The owner of a smartphone is tied to civilization. Just move away from the coverage area - and that's it, your sophisticated device turns into a piece of expensive plastic. However, not everyone lives in large cities, and some regularly go hunting, go fishing or go in for tourism. In such cases, good old radios come to the rescue.
In our ranking we will tell which walkie-talkie to choose for hunting and fishing, truckers, tourists, warehouse workers and security guards, or in a car. We tried to collect all the optimal models in different price ranges, focusing on reviews on Yandex.Market and specialized sites.
Best all-round city radios 2020
3. Baofeng BF-888S
- radio uhf
- transmitter power 5 W
- power supply Li-Ion battery
- weight 166 g
- number of channels 16
- CTCSS, DCS coding
- headset connection
The list of the best radios opens with the cheapest rating model. The price is one of its main advantages, but you get your money a full-fledged miniature radio receiver, very easy to set up and use. It's nice that, at the same time, the radio has built-in protection against the playful little hands of those who like to poke at the buttons - the channel settings are registered only through the cable.
But, of course, you will have to forget about the more interesting functions - dual range, protection from weather conditions or a working radius of 10 km or more. In general, if your goal is to issue walkie-talkies to warehouse workers or security guards, or just fool around with friends in nature, then Baofeng BF-888S will fully pay off its price.
Important: to work in Russia, a flashing may be required, since in our country the frequencies at which the radio works by default are prohibited.
pros: price, channel settings are registered via cable, autonomy.
Minuses: no Russian voice acting, no weather protection, flashing required.
2. Motorola Talkabout T42 Twin Pack
- walkie talkie PMR
- 2 radios included
- transmitter power 0.5 W
- range of 4 km
- power supply 3xAAA
- weight 79 g
- number of channels 8
Planning a family hike? Do you want to relax in the country, but at the same time not to lose sight of the child? It is worth thinking about a set of walkie-talkies for the smallest, Motorola Talkabout T42 Twin Pack. These are small bright devices with an attractive design, very simple, and even a five-year-old child can figure out how to work. Or several children - for those with many children, Motorola has Triple and Quad versions (three and four radios included).
But adults can also find the Talkabout T42 useful, for example, during sports games that require communication with the team, such as paintball. Moreover, you can connect the radios into one network by simply pressing a button.
pros: simple, cute, inexpensive, kids like it.
Minuses: short range, limited functionality.
1. Motorola Talkabout T62
- walkie talkie PMR
- 2 radios included
- transmitter power 0.5 W
- range of 8 km
- Ni-MH battery powered
- weight 161 g
- number of channels 8
- CTCSS, DCS coding
- headset connection
Motorola Talkabout T62 works only in the frequency range permitted in Russia, so there will be no hassle with flashing.Although it is more expensive than Baofeng BF-888S, it still belongs to the inexpensive price segment. And this model has more functions:
- there is a possibility of activation by voice,
- loud call,
- synchronization of radios by pressing a single button.
And although the case is deceptively simple, buyers are unanimous on one thing - to hold the device and handle it is very convenient.
The creators of the walkie-talkie have equipped their brainchild, in addition to a battery connector, with a built-in rechargeable battery, which is connected via a standard microUSB connector.
pros: build quality, built-in battery, ease of use, reliability, design.
Minuses: no.
The best walkie-talkies of 2020 for hunting and fishing
3. BaoFeng BF-F8HP
- walkie talkie VHF / UHF
- transmitter power 5 W
- range of 10 km
- power supply Li-Ion battery
- weight 250 g
- number of channels 128
- CTCSS, DCS, DTMF coding
- headset connection
One of the most popular models on the Russian market, optimal in terms of price / functionality ratio. Frequencies can be selected both automatically and manually. The walkie-talkie can also serve as a kind of radio receiver, it picks up the frequencies of FM radio stations without any problems. Users note the quality of the sound - it is clear, legible. A noise filter will help reduce noise.
The battery can withstand 8-9 hours of intensive work. If desired, all sorts of beauty such as voice confirmation of pressing buttons, screen backlighting and other things can be turned off to save battery power.
The main disadvantage of BaoFeng BF-F8HP is the lack of instructions in Russian, there are only English or Chinese versions. True, in our age of the Internet this is not a problem.
pros: long battery life, flashlight, great functionality, inexpensive.
Minuses: under heavy use, the rubber cover of the keyboard is erased, there is no instruction in Russian.
2.Xiaomi MiJia Walkie-Talkie
- walkie talkie VHF / UHF
- transmitter power 2 W
- range of 10 km
- power supply Li-Ion battery
- weight 200 g
- CTCSS coding
- headset connection
The company "Xiaomi", loved by Russians, did not stay away from the portable communications market. As a result, the rating of walkie-talkies for hunters and fishermen was replenished with another model - small, light, elegant, but at the same time quite powerful. This is perhaps the most technically sophisticated walkie-talkie in the rating, it is recharged from the station, has the ability to synchronize with the phone and GPS. And it weighs quite a bit - about 200 g, which will be appreciated by people who have to make long transitions.
