Best Long-Range Two-Way Radios in 2023 – Top 11 Picks By Experts

Going on a camping trip to someplace new and remote? Or maybe you are going on a new trekking route? If you are going with your friends then having a two-way radio will be useful for you. 

With the help of this two-way radio, you will be able to talk to and hear what your other team members have to say. It will be really useful in case someone gets lost. Through this device, they will still be able to remain in touch with their teammates and get reunited with them. 

But what if someone gets lost over a long-distance? Or what if you are trekking alone and get lost or need emergency assistance? In these situations, you need not just normal walkie-talkies but long-range two-way radios. With the help of these long-range radios, you will be able to reach people who are miles away from you. Since you will be covering more areas, the chances of getting help will also increase a lot for you.

So these long-range walkie-talkies are useful and can save your life in perilous situations. Due to its importance, many manufacturers produce these devices. But the question is- which ones are the very best when it comes to quality as well as the distance offered? To help shorten your work, we are here with a full list of the very best long-range two-way radios. 

11 Best Long-Range Two-Way Radios in 2023

With the help of two-way radios, you will be able to communicate with your partners, team members, or emergency services easily. This is because in two ways communication you will be able to listen as well as speak. Since the below radios are long range so you will be able to cover a lot of distance in case you need assistance. So without further ado, here are the best long-range two-way radios: 

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio	Product dimensions: 7.9 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches Item weight: 4.8 ounces Range: 36 miles	Check Price on Amazon
	Uniden SX507-2CKHS Up to 50 Mile Range FRS Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkies	Product Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 3.5 inches Item Weight: 1.5 pound Range: 50 miles	Check Price on Amazon
	Nestling Walkie Talkies 3 Pack	Package Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.72 x 2.6 inches Item Weight: 14.1 ounces Range: 3 km	Check Price on Amazon
	Talkabout Radio MH230R	Product Dimensions: 2.14 x 1.15 x 6.21 inches Item Weight: 1.3 pounds Range: 23 miles	Check Price on Amazon
	DEWALT DXFRS800 2 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies	Product Dimensions: 2.17 x 2.58 x 7.27 inches Item Weight: 1.85 pounds Range: 300,000 square feet	Check Price on Amazon
	Case of 6, Retevis H-777S Walkie Talkies	Item Weight: 5.23 pounds Product Dimensions: 12.35 x 7.62 x 5.8 inches Range: n/a	Check Price on Amazon
	CRAFTSMAN 16-Mile Long Range Walkie Talkies for Adults	Package Dimensions: 8.35 x 6.97 x 2.8 inches Item Weight: 10.5 ounces Range: 16-mile	Check Price on Amazon
	Rivers RV-7 Walkie Talkies Long Range	Item Weight: 1.12 pounds Package Dimensions: 7.13 x 6.02 x 4.09 inches Range: 5 miles	Check Price on Amazon

1. Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio

• Product dimensions: 7.9 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches
• Item weight: 4.8 ounces
• Range: 36 miles

When talking about a long-range radio, there’s nothing that beats the Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio. The product has been around for decades and serves as one of the best options among event planners and other management companies due to its long-range communication.

The two-way radio is further integrated with 50 GMRS channels along with a range of other features, one that enables superior channel scanning features to get the clearest mode of communication. The exterior of the radio is backed with the JIS4 waterproof protection, preventing damage against splashing water and other risks.

Besides the VOX connectivity, this is one of the few two-way radios that come with 36-miles long-range communication, something that you won’t regret splurging out on at all. It ensures easy communication without sound distortion.

The radio is further backed with over 142 privacy codes supporting over 3000 channels for ease of clear communication without any interruptions in between. Also, it is supported by the NOAA weather scan feature that automatically scans through the available weather channels to give updates now and then. 

One unique feature of this radio is the whisper mode that enables the user to whisper and still be heard loud and clear by the recipient.

2. Uniden SX507-2CKHS Up to 50 Mile Range FRS Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkies

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 3.5 inches
• Item Weight: 1.5 pound
• Range: 50 miles

This radio will give you a whopping 50-mile coverage. So no matter if you are out trekking, camping, or biking, you will be able to stay in touch with your friends. But it should be kept in mind that the range can vary if there are obstructions present in between. To be clear- you will get the 50-mile range only when there are no obstructions between the radios. 

Note that this device comes with 22 channels as well as 142 full privacy codes. Due to this, you will get multiple channels to communicate from. You won't have to worry about searching for an open line. Also, know that by using this device you will be able to communicate with other people who are making use of other kinds of brands and models. A great feature of this device is that you can directly call anyone from your group. Don't worry about others listening in on the conversation, everyone else will be muted. 

