Love going on adventures? Perhaps you enjoy weekend hunting trips or camping in the wilderness?
You already know that your cell phone network is virtually useful in remote areas. Fortunately, two-way radios can help you to remain in communication with the other members of your party.
But how do you know which of these technological devices to choose to best meet your needs? Here's a list of the best handheld two-way radios of 2021 and why so many consumers like them.
Let's jump in!
1. The Top Two Way Radios Include the Midland GXT1000VP4
Midland is among the best manufacturers of radios, so you can't go wrong with the Midland GXT1000VP4.
This particular two-way radio is extremely popular due to its powerful mic, which produces clear sounds. It's a perfect radio to use for hunting, although it's also be used for business purposes.
The radio, which has a range of up to 36 miles, is waterproof, so it's perfect for the outdoors. In fact, it easily resists water splashes and works even in the heaviest of rainstorms.
The Midland GXT1000VP4 also comes with more than 140 privacy codes, which will make your conversations secure and private. It can also instantly tune into your local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channel -- another major plus.
Another reason to choose this radio? It can perform for as many as 10 hours, running on both AA batteries and rechargeable batteries. You can even charge this device from your motor vehicle.
You'll also love the radio's powerful transmitter, which will provide you with stronger and more efficient signals. And the SOS siren is especially handy in the event you find yourself in a dangerous scenario.
The main disadvantage of this radio? It doesn't come with a group mode, so group chatting is out.
2. Midland LXT600VP3
This is another Midland two-way radio that deserves attention, as it is known for its decent range of 30 miles. But that's not it.
The Midland LXT600VP3 radio also comes with a special power mode feature that will allow you to run the equipment on low power. The radio can easily last 12 hours whether you run the device on AAA batteries or a rechargeable battery.
Another feature worth noting is its silent mode, which will let you silence a call with the push of a button. You can also use its noise cancellation capability to remove disruptive noise while you're having a conversation.
Like the Midland GXT1000VP4, this device is water resistant and offers security codes to ensure that your conversations remain private. The hands-free mode is also a handy feature for the outdoorsman. And the fact that this radio is less expensive than many other models is icing on the cake.
3. Midland GXT1050VP4
If you're a hunter, you'll especially embrace the Midland GXT1050VP4. This radio was made specifically for you, and it is widely recognized as the two-way radio with the most power and the best features available today.
Here's why.
First, the radio has a whispering mode designed to make your sounds loud and clear when you're whispering to your hunting partner on the radio out in the wild. On top of this, the radio's auto-squelch technology eradicates disturbing background sounds for an even clearer and more efficient communication experience.
There's also a fast charge mode, which is especially handy if you don't have much time to charge the radio before moving to the next spot.
The Midland GXT1050VP4 can automatically scan 50 channels for activity and provide you with NOAA dangerous weather alerts as well. Additional features you can take advantage of include vibration alerts when you receive calls, hands-free mode and headsets of the highest quality.
Like the Midland GXT1000VP4, this radio has an excellent SOS siren for emergency situations along with more than 140 privacy modes.
The only downside of this radio? It's not completely waterproof.
4. Uniden GMR5098
Water resistance isn't a problem for the Uniden GMR5098, which is known as the most submersible of today's two-way radios.
The radio is designed to withstand just about any and every type of condition. In fact, it can be used for up to half an hour in three feet of water.
But that's not the only reason the Uniden GMR5098 marine radio stands out in the market today. It also has a range of a whopping 50 miles.
That's right. 50 miles.
In addition, this heavy-duty radio provides NOAA weather alerts, more than 140 privacy codes and 23 channels. The radio also displays names, so you can easily call people individually with it.
The radio's advanced battery technology is an added bonus; you can simply charge the radio with a car battery or laptop thanks to its Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging capability.
Also, the radio comes with two headsets for convenient hands-free operation. And its strobe light is effectively a flashlight, SOS signal and attention-getter all in one. You can't beat that.
5. Motorola MR350R
Midland and Uniden aren't the only top two-way radio brands you'll find today. Motorola offers a number of high-quality radios, including the widely celebrated Motorola MR350R.
Like the Uniden GMR5098, this radio is an excellent waterproof option. It's also highly dust resistant, a special benefit if you plan to do a lot of hiking with your radio.
Other wonderful aspects of the Motorola MR350R? It is extremely portable, as it easily fits into your pocket, and it also comes with big buttons that are easy to push even if you have gloves on. The audio quality is also amazingly clear.
Similarly to many leading two-way radios today, this radio additionally has a hands-free mode. It will also last you eight hours on a nickel metal hydride rechargeable (NiMH) battery and a whopping 23 hours on three AA alkaline batteries.
You can also take advantage of this radio's 121 security channels, handy group mode for group communication, 35 miles of range and 11 weather channels. It's all-around excellent radio choice for the avid outdoorsman.