Do not be afraid that the Xiaomi MiJia Walkie-Talkie will suffer in difficult hiking conditions. You can connect a headset to it, and hide the walkie-talkie in a backpack or other protected place.
pros: build quality, size, weight, smartphone app, GPS.
Minus: VOX mode with Bluetooth headset does not work.
1. Midland GXT1050
- Frequency range: 433.07500 - 434.77500 MHz
- Type: Ni-MH
- Number of channels: 99
- Modulation: 38 CTCSS / 104 DCS
- Output Power (W): 2.5
- WxHxD: 104 x 58 x 33
- Weight (g): 235
The American company Midland has been manufacturing portable radios for more than half a century, including for hunters and fishermen. The GXT1050 is perhaps one of the most powerful radios in the rating, it is not intended for FSR (home use), but for GMRS (semi-professional).
These radios are capable of sending a signal over long distances. In the case of the GXT1050, this is a stunning figure declared by the developers of more than 50 km in open areas. Naturally, in urban environments with an abundance of concrete structures, the range will be less.
The radio is specially designed for those who often travel out of town, or work in extreme conditions. Its body is waterproof, painted in camouflage, all the nests are closed with tight-fitting rubber plugs. There is a special mode Whisper ("Whisper"), when you can easily hear the speaker even in a very quiet voice of the interlocutor. Hunters will also appreciate that call signals can be configured to imitate the voices of birds or animals. Walkie-talkies can be grouped together, and in case of trouble, an alarm can be triggered using the GXT1050.
pros: dust and moisture protection, GMRS, long battery life, the ability to track two channels at once.
Minus: license required.
Best walkie-talkies 2020 for truckers and motorists
3. MegaJet MJ-100
- Frequency range: 27 MHz
- Transmitter output power 5 W
- Number of channels 120 (three grids - C, D, E. (A / F + ON))
- Modulation AM (90%) / FM (2KHz)
- Receiver sensitivity 0.5 μV
- Squelch threshold - no more than 1mkV
- Headset connector (PTT) 5-pin
- Supply voltage 13.8V
Why would an ordinary driver use a walkie-talkie for truckers? In addition to information about traffic jams, ambushes of traffic police patrols on the road and cameras, you can simply ask a question in the general chat and they will answer you. Where is it easier and cheaper to refuel, where to have a snack, how to get from point A to point B, how to cope with a breakdown if you suddenly happen on the road. Yes, even in the city there are special "car" frequencies, where motorists sit.
If you want to take a quick trip, let's say, to the sea, and the rest of the time you don't use your radio, it makes no sense to choose an expensive and sophisticated one. And then shake to see if she's being stolen while you and your family are having breakfast at a roadside cafe. Here you should think about an inexpensive option - for example, the MegaJet MJ-100.
This is a 12 W walkie-talkie (normal car radio, not to be confused with 24 W professional truck radios). It is very simple and reliable. It has a minimum of functions, but it has everything you need for communication:
- volume control and noise reduction,
- small and concise display,
- emergency channel.
It catches up to 120 channels (grids C, D, E), plus there is the possibility of changing frequencies from Russian to European (or “from five to zero”, as the drivers say). For an ordinary user, this is more than enough.
We add that even with a cheap walkie-talkie, it makes sense to spend money on a good expensive antenna with a length of one and a half meters.
pros: simple, reliable, inexpensive, dim backlight, small size.
Minuses: Build quality may be lame, difficult to repair, no automatic noise cancellation.
2. ALAN 100 Plus
- Antenna connector: PL-259 female
- Modulation types: AM, FM
- Communication range: 5-10 km
- Protection class: IP54
- Number of channels: 40
- Number of radios included: 1
This simple and reliable radio for truckers allows you to turn on and adjust the noise reduction level, and has only one frequency grid of forty channels, covering the frequencies 26 965 - 27 405 MHz.
Truckers often choose the ALAN 100 Plus as they only need channel 15 and AM modulation. For taxi drivers or those who need more nets, it is better to look for another model of the walkie-talkie.
If you are not a trucker, but a simple motorist who does not leave the borders of Russia, then we can safely recommend ALAN 100 Plus as an inexpensive walkie-talkie for a car, with which you can find out about traffic police posts and car ambushes, fuel prices at various gas stations, and additional services in various hotels. No special permission is required for such a radio.
pros: ease of use, good connection quality, small size.
Minuses: only one frequency grid.
1. Optim 778
- Supply voltage 13.8 V DC.