The device is also waterproof. It can be submerged for half an hour into 3 feet of water. This means that even in rain, it will keep working for 30 minutes at least. With this, you will get the needed time to get cover it. Also, note that the device is lightweight and it floats as well. So there's no need for you to dive underwater and get it. 

Know that with this radio you will get NOAA weather reports as well. With the help of this, you will always know about weather calamities beforehand and plan out your trip safely. This way you won't be caught in the middle of a storm unaware and without shelter or preparation. With this radio, you will also get a huge battery life of 14 hours. Do note that this will certainly last you for a long time. 

3. Nestling Walkie Talkies 3 Pack

• Package Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.72 x 2.6 inches
• Item Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Range: 3 km

This two-way radio is portable as well as durable. So you will be able to take it with you on your camping trips with kids. This is a radio which is perfect for kids. Know that even if they accidentally drop it from a short height, you don't have to worry about it getting damaged. 

You will be able to communicate using it for 3 km but that's only in open areas. This radio comes loaded with multiple useful features. For one, it comes with a keypad lock. This will prevent the device from accidentally switching channels. You will also get ten call tones in here. 

Know that along with the above features, this device will also give off an alert for low battery so you will know when you need to charge it again. The device comes with 22 channels so you will find it easy to find one you will be able to communicate on.

Note that the device comes with an automatic squelch. This will repress any background noises so that you always get clear and high-quality audio. The device comes with a Vox feature as well. So you will be able to operate this device hands-free by just using your voice. 

4. Talkabout Radio MH230R

• Product Dimensions: 2.14 x 1.15 x 6.21 inches
• Item Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Range: 23 miles

This Motorola radio will give you a whopping long range for 23 miles. As such it is ideal for any outdoor enthusiast. With the help of this device, you will be able to easily stay in touch with your family and friends on a camping trip. Do remember that this range is ideally possible only when there are no obstructions. So if there are obstructions between the two radios then the range will decrease. 

Having said the above, along with the long-range, this radio comes loaded with other kinds of features as well. This device comes with 22 channels as well as 121 codes for privacy. Do note that you will get plenty of communication options with this. There will always be a line that is open to you. 

On this device, you will get NOAA weather alerts. As a result, you will get weather warnings and be able to plan the rest of your trip accordingly. This ensures that you are never caught off guard by a storm or hard rainfall. Along with these features, the device comes with a Vox feature as well. With Vox you will be able to operate the device without using your hands. 

The radio comes with a sturdy battery as well. For one, it comes with NiMH batteries which are rechargeable and will give you battery power for a whopping ten hours. If you don't have NiMH batteries then you will be able to use 3-AA batteries too. With these, you will get battery backup for 26hrs. These dual power supply options will be convenient for many campers, trekkers, and more.

5. DEWALT DXFRS800 2 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies

• Product Dimensions: 2.17 x 2.58 x 7.27 inches
• Item Weight: 1.85 pounds
• Range: 300,000 square feet

This radio is perfect for people who work on the site. So this means that people who work from the hotel front desk, restaurants, retail, as well as grocery departments will find this radio beneficial. It comes with a key lock feature that will allow you to lock the keypad when activated. This will prevent any kind of accidental channel changes. 

As for signal range, you will get coverage for 300,000 square feet or 25 whopping floors. Do note that you will get extended signals as well along with channel combinations of 2662. With this number, know that there will always be channels that are open for communication. 

The radio is shock-resistant fully. This means that the radio can easily withstand a 2-meter drop with ease without breaking or getting damaged. Along with being shockproof, it is waterproof as well. The device won't incur any damages even if it's submerged in one meter deep water for 30 mins. Also, this has a full swivel holster. As a result, the holster will be able to easily rotate sideways and that too for multiple kinds of positions. 

Along with the above, the radio comes with the Vox feature as well. So you will be able to operate the radio hands-free. This will be useful in an emergency. Apart from this feature, the radio comes with a power saver function that will ensure that your battery lasts longer. It will do so by ensuring that if there are zero transmissions within ten secs, the radio will switch automatically to a battery saver mode. 

The radio even comes with an auto squelch feature that shuts off unwanted noises due to the range or terrain issues. There is a large LCD on the device that will tell you about the device's stats. It has a large volume knob that is easy to turn. Also, it is nonslippery so you will be able to use it without worrying about it getting out of your grasp.

