Two-Way Radios: Reviews

The Motorola EM1000 offers more features and slightly better range than other two-way radios in the same price category. The feature lineup includes 121 privacy codes to prevent eavesdropping, NOAA weather alerts, a… built-in LED flashlight, an emergency panic alert function and a USB charging capability. The range is specified at 20 miles (though actual range varies). The radio covers all 22 GMRS and FRS channels. An FCC license (*est. $85 for five years) is legally required for use on the long-range GRMS channels, but you can choose to operate the radio in a low-power mode for license-free operation on the FRS channels (8-14).

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

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… won'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 the same as other types of two-radios, from one to 20 miles depending on conditions.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse

In addition to basic communication, the Garmin Rino 110 adds GPS (global positioning system) location technology to visually track your position, as well as the positions of other Garmin Rino users in your group. Other… features include voice activation, a hunting/fishing calendar, a PC interface and built-in memory. One negative is that the range is fairly limited (five miles on GMRS channels/two miles on FRS channels). It's also relatively expensive, and an FCC license is needed no matter what channels you use.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse