Best Handheld Walkie Talkies

Last updated on September 12th, 2023 at 07:28 am

Handheld Walkie Talkies

In situations where cellular service is limited or unavailable, handheld walkie talkies two-way radios (also known as walkie talkies) are a great way to stay connected. The devices work by sending and receiving radio signals; in other words, users use them to communicate with one another. 

Due to the availability of radio signals almost anywhere, these devices are extremely useful, as you can almost always pick up a signal.

A handheld two-way radio is definitely something you should consider investing in if you’re going to be in a remote location and need to stay in touch. However, there are a lot of options as with any technology.

ImageProductPrice
1. Motorola CP185 Handheld Walkie Talkies

1. Motorola CP185 Handheld Walkie Talkies

Price
2. Greaval Long Range Handheld Walkie Talkies

2. Greaval Long Range Handheld Walkie Talkies

Price
3. Pxton Handheld Walkie Talkies

3. Pxton Handheld Walkie Talkies

Price
4. BaoFeng UV-5R 8W Handheld Walkie Talkies

4. BaoFeng UV-5R 8W Handheld Walkie Talkies

Price
5. Retevis RT85 Handheld Walkie Talkies

5. Retevis RT85 Handheld Walkie Talkies

Price

Here’s a review of our top picks for the best handheld two-way radios, including information about two-way radio communication to help you in your search for the best handheld two-way radio.

1. Motorola CP185 Handheld Walkie Talkies

Motorola CP185 Handheld Walkie Talkie
Motorola CP185 Handheld Walkie Talkie

The Motorola Handheld Two-way Radio is a compact, battery-powered device that allows a person to communicate with another via a radio broadcast. This communication can be one way to one person or two-way between two people or groups. 

This device was designed for use in the Public Safety, Industrial and Business markets. This Walkie Talkie transmits and receives on the commonly used Public Safety UHF band and includes an advanced UHF system for dependable communications. 

The set has a unique dual-display format, allowing maximum user operation flexibility. It is easy to use and easy to operate. The Motorola Handheld Two-way Radio for Public Safety, Industrial and Businesses has an ergonomic design that fits the hands perfectly. 

The set is reinforced to provide long-lasting durability. A complete set of standard features and accessories allows the device to be customized to meet mission requirements.

Feature

  • Small, Compact, and Lightweight Design
  • Long Battery Life
  • Voice Scrambler Function
  • Adjustable Power Levels
  • Adjustable High and Low Power Levels (5 watts: VHF; 4 watts: UHF)
  • 16 Channel Operation
  • Dual Band VHF/UHF Operation
  • Easy-to-Read LCD Display
  • 10 User-Selectable Frequencies
  • X-Pand™ Technology

Pros

  • Tighter specifications
  • Talkaround capability
  • Multi-channel capability 
  • Compact, lightweight design

Cons

  • Button is hard

KEY POINTS

  • Brand

    Motorola
  • Color

    Black
  • Number of Channels

    16
  • Number of Batteries

    1 Lithium ion batteries required.
  • Tuner Technology

    UHF
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH

    1.5 x 2.3 x 4.7 inches
  • Noise Level

    50 dB
  • Item Weight

    12 Ounces
  • Voltage

    3.7 Volts
  • Water Resistance Level

    Waterproof

2. Greaval Long Range Handheld Walkie Talkies

Greaval Long Range Handheld Walkie Talkie
Greaval Long Range Handheld Walkie Talkie

You will never miss a word with the handsome Greaval long range hand-held walkie-talkies! Keep in touch with your group with these handy long range walkie-talkies. With up to 16 channels and 105 privacy codes, you will never be interrupted by anyone else in your group. 

With such a long range, you can be sure that you’ll always have your team’s back. The earbuds are included so you can talk hands-free and keep your hands free for other tasks. The built-in flashlight allows you to keep in touch with your team in the dark. 

With the included charger and 1000mAh rechargeable batteries, you can be sure you will never be without the power you need. These walkie-talkies for adults are the perfect addition to your hiking gear, camping gear, and emergency preparedness kits. 

If you like to spend your summer days outdoors, this product is a must-have for you!

The purpose of my purchase was to take them camping out west. Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park is where some of the group hiked. A time for pick up was set up for the rest of the group in Jackson. The hiking group, however, was running behind schedule. 

As we were still on the trail and nearly 2 miles from the parking area (which is across Jenny Lake), we turned on the walkies and were able to communicate. What a great experience. Everything worked perfectly.