6. Case of 6, Retevis H-777S Walkie Talkies

• Item Weight: 5.23 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 12.35 x 7.62 x 5.8 inches
• Range: n/a

This two-way radio is made from high-quality materials that ensure its durability as well as longevity. Do note that it is also very lightweight so you will be able to hold it in your hands without getting exhausted. Not to mention that the device had a very matte texture that ensures it doesn't slip from your hands easily. 

The radio comes with a back-clip as well that will allow you to attach it securely on your shoulders it waist. There's more. The device comes with a charger dock that is six-way and is very durable. As for the battery, you can rest assured that it will last for a long time. So you don't have to worry about charging it after a little use. This also means that the radio won't fail you due to low battery when you need it the most. 

The radio comes with a Vox feature which ensures that you will be able to use it without your hands. This makes it easy to use especially in an emergency where your hands might be otherwise occupied. The device comes with strong antennas that will give you 20% better coverage when compared to the other two-way radios. 

The device comes with a squelch feature that ensures that when you talk on the radio, your voice won't get muffled due to background noise. As a result of this, you will be able to communicate without any issues and with crystal clear sound.

Ultimate Buying Guide to Choose the right Long-Range Two-Way Radios in 2023

A long-range two-way radio is beneficial in an emergency. As such these radios are a must for any travel bag. If you are going to a new and far trekking place or camping ground then having such radios will go a long way to ensure your safe return. 

As one can imagine, such radios are in high demand among outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. So to cater to that demand there are many manufacturers. But how will you know if the radio you are getting is good? To help you out, here are the major features that you must keep in mind while buying such radios: 

1. Range

While buying a two-way radio make sure that it offers a long-range. After all, it is this range for which you are buying the radio. As a minimum, the radio should offer above 20 miles of range but try to get radios which offer 35 miles. Know that this range is generally calculated in an open field without any obstructions. So if there are obstructions then this range is bound to reduce. 

2. Shock and weatherproof

If you are planning on using these radios outdoors for a road trip, camping, trekking, and such, make sure to get one that is lightweight but rugged. If the radio is lightweight then you will be able to carry it over long distances easily. If it is rugged and shockproof then a little fall won't damage it. Along with being shockproof, make sure that the device is weatherproof as well. This will ensure that you can use it in any weather condition, be it snow or rain, without worrying about it getting damaged. 

3. Vox

Vox features will allow you to use the radio without your hands. Using just voice commands you will be able to operate the device. If you are busy or in an emergency where your hands are occupied, this feature can end up saving your life. As such it is a must-have feature in your two-way radio. 

4. Emergency alert

An emergency alert will let out a loud siren that can be heard over miles. It will alert others of your location so that you can get the needed help. All you need to do to activate it is press a button. This is potentially a lifesaving feature to have because when you are physically incapacitated and cannot get help yourself, this button will bring help to you. 

5. Battery

If you are buying the radio for outdoor use during hiking or trekking trips, then make sure that you buy one which comes with large battery life. As a rule, the radio should come with 20+ hours of battery life. Also, make sure that the device supports dual power supply systems. This means that it should be able to make use of both NiMH batteries and AA batteries as well. It will be really helpful if you run out of one or the other battery option. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Long-Range Two-Way Radios

1. How many channels should a two-way long-distance radio have?

Ideally, a two-way long-distance radio should have 22 channels with upwards of 99 privacy codes. With this, you will get upwards of 2000 combinations. With so many options you will be able to find a line that is open for use. 

2. Is a squelch feature useful?

Yes, the squelch feature is useful. It will help repress background noises so that you can get crystal clear audio. This will help you get the needed help in an emergency faster. 

3. What should an LCD show?

An LCD in a two-way radio should ideally show the battery level, signal strength, call tones, and such necessary information. When buying make sure that the LCD, as well as the knobs on the device, are big. This will allow you to see and use them properly. 

4. Is it worth it to long-range radio for kids?

 If you want to teach your kids how to use a two-way radio then you can get one for them. They will be able to have one for themselves and understand how it works. In the case of an unintended calamity, they will be prepared and will be able to save themselves. 

5. How to ensure that the radio doesn't slip from your hands?

To ensure that the radio doesn't slip off from your hands, make sure to grip it properly. Along with this buy a radio which has a rugged and rubberized grip. This will allow a better grip so that it doesn't slip off. 

Conclusion

Overall, having a long-range two-way radio will help you communicate and keep in touch with your trip friends in case of an emergency. While buying these radios make sure to focus on the range, channels, and battery life. There are other important factors that you should keep in mind. But these three factors are the most important. With a long-range two-way radio, you will be able to enjoy your trip without any worries.