Are you already packing for that long-awaited road trip with your friends or family? Maybe the plan is to ultimately go camping, hiking, or maybe even to a concert. You might wonder why will you even need a walkie-talkie during a road trip or even after you reach the destination. After all cell phones seem to be working fine for everyone.
But there’s no guarantee that you are going to get network or internet connectivity during your trip or even in your stop-break places. Moreover, your phone might run out of battery, and then you will be in more trouble. If you are planning on an off-the-grid sort of road trip then this situation is going to become worse. Is your group huge and so you have arranged for multiple cars? Then you are going to need walkie-talkies to keep in touch with everyone else and their location.
A walkie-talkie doesn’t need any kind of cell phone network to work. It works on radio signals. These come with greater battery power than your average cell phone which ensures that it lasts for hours longer. Your journey will become much safer and smoother with the help of these devices. With the help of this, you will be able to keep in touch with your friends throughout the journey and even beyond.
There are many kinds of types of walkie-talkies available in the market. When people think about these devices then they generally think of kids’ toys, but there are very powerful long-range walkie-talkies available that you can use to communicate over long distances. But how will you know which ones are those? Moreover, how will you figure out which ones are the best? To help you out here’s a list of the very best walkie talkies for road trips.
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11 Best Walkie Talkies For Road Trips in 2023
Walkie talkies will help you stay securely connected with your friends during a road trip. The devices given below are the very best of the lot:
1. Ansoko Walkie talkies 10 Pack Long Range Rechargeable 2 Way Radio
- Weight: 5 ounces
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.75 x 7.3 inches
- Frequency: UHF 400~470 MHz
This walkie talkie is perfect for long-range use. The range is between 0.6 miles and 3 miles. You will get the former in a landscape with tall buildings and other kinds of obstructions. The latter will be the range on a free coastline. If there are two different cars for the road trip even then you will be able to communicate easily with this.
It comes with 105 CTCSS/50 DCS which will help you mask communication with your partner on the channel so that others don’t hear it. It will give you the privacy of communication. With this device, you will get 16 channels to choose from and use. You will be able to use it right from the box itself. It comes with a good frequency range of 400-470MHz as well.
It’s very easy to charge the battery since it comes with a US-plug charging-base. All you have to do to charge it is put the device on the base. If you are not in an environment to do that then you can put another battery in but do remember that you will have to buy it separately. To get a full charge you will have to charge it for 4 to 5 hours. But that’s only if the battery has been fully exhausted.
With this battery, you will get 8 to 12 hours of uninterrupted use. This is what most moderate road trips tend to last. If you use the walkie-talkie moderately then you will be able to extend the hours. The overall battery capacity here is 1500 pretty good mAh. If you find issues while operating the device then know that you can always contact customer support. Also, you can return the device within 30 days if it’s not up to your standard.
Pros
- 105 CTCSS/50 DCS
- Good battery size
- Good hours
Cons
- The range could be better
2. Midland 50 Channel Long Range Walkie Talkie
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 2.5 x 9.8 x 1.8 inches
- Frequency: UHF 400~470 MHz
When talking about a high-quality and highly responsive walkie-talkie for your longer trips or adventure trails, the Midland 50 Channel Long Range Walkie Talkie is hands down one of the most reliable options that you can consider buying.
These walkie-talkies are two-way radios, which makes communication a lot easier and seamlessly without unnecessary interruptions down the middle. The device comes with 50 distinct GMRS channels and doesn’t require any kinds of legal inputs for you to be able to use. You can take them out of the box and use them to your liking.
It is one of the few long-range walkie-talkies in the market that come with the JIS4 waterproof protection on the exterior and prevents the risks of unnecessary splashing around the water. So, not only is it weatherproof, it is splash resistant too.
The longer-range communication of this walkie-talkie reaches up to 36 miles distance, which again is pretty great for the price you pay. Besides that, the walkie-talkie is further integrated with 3,124 channel options, in terms of the privacy codes that you need while communicating.