Feature

  • 16 Channels, 400-470MHz, 0.2W/4-5W, 16 Channels
  • 0.2W/4-5W output power, 1-3 mile communication range, 4x optional charging cradle, 1x power adapter
  • CTCSS/DCS encode and decode&16 memories (32 channels)
  • Emergency alarm button, key lock button and channel switch button
  • 1600mAh rechargeable lithium battery, 12-20 hours of standby time, 2-3 hours of talk time
  • Size: 145x45x28mm Weight: 220 gram
  • AC: 100V-250V, DC: 9V adapter or rechargeable lithium battery

Pros

  • Portable
  • Operate hands-free with the VOX function
  • Codes of Conduct regarding privacy
  • Sixteen preset channels
  • Feature of emergency alarms
  • Splash resistant to water
  • Durable and long-lasting battery

Cons

  • When compared to other models, the radio range is less even in open spaces

KEY POINTS

  • Brand

    Greaval
  • Color

    4 pack
  • Number of channels

    16
  • Tuner Technology

    UHF
  • Noise level

    45 dB
  • Item Weight

    0.35 pounds
  • Voltage

    7.4 Volts
  • Water resistance level

    Impermeable
  • Frequency range

    400-470Mhz
  • Impedance

    50 Ohmio

3. Pxton Handheld Walkie Talkies

Pxton Handheld Walkie Talkie
Pxton Handheld Walkie Talkie

Pxton Walkie talkies are the newest handheld radios on the market. They are easy to use and comfortable to hold with large buttons. With 16 channels and 40 privacy codes to select from, you will always be able to find an open channel. 

The dual watch function allows you to monitor 2 channels at the same time while 4 colors selectable display make them easy to use. This set comes with a built-in flashlight, USB charger and 2 Li-ion batteries. 

These handheld radios use high-fidelity clear transmission to enhance the clarity of your conversations. With digital encoding, these radios provide superior interference-free performance. 

They have instant channel 9 functions, so you can always be notified of emergencies. These radios are built to last with rugged housing to protect them from most damage.

Feature

  • Frequency Range: 400-470MHz (UHF)
  • Channel Nos: 16
  • Power Supply: DC 7.2V
  • Battery Capacity: 900mAh
  • Transmitting Power: 4W (Max.)
  • Antenna: Built-in
  • Dimension: 145 x 70 x 29mm
  • Weight: 273g
  • Talk Time: Max. 12h (Max.)
  • Standby Time: Max. 200h
  • Voltage: DC7.2V
  • Accessory: Portable Charger, Belt Clip, Handsfree, Earphone

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • An outer body made of hard plastic is drop-proof
  • Battery life is excellent
  • Contains an emergency alarm

Cons

  • It would be better if there was more communication

KEY POINTS

  • Brand

    pxton
  • Color

    4 pack
  • Number of channels

    16
  • Number of batteries

    4 Lithium Ions are required, included
  • Tuner Technology

    UHF
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH

    8.34 x 1.89 x 2.36 inches
  • Voltage

    3.7 Volts
  • Water resistance level

    Impermeable
  • Frequency range

    UHF
  • Impedance

    50 Ohmio

4. BaoFeng UV-5R 8W Handheld Walkie Talkies

BaoFeng UV-5R 8W Handheld Walkie Talkie
BaoFeng UV-5R 8W Handheld Walkie Talkie

The BaoFeng UV-5R 8W Radio Dual Band 2 Way Radio Walkie Talkie with Extra 3800mAh Battery allows you to communicate with others in your home, office or the great outdoors. At the touch of a button, you can listen to news, music and talk shows, or speak with friends, family or co-workers. 

With a long-lasting battery, you can spend hours outside with friends or family, and you’ll still have power to spare when it’s time to recharge. The Baofeng UV-5R 8W Radio Dual Band 2 Way Radio Walkie Talkie is also light and easy to carry. This portable radio is great for travel and outdoor excursions.

Since it is my first radio after receiving my amateur radio license, I cannot compare it to anything else. Using a programming cable (sold separately) and CHIRP, I was able to program the radio easily. 

It holds up well, I’ve used it mostly for days, listening with a few minutes of talking whenever something caught my attention, and I’ve only had to recharge it twice since I got it. There are three power levels. 

My sound quality is much better when I run it at high compared to the medium. I can reach a repeater about six miles from my house on medium. There are YouTube videos of people testing the sound output and it’s somewhere around 7.5 watts. It claims to be 8 watts on high, but I don’t have the gear to verify this claim.

