Two-Way Radios

Types of two-way radios

There are two main types of two-way radios. In 1996, the FCC created Family Radio Service (FRS) that operates on special radio bands (the FCC regulates all radio frequencies). FRS is a private, two-way, short-distance voice communications service. Marketed to families, FRS radios have a frequency bandwidth that allows families to keep in touch within a two-mile area. The two-mile range is only available if all parties are within line of sight of each other. The reception is best on flat land or over water. FRS radios are not particularly powerful, and sometimes their performance can be affected by hills or buildings. These radios have channels with about half a watt of power, and so they aren't robust enough to be used on a daily basis, for business use or for longer ranges.

FRS-only two-way radios are disappearing from the scene, replaced by more powerful General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios with much longer ranges. Some manufacturers claim 20 miles or more, although your actual range will almost certainly vary. Like FRS, GMRS uses line of sight frequencies, and range is greatly affected by obstacles such as hills and buildings. Because of that, a lower-powered radio at the top of a hill will usually have far greater range than a higher-powered radio at the bottom of that same hill.

While GMRS shares a lot in common with FRS, and even with citizens' band walkie-talkies of yesteryear, there are also some important differences. GMRS radios are more powerful. The allowable maximum is 50 watts, but most handheld radios, which use batteries, are limited to 5 watts or less. Because of their power and range, the FCC restricts the use of GMRS radios to an adult license holder and his or her immediate family -- spouse, children, parents, etc. Getting an FCC GMRS license (*est. $80) is typically a trivial matter. Most GMRS radios are packaged with the required form and/or information, or you can get it online from the FCC. The license is valid for five years and is renewable. More information can be found at the FCC website.

The majority of two-way radios sold today are labeled as FRS and GMRS. That's because the two services share some frequencies, and radios using one service can be used to contact radios using the other service. If an FRS/GMRS radio has been approved under FRS rules (1/2 watt maximum power, non-detachable antenna), you might not need a license to use it, as long as you stick to the FRS channels (8-14). Several FRS/GMRS two-way radios lock the output to the maximum 1/2-watt for license-free operation on the FRS channels.

Using any two-way radio is easy; all have 22 channels and work in basically the same manner. You choose a channel, push a button to talk, then release that button to listen. These two-way radios let you talk with everyone who has a radio tuned to your channel. More expensive two-way radios have privacy codes that create sub-channels to prevent others from listening in. Some two-way radios also have voice scrambling features that scramble all transmissions. All these two-way radios use alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries or both. They are handheld devices, although some come with headsets.

Best two-way radios

Reviewers are impressed by the Motorola Talkabout FV200AA (*est. $20/pair) GRMS/FRS two-way radio, noting that it has great features for a low price. The Motorola FV200AA uses three AAA batteries that last about 33 hours. There is an audible low-battery indicator. This two-way radio has a compact design and weighs only 2.6 ounces without the batteries. Options include an armband holster and earbuds.

While many owners are pleased with the Motorola Talkabout FV200AA, we have seen some negative comments (though some are clearly caused by unrealistic expectations). With a rated output of just 1/2 watt, the Motorola Talkabout FV200AA is low-powered compared to GMRS radios, and it struggles to achieve even its five-mile claimed range. The two-way radio also lacks privacy codes. That's not a big deal if you are out in the woods, but in busy urban or suburban areas, channels can be quickly overrun by competing conversation.

The Cobra PR170-2 VP (*est. $30/pair) is another lightweight two-way radio to consider. It weighs just 2.22 ounces without batteries and has a rated range of up to eight miles. Unlike the Motorola FV200AA, there are 38 privacy codes that help to protect your communication by creating numerous sub-channels. The Cobra also differs in that it has a speaker and microphone jack. The PR 170-2 VP has an easy-to-read LCD display and a call alert. You can use this unit with either alkaline or rechargeable batteries.

The Midland LXT330 (*est. $30/pair) is another low-priced two-way radio that rates well with experts. Unlike the Motorola radio above, the Midland has a range of up to 16 miles on its GMRS channels. However, it is locked to the legal maximum power for FRS service on channels 8-14 and, according to Midland, can be used without a license on those channels.

The Midland LXT330 isn't particularly feature rich, and it lacks privacy codes. While there is only one call tone, the Midland LXT-330 has a silent mode in which the display flashes several times to alert you to an incoming communication. The Midland LXT330 is also water resistant and has microphone and headphone jacks. The radio uses 4 AAA batteries. If you want a two-way radio with a rechargeable battery, the Midland LXT330VP3 (*est. $40/ pair with charger) is otherwise identical. Both Midland radios have a three-year warranty, which is the longest of all the manufacturers.

