Best Two-Way Radios

Best two-way radios for non-commercial use

If you want a two-way FRS/GMRS radio with good features and straightforward, easy-to-use operation, the Motorola EM1000 (*Est. $45 per pair) is a fine choice at a reasonable price. In addition to 22 channels, each with 121 privacy codes, and a range rated up to 20 miles (with the usual disclaimer), the Motorola EM1000 two-way radio provides convenient options not found on many other radios: hands-free communication, an emergency alert/transmitter, a USB charging port and an LED flashlight. This two-way radio is considered one of the hot new gadgets by the organizers of the 2008 SHOT show, where the latest and greatest outdoor and hunting gear is displayed each year. Field & Stream magazine put together a helpful slideshow on its website, featuring some of the gadgets from the show.

The Motorola EM1000 has weather channels with alert functions, a Quiet Talk interruption filter and a backlit display. It runs on three AA batteries, but a rechargeable model, the Motorola EM1000R (*Est. $55 per pair), is also available. We didn't find a large number of user reviews for the EM1000, but the ones we did come across are positive. Owners rave about the addition of a built-in flashlight.

A senior member and regular reviewer at Two-Way Radio Forum has trouble deciding which two-way radio is best, the Motorola EM1000 or the similar Cobra LI7200 (*Est. $55 per pair). The Cobra LI7200 two-way radio has a longer claimed range of 27 miles versus the Motorola EM1000's 20 miles. It also has very similar features, although it lacks the Motorola's scan lockout feature that allows users to lock out extremely busy channels. In the end, the Cobra LI7200 gets a slightly higher score overall because of its impressive battery life, as well as its better sound quality and range. However, the Cobra model costs a bit more.

If you want more range, the Midland GXT900VP4 (*Est. $65 per pair) has a claimed range of up to 30 miles -- one of the longest in this price category. The Midland GXT900VP4 offers 142 privacy codes and numerous other functions such as National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alerts, adjustable power settings, voice privacy scramble and 20 extra channels, all of which are reportedly easy to use with proper study of the owners manual. Again, no license is required for low-power operation in the FRS channels (8-14), as well as channels 34-37 on this model, but you need a license for the longer-range GMRS frequencies. A senior member and regular reviewer at Two-Way Radio Forum states, "I really cannot find any fault with these radios."

Another two-way radio with 142 privacy codes is the Uniden GMR2089 (*Est. $55 per pair), which also offers voice-scramble security for privacy. The rated range is 20 miles (your actual range will likely be less). While a GMRS license is required for use in the GMRS channels, no license is needed for low power operation on the FRS bands (channels 8-14).

A rechargeable battery comes with this two-way radio, which has a battery strength meter. Alkaline batteries can also be used. Other features include automatic channel change, NOAA weather channels, direct calling that allows you to talk to just one person in your group, a backlit LCD display, a headset jack and hands-free operation.

If you want the best privacy and don't want to worry about getting an FCC license, the TriSquare TSX300 (*Est. $80 per pair) communicates over the 900 MHz band resulting in less interference. Better yet, an FCC license isn't required as with FRS/GMRS radios. The TriSquare two-way radio boasts numerous features such as two-way text messaging, call waiting, caller ID, an NOAA weather receiver, a backlit keypad, a phone book that stores up to 1000 contact entries, and voice-activated transmit. According to Bernard Bates with Popular Communications, "A lot of the functions could be considered overkill for consumers." However, most users report that the basic features are easy to learn and use. The advanced functions may require additional study. TriSquare offers an entry-level two-way radio with limited features, the TSX100 (*Est. $60 per pair).

Bates criticizes FRS/GMRS two-way radio manufacturers' privacy codes, saying they offer no privacy at all. He goes on to say that their range claims are "fantastical." TriSquare makes no claims on range, but it does state that under the same conditions, their two-way radios will meet or exceed the range of FRS/GMRS radios. The reviewer at Two-Way Radio Forum says that under test conditions, the TriSquare TSX300's performance was practically indistinguishable from the FRS/GMRS radios he or she reviewed for that site. Eugene Nielson, a reviewer with S.W.A.T. magazine, echoes this finding.

Two-way radio with GPS

If you want a two-way radio with GPS, the best choice is a model by Garmin, which makes many types of electronic devices containing global positioning system receivers. The Garmin Rino 110 (*Est. $145 each) is the cheapest of the five GPS/radios Garmin makes. Though small in size, the Rino 110 weighs 7.6 ounces with battery; it uses three AA batteries and does not have a rechargeable battery. It uses both FRS and GMRS frequencies, but an FCC license is needed regardless of which you use.

The Rino 110 is feature rich, including voice activation, a hunt/fish calendar, a PC interface and built-in memory. What sets it apart, however, are its GPS (global positioning system) capabilities. One of the big selling points of two-way radios is that they help keep track of friends, co-workers and loved ones in the wilderness, on a job site, in a neighborhood or shopping mall. The Garmin Rino 110 takes that one step farther by using GPS to track your position, as well as the positions of other Garmin Rino users in your group. This is an expensive model for the range that it offers (just five miles on GMRS channels/two miles on FRS channels), but if GPS is important to you, this is a good choice that's well liked by experts.

Garmin's top-of-the line model, the Rino 530HCX (*Est. $475 each), offers all the features of the Rino 110 plus 5 watts of transmit power, a card slot that accepts microSD cards preloaded with detailed maps, a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, an NOAA weather radio, a color display, a USB port and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Expert and user reviews are positive, but reviewers warn that it takes time and practice to master the Rino 530's many features, some of which may be complicated to use.