If you are out on an adventure, you can make the most use out of the NOAA weather channel scan and alert you in case the weather seems to be getting worse in the coming hours so you can plan your action of approach accordingly.
Pros
- Durable and weatherproof construction
- Integrated with 50 GMRS channels
- Splash resistant design
- Supports up to 36 miles of transmission
- Integrated with NOAA weather alert
Cons
- Audio distortion happens quite often
3. Cobra PR562BLT Walkie Talkies Pro Series 28-Mile Bluetooth Two-Way Radios (Pair)
- Weight: 2.24 ounces
- Dimensions: 1.46 x 1.96 x 5.16 inches
- Frequency: n/a
This walkie talkie gives you a huge range of 32 miles. With this, you will be able to stay in touch with your friends easily even in different parts of the city. The device is built to be weather resistant. This enables it to survive those conditions that would break a normal walkie talkie down.
The device is Bluetooth compatible. This means that you will be able to pair this radio with a Bluetooth headset. Due to this, you will be able to operate it without your hands. If you are driving and have to talk then your eyes and hands can be firmly on the wheel.
The walkie talkie comes with a Vox feature which will also allow you to communicate using your voice. So this would leave your hands free as well. The device comes with an inbuilt LED light too which will let you see in the dark. It’s located on the bottom of your radio. Sometimes while driving or in a group talking, you might miss out on transmissions. But the VibrAlert won’t let that happen. Whenever there’s an incoming transmission the vibration feedback will be enhanced to better notify you.
There are 2662 channel combos for you to choose from. The device comes with 38 CTCSS/83 DCS which will help keep your conversations private and won’t allow other radios to interfere. Also along with these channels, you will get 10 NOAA channels. Using this you will be able to get weather updates which will help you be prepared for storms. The radio comes with an inbuilt NOAA receiver.
Pros
- 2662 channels
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Vox feature
Cons
- CTCSS/DCS numbers could be better
4. Proster Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Kids 16 Channel Two Way Radios with USB Charger
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Dimensions: 1.18 x 2.3 x 4.5 inches
- Frequency: 400 to 470 MHz
It is very easy to operate and use. Just turn the knob to the channel and then push a button. You will be heard from the person on the other end of the line. Do note that this brand’s walkie talkies aren’t compatible with those from another brand.
This device will give you a range of 2 miles. But this will vary as obstructions will lessen your range. You will get the above-stated range in an open field. It’s very easy to charge this device since it comes with a USB charger. Due to this, you will be able to charge it using a car charger, PC charger, mobile charger. The device comes with two batteries. One you can use as spare when needed.
The walkie talkie comes with both CTCSS and DCS function which will help shield you from external interferences as well as which help you talk with your friend privately. What’s more, is that this feature also helps in reducing background noises so that you can hear clearly.
This device comes with 16 channels and a UHF frequency of 400 to 470 MHz to choose from. There are even earpieces which you can use to talk easily. this is already included in the package so there’s no need to buy it separately. It comes with an emergency LED flashlight that you can use to illuminate your path.
Pros
- Easy operation
- LED flashlight
- USB charger
Cons
- Low range
5. Case of 10, Retevis H-777S 2 Way Radio Walkie Talkies Long Range
- Weight: 8.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.9 x 10.8 x 7.9 inches
- Frequency: n/a
This device is solid and durable. It comes with a thickened and hardened radio shell that ensures that it lasts long and can weather damages. The device is lightweight and compact which ensures that you can fit it perfectly in your palms. This machine also comes with a louder volume so that you are hear everything.
It comes with a 1100mAh battery and a USB charging base. Due to this, you will be able to charge it by using a power bank, a car, and more. Since it comes with an additional battery so you can charge that while you are talking on the walkie talkie running on the other one.
The device comes with a Vox feature which will allow you to operate and use the machine with just your voice. This will keep your hands free so that you can carry out other functions during a road trip like reading a map to the driver. The device comes with crystal clear sound quality so that you can hear everything.