Feature

  • 【Maximum Output Power】The UV-5R series has the maximum output power of 8Watts. It is twice that of the original UV-5R, and twice of the UV-5RA.
  • 【Frequency Range】They has a frequency range of 65-108MHz (FM Receive only), 136-174MHz (FM Receive only) and 400-520MHz.
  • 【Additional Features】Frequency Set, Dual Watch, Dual Receive, Tri-color LCD backlight, Time-out Timer, VOX, DCS/CTCSS Encode and Tone Search functions.
  • 【More Features】VOX Function: 0-9 gain level adjustable
  • 【Special Use】It can be used in police, military, fire-fighting, home family and other fields.

Pros

  • Instructions are included, so you can easily use it
  • Provides uninterrupted operation thanks to its 2000mAh rechargeable battery
  • The radio can transmit 8 watts of output, making it an ideal two-way radio

Cons

  • Packaging may cause damage to the product

KEY POINTS

  • Brand

    BAOFENG
  • Color

    1 package
  • Number of channels

    128
  • Number of batteries

    1 Lithium Ion Required, Included
  • Tuner Technology

    UHF
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH

    2.36 x 8.66 x 9.06 inches
  • Voltage

    7.4 Volts
  • Frequency range

    150-174Mhz

5. Retevis RT85 Handheld Walkie Talkies

Retevis RT85 Handheld Walkie Talkie
Retevis RT85 Handheld Walkie Talkies

The Retevis RT85 walkie talkie is equipped with 128 channels and 2000mW of output power, which is far more than other high-level handheld devices on current market. It is especially useful for long distance communication with multiple users. 

The RT85 has a clear sound and can transmit your voice farther than many other walkie talkies, so you don’t miss important announcements. Comfortable and Lightweight: The RT85 is designed with an ergonomic shape and the rubber handles are comfortable and easy to carry. 

It only weighs 200g, which may be carried on the belt easily or in the pocket. You can feel free to wear it all day long. Whether you are an outdoor person looking for a reliable walkie talkie or a professional one who wants to communicate with your team, the RT85 is a great choice.

In every respect, Retevis RT85 ham radios are better than Baofeng UV-5R. The build is solid, the output power is as expected, the battery life is great, the display is clear, the features are plentiful, and the sound is fantastic. This radio is very easy to program with the free CHIRP program. Retevis offers excellent products and services, and I have several of their radios.

TYT TH-UV88 accessories will fit this model, Retevis RT85. A USB Type-C charger can be used to recharge the batteries of the Radioddity GM-30 GMRS radio. Though I wish Retevis RT85 came with the same batteries, I would definitely recommend those RT85 radios for their price!

Feature

  • Material: Durable plastic. Withstands rough treatment and resists rust and corrosion
  • Antenna: 8.5 inches telescopic antenna, more convenient to use and carry
  • Frequency Range: 400-470MHz/VHF, 400-520MHz/ UHF
  • Dual Receiver: Dual receivers ensure maximum security; you can store up to 6 frequencies for transmission in each band
  • High/Low Power Switch: High power allows a longer transmission range; low power saves the battery life
  • Power Supply: Two AA batteries (not included)
  • Channels: 200 channels for secure calls; 50 CTCSS (47.7-64.3MHz) and 105 DCS (136-174MHz)

Pros

  • Dual-band VHF/UHF
  • Programming is easy with CHIRP 
  • Easy to use for beginners
  • LCD display that is easy to read

Cons

  • Headset without microphone
  • Waterproof not available

KEY POINTS

  • Brand

    Retevis
  • Color

    Black
  • Number of channels

    200
  • Number of batteries

    2 Lithium Ions required, included
  • Tuner Technology

    RT85
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH

    2.08 x 2.52 x 9.72 inches
  • Noise level

    60dB
  • Item Weight

    510 grams
  • Voltage

    7.4 Volts (DC)
  • Water resistance level

    Not waterproof

Conclusion

The handheld two-way radio is as ubiquitous as it is useful. When you’re looking to stay in touch with your team in an outdoor setting, you can’t go wrong with purchasing a radio. They’re able to withstand the elements and are easy to use.

They’re also incredibly reliable with the distance. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision. If you have any other questions or concerns about purchasing a handheld two-way radio.

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James is a Founder of Technicals Solution. He is a Passionate Writer, Freelancer, Web Developer, and Blogger who shares thoughts and ideas to help people improve themselves. Read More About James

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