6. Motorola MH230R
Here's another Motorola-brand radio you'll love if security is especially important to you. The Motorola MH230R contains 22 channels, each with a total of 121 privacy codes.
However, the Motorola MH230R offers many other useful features and is known for its high level of performance and user-friendly design.
Take, for instance, the fact that it enables communication even in areas with an excessive number of obstacles -- such as a downtown space.
The radio also comes with a convenient rubber coat to give you a better grip and feel, and it is waterproof. In addition, it offers 23 miles of range along with 22 channels. What many consumers like about this radio is that it is less expensive than other radios available for purchase today.
This radio also has a battery life of 12 hours with an NiMH battery and 14 hours with three AAA alkaline batteries, so you can stay in contact with your party nearly all day long.
The device's NOAA weather-related alerts will also help you to stay ahead of storms that might be heading your way -- excellent for keeping your group safe.
7. Motorola T605
This is another high-performing and waterproof two-way radio you can't go wrong with if you enjoy outdoor activities.
With an IP67 waterproof rating, this radio can easily be used in a meter of water for half an hour. So, it's an excellent radio to use even if you're out at sea.
However, the Motorola T605 also comes with other perks, including a built-in flashlight that produces red and white light-emitting diode (LED) lights that you can utilize based on the situation. For instance, the red light is ideal to use in emergency situations, whereas the white light is handy for lighting up your path.
The easy-to-retrieve radio additionally comes with 22 channels, each with 121 privacy codes. It also offers real-time NOAA alerts, a connection range of 35 miles and a unique Push-to-Talk feature that makes the radio even more convenient to use.
The fact that it can run on rechargeable and alkaline battery power and be charged with a USB makes it that much more user-friendly.
8. Motorola MT352R FRS
The Motorola MT352R is another excellent waterproof two-way radio, featuring an IP54 water resistance rating. That means the device will hold up even in rainy or snowy conditions or if you happen to drop it.
The connection range of this radio is an adequate 35 miles, further making it a top choice for nature explorers. The device also offers a secure function for your conversations, along with NOAA weather alerts that will update you on impending bad weather to keep you safe.
This is hands down an excellent radio if you plan to do a lot of hunting, hiking or camping with a group. At the same time, it allows for silent vibration ringing, a useful feature in locations where loud ringing may disturb your hunting experiences or be intrusive.
You can simply charge the radio's battery using a USB port. When it's charged, you'll enjoy long-term access to 22 channels along with 121 privacy codes for an ultra-secure connection.
The only downside of the Motorola MT352R? The IP54 water resistance rating isn't quite enough water protection if you'll be in especially wet conditions.
9. Motorola Talkabout T460
This rechargeable radio offers a number of features that make it a top buy among two-way radios today.
Similarly to the Motorola MT352R, the Motorola Talkabout T460 features an IP54 water protection rating. Again, this isn't the greatest rating for water resistance, but it'll do if you won't be in ultra-wet conditions.
This popular radio also offers NOAA weather alerts for outdoor activities, 121 privacy codes and 22 channels. You'll also find its hands-free communication capability handy.
Another advantage of choosing this radio is its 35 miles of range combined with its built-in LED flashlight, which makes it particularly useful at night. You can also take advantage of this radio's emergency alarm and light for unanticipated situations, along with its silent vibration ringing feature.
In addition, for this type of radio, you'd be hard-pressed to find better USB charging and Push-to-Talk power boost features.
10. Retevis RT5
This Retevis-brand two-way radio also deserves a spot on this list for a range of reasons.
For instance, the radio has a robust power output and a powerful battery -- its main advantages. The device's 1,800-mAh battery can last eight to nine hours following two to three hours of charging.
The Retevis RT5 radio also features three-level power output if you plan to use it for longer periods of time. It supports vehicle charging as well, so you can simply charge the radio while you're en route to your wilderness destination.
Like many other radios, the Retevis RT5 also has a built-in flashlight and offers a four-color LED display. As a result, it's an excellent radio to have on you at night and in areas that are dark -- say, a cave.
But amid all of this, one of the top reasons this radio is in demand is that it is extremely user-friendly.
It also has a few features you won't find in many other two-way radios, such as a Time Out Timer and voice language prompts in both Chinese and English. You'll also be impressed by the device's outstanding emergency alarm, busy lockout, editing, channel name, battery voltage display, keypad lock and low battery alarm functions.
In addition, the device is programmable -- a major plus for many outdoor enthusiasts.
How We Can Help
On our site, we provide handy information about the latest technologies in the communications industry. With the wide range of devices available in the market, we understand that knowing which ones to choose can be tricky.
Our aim is to assist you in selecting the best industry products for your needs -- the first time around.
In addition to offering advice on two-way radios, we also provide tips regarding devices such as amplifier cables, cable splitters, cable wires, signal splitters, coaxial cables and digital antennas.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help you to choose the right two-way radios, right in time for your next camping, hiking or hunting trip this year.