- Frequency range: 26965-27410 kHz.
- Modulation types: F3E (FM) and A3E (AM).
- Dimensions: 15.8 * 4.8 * 16.5 cm.
- Weight: 1.1 kg.
And this is a more advanced model for those who constantly use the radio. Unlike the previous model, it has automatic noise reduction (there is also a manual one for those who wish), and channels can be switched both on the station itself and on the tanget.
In addition to a noise suppressor, the Optim 778 has a filter to improve signal intelligibility in high noise, an output power switch and additional protection for the output transistor. And a color display with clear and legible pictograms. In general, this is one of the best walkie-talkies for truckers in terms of price / quality ratio; however, it will not work in a truck without an adapter, since it is designed for an on-board network of 12 watts.
Please note: unlike their inexpensive counterparts, walkie-talkies of the middle and high price segment have a large power consumption. Therefore, you should carefully monitor the battery charge level. The Optim 778 may require a 15mA fuse.
pros: transmission range, build quality, work at low temperatures.
Minuses: large heat sink heatsink.
The best walkie-talkies for tourists in 2020
3. Yaesu VX-6R
- walkie talkie VHF / UHF
- transmitter power 5 W
- power supply Li-Ion battery
- weight 270 g
- number of channels 1000
- CTCSS, DCS, DTMF coding
- headset connection
This walkie-talkie will become a faithful companion for those who like to travel to places where "Makar did not drive calves." It has a shockproof, waterproof rubberized magnesium alloy body, operates in the temperature range from -20 to 60 ° C and, in addition to a 1400 mAh battery, can operate on 2 AA batteries, but only for receiving or transmitting.
The transmission is carried out with a maximum power of 5 W, but if necessary, this can be reduced to 2.5, 1 or 0.3 W.
Already "out of the box" the radio can operate at frequencies of 140-174 MHz and has the ability to receive from 500 kHz to gigahertz. Where ordinary walkie-talkies are not taken, this one will work, work and work. Moreover, it can be useful not only in the "wild" conditions, but also in the metropolis. According to user reviews, within the city limits, a reliable reception at a distance of up to 20 km.
In addition, the Yaesu VX-6R has access to the Web using WiRES II (an amateur radio communication system over the Internet).
pros: compact, password function, backlit display, energy saving mode.
Minuses: price, complex interface.
2. COMRADE R5
- radio uhf
- transmitter power 5 W
- power supply Li-Pol battery
- weight 270 g
- number of channels 16
- CTCSS, DCS, DTMF coding
- headset connection
Comrade specializes in semi-professional walkie-talkies that can withstand extreme temperature changes and harsh environmental conditions. They will be appreciated by people who are fond of sports tourism, climbers, river rafters or lovers of long hikes.
The body of the radio itself is simple, without unnecessary bells and whistles, strong and durable, and a small antenna is capable of receiving and transmitting a signal over long distances. The power of 5 W hints that it is very large (as they say in the reviews, in open areas up to 12 km).
Another advantage of the walkie-talkie is a massive 2800 mAh battery that can hold a charge for a long time. There is even a special power saving mode, which will help to stretch the charge for even longer time. Sound absorption works effectively; according to users, the interlocutor is perfectly audible even in the conditions of the construction site.
pros: reliability, dust and moisture protection, holds a charge for a long time, high-quality connection over long distances.
Minuses: The low battery alert appears only if the radio is almost empty.
1. Motorola TLKR-T92 H2O
- walkie talkie PMR
- 2 radios included
- transmitter power 0.5 W
- range of 10 km
- Ni-MH battery powered
- weight 233 g
- number of channels 8
- CTCSS, DCS coding
- headset connection
And this model in the ranking of the best radios in 2020 will come in handy for fans of sports tourism. Delicate electronic filling Motorola TLKR-T92 H2O is packed in a sturdy, reliable and sealed case that can withstand both difficult weather conditions and short immersion in water. True, you should not expect frost resistance from the walkie-talkie, it can survive a moderate temperature of -5 or -7 °, but not more.
Note the presence in this model of a bright flashlight with a wide angle of light scattering. Moreover, it changes color, so at night when cycling Motorola TLKR-T92 H2O can be used as an additional side light. With all this, the device holds a charge for a long time, it lasts for two days of moderate use.
Best of all, the radio shows itself in nature, where its range is maximum. In a city or city outskirts, the TLKR-T92 H2O will be difficult to break through concrete walls.
Or if the speaker dies and the sound disappears, try moving the headphone cap. Due to the hermetically sealed housing, differential pressure can cause diaphragm malfunction.
pros: sealed case, convenient menu, informative display, there is a USB connector, an excellent flashlight, a capacious battery.
Minuses: large and heavy, no charging station.