If you want more range, the Midland GXT700 (*est. $50/pair) has a claimed range of up to 26 miles -- one of the longest in this price category. The Midland GXT700 lacks privacy codes or weather alerts, but the display is backlit for easier viewing, and it has a silent operation mode. Again, no license is required for low-power operation in the FRS channels (8-14), but you need a license for the longer-range GMRS frequencies.

One feature you will find is "eVox," which is a voice activation function. The Midland GXT700 is also water resistant. It uses 4 AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack (not included) and has a battery life extender with high/low power setting. There are microphone and headphone jacks.

If you want a similar radio with a few more features, such as weather alerts and privacy codes, the Midland GXT710VP3 (*est. $55/pair) two-way radio has the same rated range as the GXT700 and is only slightly more expensive. In addition to its 121 privacy codes and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alerts, it also has a vibrating alert and five call alerts. The Midland GXT710VP3 is packaged with twin rechargeable battery packs and a dual charger.

For even more privacy, consider the Uniden GMR1588 (*est. $35/pair) , which offers 142 privacy codes and voice scramble security. The latter feature scrambles all transmissions for privacy. The rated range is 15 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 a two-way radio with GPS, the best choice is a model by Garmin, which makes many types of electronic devices containing global positioning systems. The Garmin Rino 110 (*est. $150 each) is the cheapest of the five GPS/radios Garmin makes. Though small in size, the Rino 110 weighs 7.6 ounces with battery. The Rino 110 uses two 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, is 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.

Important Features

Here's what the experts say to look for when choosing a two-way radio:

• Look for radios with 22 channels to optimize your chances of finding a less crowded channel. Most radios now have both FRS and GMRS channels.

• To minimize the chance of having your conversation interrupted by other radio users, some radios have privacy codes or sub-channels. With these, you can only talk to someone on the same channel/subchannel combination. While this doesn't ensure complete privacy, it does make it a little harder for others to find you. The more privacy codes, the more combinations available.

• Models with voice-activated transmission allow for hands-free usage. Many models now include headsets or a headset jack.

• Channel scanning lets you scroll through channels to find traffic. This helps you avoid busy frequencies or find friends who are on the radio. Some radios have automatic scanning.

• The scramble feature found on some radios offers more privacy than subchannel codes. A scrambler makes your conversation unintelligible to others listening in.

• A low-battery alert is helpful. Depending on the model, some alerts are audible and some are visual.

• Most GMRS/FRS radio antennas are rugged enough to withstand heavy use. Some fold down to make it easier to fit the radio into your pocket.

• Most models are powered by AA or AAA alkaline batteries. Others use NiMH (nickel metal hydride) rechargeable batteries. Some radios have both types.

• An FCC license may be required. Most two-way radios are now hybrid GMRS/FRS models. Operation on the GMRS channels (1-7 and 15-22) always requires an FCC license. Depending on the model, operation on the FRS channels (8 through 14) may or may not require a license. If a license is needed (*est. $80), it's easily obtained online and is good for five years.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
2	Motorola FV200AA (*est. $20/pair)	details
1 each	Motorola: Motorola T9500 , TriSquare TSX300 , Motorola Talkabout SX700, Motorola Talkabout SX800 , Motorola T9580RSANE , Motorola T6500 , Motorola T5320, Motorola FV6500R, Motorola 289AA, Motorola T5420, Motorola T9660XLR Midland: Midland GXT550VP , Midland GXT700 , Midland GXT800 , Midland GXT 850 , Midland LXT330, Midland GXT710VP3 Other: Uniden GMR 1438 , Garmin Rino, Cobra LI7000-2 WX , ENC 5040, ENC 5040X, Cobra FRS315WX, Kenmore UBZ LH14, Cobra LI6500-2 , Kenmore FreeTalk, Uniden Eco Trek 440

Striking a balance between price, performance and features, the Midland GXT710VP3 seems to be a standout choice. It offers the longest rated range of any two-way radios in its category, as well as privacy codes, a three-year warranty, NOAA weather alerts and rechargeable batteries (with charger). A special low-power mode allows for license-free operation in the FRS channels (8 through 14). The Garmin Rino 110 is expensive and has a limited range, but its GPS features are a plus. The Motorola FV200AA has few features and a short range, but is a reliable basic GRMS/FRS radio and a good budget choice, as long as your expectations are reasonable.

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