at your disposal different amounts of communication channels and sub-channels to facilitate the tuning of the different signals, so you can find equipment with at least 16 radio channels and 121 sub-channels. The more channels you have, the more chances you have to effectively connect to one signal or another.
Functions
Today’s walkie talkies often include a sync button. This allows a quick and easy pairing of group members on the same channel and code, thus allowing effective and practical communication.
The number of ringtones and key tones varies from one device to another, however, all of them usually offer a wide range of sounds to allow personalization of communication, especially when working with groups of several people.
Some models also have a confirmation tone when a call is available and you can lock the keys to prevent unconscious channel changing. However, if you purchase a model with automatic muting, as long as there are no active calls you can avoid disturbing or disturbing the order of the place where you are.
Likewise, you can get equipment with the new VOX function, which will allow you to work freely, because it makes communication possible without having to hold down the PTT button and, in some cases, they have different VOX sensitivity levels for greater sound clarity.. One of the most popular walkie talkies are those that have an alarm button to inform the other members of the group when an emergency occurs, in case you find yourself in a dangerous environment and cannot communicate in the traditional way.
On the other hand, a device with other useful functions, such as babyphone or room monitoring, low battery alarm, scanning, low voltage alert, energy saving, timer, weather protection, water and electricity, could also be appropriate. dust.
Accessories
If you want to know how much a specific model of walkie talkies costs, you should first know the accessories or additional functions that they offer in their design or structure, since these can make it more expensive, but if they are high quality components, in the long run it can be economical.. Such is the case of the LED screen, which clearly and precisely shows you the tuned channel, transmission icons, battery status, available receptions, power level and can even identify the ID of the incoming call.
Other accessories are the flashlights and the clip to attach to the belt. Flashlights are often built into the body of walkie talkies for easy visibility indoors or at night, and the belt clip will allow the device to be attached to a belt or clothing when you need to keep your hands free.
Also, you can find equipment with a charging base for multiple batteries, whether alkaline or lithium ion, so they guarantee their autonomy, good performance and long useful life to do a great job. Likewise, they must include a charge indicator to have control of the time of use and when we must connect the device.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: What is needed to use a hands-free walkie talkie?
To use a hands-free walkie talkie there are at least two options available, since most of the brands that manufacture them include the VOX function, which allows you to communicate with the members of your group without the need to hold the equipment and press the button. PTT button, so you will have greater capacity for movement. However, the latest models offer the option of connecting headphones, which in addition to leaving your hands free to work, also offer better sound quality.
Q2: Do I need a license to use a walkie talkie?
The use of walkie talkies does not necessarily imply having a license, so you should know if your case needs it or not. You must process the license when you want to have privacy during your communications or its use implies a wide range of range, likewise, it would allow you to have all the bands at your disposal and when your work implies communication during rescues or natural disasters, you can be part of a formal institution.
Q3: Is a motorcycle walkie talkie legal?
The legality of being able to use a motorcycle walkie talkie could also depend on the use that is given to it, since factors such as the safety of the motorcyclist must be taken into account. In this sense, it could represent a significant distraction when driving, but it could also be used to carry out vandalism or illegal acts, which would affect many more people.
Q4: Which is better, a walkie talkie or a cell phone?
A walkie talkie is used for short-distance communication in areas where the mobile signal is weak or non-existent and its use is completely free, so there is no need to pay monthly fees. However, in this case the communication is not private, since anyone with similar equipment could tune in to your channel and listen. On the other hand, a mobile phone allows private communication over long distances, and includes an infinity of functions, such as a camera and Internet access, but you must be subscribed to a telephone company and pay for the corresponding service.
Q5: What is a full duplex walkie talkie?
Full duplex walkie talkies are devices that allow bidirectional communication, so they can send and receive messages simultaneously. It should be noted that currently most equipment offers this possibility through the use of separate frequencies, so they can work as repeaters to convert the signal from UHF to VHF or, on the contrary, from VHF to UHF.
Q6: Is there any walkie talkie that can reach 100 km?
Yes, there are some brands of walkie talkies that offer a range of up to 100 km, but unlike those that reach a maximum of 15 km, these devices do need signal repeaters for their correct operation and, in general, also they require a license that can only be obtained after taking and passing a specialized exam for professional use.
Q7: What is a Bluetooth walkie talkie for?
Currently, walkie talkies have been evolving along with new technologies, so their manufacturers have incorporated functions that allow them to expand the possibilities of use, but always attached to their main use of communication. In this sense, the incorporation of Bluetooth technology in their equipment has allowed them to be used simultaneously with mobile phones and other walkie talkies, since by pairing them you can receive calls and even listen to music from a single device.
Q8: Which is better, a walkie talkie or an intercom?
Choosing between a walkie talkie or an intercom depends directly on its use, since although both are instant communication devices, they are used in different contexts. The walkie talkie allows rapid communication with one or more members of a group that are linked in the same signal. In the case of intercoms, they are independent electronic systems that may or may not be portable and communication is much more limited than in the case of walkie talkies, although they could be interconnected with mobile or landline phones.
How to use a walkie talkie
Communication through walkie talkies continues to solve problems in homes and businesses around the world, since it is a cheaper option, thanks to the fact that these devices can be used for specific processes without consuming the battery and balance of the mobile phone.. However, some people do not know how to use a walkie talkie, for this reason, we have created this article with some keys so that you can make the most of your investment.
Do a test of all the components of the product
Generally, walkie talkies come in pairs, they can be one, two or more pairs in the same package, so it is advisable to turn them all on and do a basic functional test, to check the clarity of the sound and the capacity offered in terms of the distance between the devices. In addition, it is good that you check the operation of the charger, in this way if there is a factory fault you can report it in time and request a timely change.
Follow these recommendations for users of walkie talkies
Due to the form of communication that walkie talkies present, it is good that you and the