The walkie talkie comes with an S-shaped earpiece that has been designed keeping in mind the comfort of your ears. It doesn’t come off easily as a result of a shake or jerk so you don’t have to hold it in its place painstakingly. But this doesn’t mean that your ears will hurt if you keep them on for so long.
Pros
- Ergonomic earpiece
- Vox feature
- USB charging base
Cons
- Battery life could be longer
6. Rivins RV-7 Walkie Talkies for Adults Long Range 4 Pack 2-Way Radios
- Weight: 1.12 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.12 x 6.02 x 4.01 inches
- Frequency: 462.5625~467.7125 MHz
This device will give you a range of 5 miles. But that’s only in a fully open field. When you are in a moving car then the range will differ. If you find yourself in a town or other kinds of obstructed areas then the range will decrease to 0.6 to 1.2 miles.
With this, you will get 22 FRS/GMRS channels along with 99 CTCSS tones. These tones are privacy codes that will prevent any kind of unnecessary noise or signal interference. If you fear that someone might tamper with the device then there’s a keypad lock. There are 22 channels for you to choose from here and the frequency is between 462.5625~467.7125 MHz. The device supports an automatic channel scan.
The walkie talkie comes with LCD screens which are backlit. In this screen, you will be able to see the battery level as well as other necessary information like signal status, volume level, and more. Along with this, you will get an inbuilt flashlight as well. You will be able to use it at night and see it.
The device comes with a powerful mic and speaker which ensures that you get to listen to great audio quality as well as transmit it. This walkie talkie comes with a Vox feature which enables you to operate the tool by just using your voice. This will leave your hands free.
This device is run on AAA rechargeable as well as alkaline batteries. If you don’t have the time to recharge your radio, as is the issue during road trips, then just replace the old batteries when they have run out and put in new ones. Do remember to place the new batteries correctly because if not then there’s a chance if a short circuit.
Pros
- Flexibility in battery
- Inbuilt flashlight
- Vox feature
Cons
- Low range
7. Motorola T200TP Talkabout Radio, 3 Pack
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 inches
- Frequency: n/a
This device will give you a range of 20 miles so that you can stay in touch with others during a road trip. But do keep in mind that this range can be reduced with obstructions. The greater the obstruction, the lesser the range. The walkie talkie is lightweight so you can carry it easily during a road trip. Its compact size ensures that you can place it wherever you like without any issues.
It comes loaded with 22 channels to choose from. What’s more, is that there are 121 privacy codes. This will give you a channel combination of greater than 2500. It’s 2662 to be exact.
The device comes with a scanning function that will tell you which channels are active then. This makes communication faster and easier. You can customize the calling experience with 20 kinds of call tones. If you want to mess with your friends then this will help you do it.
You will be able to charge your walkie talkie in two ways. One is by using rechargeable NiMH batteries that will be able to go on till 12 hrs. Since in a road trip charging places are difficult to come by so you can use 3×AA batteries in it as well. These will give you a battery life of 29 hours. If you ever run low on battery then the low-battery prompt will alert you.
Pros
- 2662 channel combs
- Two-way recharge
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- No Vox function
8. Case of 10, Retevis RT28 2 Way Radios Walkie Talkies Long Range
- Weight: 6.45 pounds
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.2 x 6.6 inches
- Frequency: n/a
This device is lightweight as well as compact. So you will be able to hold it in your hand and talk easily. Moreover, you will be able to slip it in your road trip bag easily as well. This walkie talkie ensures that you get to experience clear and crisp sounds.
There are 16 channels here for you to choose from. The scanning feature will scan for channels automatically. It comes with a rechargeable battery of 1000 mAh capacity. You will be able to charge it through a USB. There’s a low-battery warning feature that will warn you of a low battery so that you can charge or conserve it.
