Two-Way Radios: Reviews

The Motorola MR350 is an FRS/GMRS radio that's feature-packed yet reasonably priced. The claimed range of 35 miles is among the longest around, though coverage under real-world conditions is apt to be much, much shorter.… expandThe 22 FRS/GMRS channels along with 122 privacy codes (subchannels) make it easy to find a clear frequency to use, and minimize the odds of eavesdropping by others. You'll also find seven NOAA weather channels and the MR350 will automatically sound an alarm when an emergency broadcast is received. Oversized buttons make the unit easy to operate with gloved hands. The Vibracall feature allows you to set the unit to vibrate when a call comes in, much like a cell phone, which can be a boon for hunters and bird watchers alike. The MR350 can be charged via the charging adapter, cradle charger or by using a USB cable (purchased separately), or you can use standard AA batteries in a pinch. An FCC license (*Est. $85) is required for legal use of GMRS channels, but the FRS channels can be used license-free. collapse

While other two-way radios operate on crowded FRS/GMRS frequencies, the TriSquare TSX300 operates in the 900 MHz band, the same band as many cordless phones. This means that although these radios are more expensive, you… expandwon't need an FCC license to use them legally, and you won't get interference from other two-way radio users. The TSX300 comes equipped with two-way text messaging, call waiting, caller ID, an NOAA weather receiver, a backlit keypad and more. Range is similar to other types of two-way radios, from one to 20 miles depending on conditions. collapse

Though pricey, the Garmin Rino 530HCx is very well regarded by its owners. In addition to a frequency range and feature set that's comparable to other FRS/GMRS two-way radios, the 530HCx is a capable handheld GPS device,… expandmaking it a favorite of those who love the outdoors. The 530HCx also receives NOAA weather broadcasts, and has a built-in barometric altimeter, compass and hunting/fishing calendar. It can record the external temperature and features hands-free voice activation, though the headset is not included. The radio comes preloaded with basemaps which can be expanded using MapSource cards. The Garmin Rino 530HCx comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 14 hours of use on one charge. The radio is also waterproof and comes with a one-year warranty. collapse