Along with the above, there’s the battery-saving function as well which will help you save your battery. It does it by going into a battery-saving mode when there are no transmissions for sometimes.
The device comes with a Vox feature which will let you use it hands-free. So you will just have to use your voice to operate it. Other useful features include the squelch function that will help keep your communications private as well as ensure that there’s less background noise for you to worry about. There is an emergency alarm as well which will notify others of your location if rescue is needed.
Pros
- Emergency alarm
- Vox feature
- Squelch function
Cons
- Channel numbers could be higher
9. CRAFTSMAN 25-Mile Long Range Walkie Talkies for Adults
- Weight: 0.235 lbs
- Dimensions: 6.05″ x 2.41″ x 1.63″
- Frequency: 462.550 MHz – 467.7125 MHz
With this walkie talkie, you will get a long range of 25 miles. This means that long-distance communication becomes easier. Even if two groups are converging from different parts of the town, you will still be able to stay in contact. Along with the long-range, you will get a whopping 2662 channels combos to choose from and use.
Know that along with the above channels you will also get 10 NOAA channels which will help you get weather alerts. Due to this, you will be prepared for any storms as well as other emergencies. The inbuilt NOAA receiver will cover all kinds of government-operated weather-channels. When you will get weather alerts then the radio will beep a different tone and it will switch to the weather channel that will broadcast it.
This device comes with 22 channels for you to pick and choose from. You will find that 462.550 MHz – 467.7125 MHz is the frequency range. The scan feature will automatically scan for the channels. It comes with 3×AA NiMH batteries which are rechargeable. These come with the device itself. You can use 3×AA alkaline-batteries on this as well. But do know that it’s not included and you will have to buy it separately. There is a unique battery saver feature that will switch to battery save mode if there are zero transmissions within 10secs.
This device is weather-resistant so you don’t have to worry about moisture seeping in and damaging the device. You will also find that this device comes with the Vox feature which will let you operate the device using only your voice. If you are busy driving then this feature will come in handy. There are 5 levels of Vox sensitivity you will be able to choose from.
Pros
- 10 NOAA channels
- Huge variety of channels combos
- Long-range
Cons
- None
10. Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios with Earpiece
- Weight: 2.99 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.9 x 4.7 inches
- Frequency: UHF 400-470MHz
This walkie talkie has a solid build which makes it more durable. Also, know that it is water-resistant which ensures that you will be able to use it without worrying. This device comes with 50 CTCSS and 105 CDCSS tones. Due to this your signal interference will get reduced and you will find that you can communicate with your partner in private. Also, this function reduces background noises as well so you will be able to talk and listen more clearly.
The walkie talkie comes with 16 channels for you to choose from. It has a range of UHF 400-470MHz. This walkie talkie comes with the Vox function as well. Vox will let you operate the radio using only your voice. This will keep for handsfree like for driving. What’s more, is that you will find the device comes with voice prompts which will let you know about the various features here. These voice prompts come in Chinese and English language.
This walkie talkie also comes with the emergency alarm feature. You will be able to use this emergency alarm in a life-threatening situation. The alarm will let others know of your location so that they can rescue you or your team. This device comes with an emergency LED-flashlight that will help you see in the dark. The walkie talkie makes use of 1500mAh batteries which can last for 96 hours on standby.
There is a battery low alert prompt as well as a battery saving feature. The former will notify you of a low charge so that you can conserve it if the situation demands or put it to charge. The latter function will go into power-saving mode once there are no transmissions for some time.
Pros
- Large battery
- Battery saving mode
- LED flashlight
Cons
- Channels could be more
11. 2 Way Radio LT-188H UHF Radio 10 Watts Handheld Radio Walkie Talkie
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 1.7 x 2.3 inches
- Frequency: 400-470MHz
This walkie talkie has a solid build which ensures that it lasts longer. It is more durable and can endure damages from falls better. Know that it is PC programmable as well. But it’s not compatible with Windows 8 or 10. The device comes with a whopping 2800mAh battery life. This will give you a long battery power so that you can make use of the features better.
There is a battery save function which will save the power once it detects that there has not been a transmission of any kind. Also once the battery becomes low you will get an alert of low battery. Then you can choose to conserve it or put it to charge. You will get 16 channels to choose from and will get a range of 400-470MHz.
There is the Vox feature which will allow you to use the device by using just your voice. This will keep your hands free so that you can simultaneously attend to other things. The walkie talkie comes with CTCSS-50/CDCSS-105 tones which will help keep your conversation private by preventing interference. It will also ensure that there’s less unnecessary noise and more audio clarity.
Another important feature here is the squelch function. With the help of this feature, you will also be able to keep your conversation private and prevent anyone from listening in. For this, you will get a range of 0 to 9. If you are planning on going for a separate new route with some friends only then this might come in handy.
Pros
- Squelch feature
- PC programmable
- Long battery life
Cons
- The low number of channels
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Buying Guide to Choose the Best Walkie Talkies For Road Trips in 2023
No matter how meticulously you might plan your road trip, things might go awry easily. But in all situations, it’s important to keep in touch with your friends, family, and more. A walkie talkie will help you do exactly that.
The biggest advantage is that you will be able to use a walkie talkie even if a normal cellphone network or internet is down. But many manufacturers make walkie talkies. So how will you know which one is genuinely good and which one is fake? To help you out here’s a list of the features you should look out for while buying a walkie talkie for road trips:
1. Frequency
While buying walkie-talkies pay attention to whether you are getting one that comes with VHF or UHF. UHF and VHF are both good for road trips on the open road. But both falter when there are obstructions. VHF operates at 126 to 174 MHz. The radios which come with VHF tend to have long antennas and these are good for penetrating trees and foliage. So in a long-winded road trip with forests all-around take a VHF enabled walkie talkie.
2. Range
The greater the range the better. At least go for those walkie talkies which come with a range of 20 to 25 miles. Anything lesser means that it will shrink even more in the presence of obstruction.
3. Vox
Vox is a very important feature to have especially if you are going on a road trip. If you are busy driving then having a voice activate feature will let you operate the device without your hands. As such you will be able to concentrate on other things simultaneously while using the radio.
4. Privacy codes
Privacy codes like CTCSS, CDCSS as well as DCS will help prevent interference from other signals thus keeping the conversation between you and your partner private. What’s more, is that it will also help reduce the background noise and ensure that you get to communicate with crystal clear audio.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Walkie Talkies For Road Trips in 2023
1. Is it important to get a walkie talkie with a keypad lock?
If you are going on a road trip with a rowdy group and are worried that they will jokingly tamper with your device then do get a keypad lock. Also, a keypad lock will prevent you from accidentally tampering with it as well.
2. Are there any alternatives for Vox?
You can get a walkie talkie with a jack so that you can use a headphone. This isn’t a pure alternative for Vox as you will still have to use your hands for some configuration. But at least you will be able to talk clearly without using your hands.
3. What battery power do you ideally need to go for?
The more the battery the better for you as you will get more hours to go on without charging. This is especially important on a road trip as you might not be able to charge your device there. Ideally, you should buy those walkie talkies which come with 1500 mAh at least. This will give you battery life for 96 hours on standby.
Also, you will be able to improve your battery life with the battery saver mode. This feature will make the device go into power-saving mode if there’s no transmission for some time. So look for a device with this feature. Know that without a good battery life you won’t be able to access any other feature of the walkie talkie.
4. What is the ideal walkie talkie to take on a family road trip?
Focus on the features given above in the buying guide. But also take into account the simplicity of operation if kids are involved. If it is easy to operate the walkie talkie then they will be able to use it easily in an emergency.
Walkie talkies might prove to be invaluable on a road trip. With this, you will be able to remain in contact with your friends no matter the situation. These devices might even save your life. When buying focus on three key features- frequency, range, and battery.
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