9 of the best long range walkie talkies to keep you connected
Contributing Editor
The best long-range walkie talkies can keep you connected on hikes and various other adventures. While long-range walkie talkies might sound like a novelty to a lot of people, but it’s actually a lot more helpful than you might think.
The right walkie talkie can be a low-cost way to connect with fellow colleagues on a job site.
It’s also a valuable tool for adventurers in the great outdoors, where cell phone signals aren’t always guaranteed.
Not only can you communicate with a wide selection of people quickly and easily through a walkie talkie, but you can also reach friends and family in an environment where there’s virtually no mobile network coverage to speak of.
The toughest part about choosing one of these products yourself is figuring out which are the best long range walkie talkies for your needs.
After all, there’s a wide selection of options out there, and for beginners, making the choice can be tough.
The best long range walkie talkies we’ve found are:
- Midland 50 Channel GMRS (best waterproof)
- GOCOM long range walkie talkies (best for outdoors)
- Uniden SX507-2CKHS (best super long range)
- Cobra ACXT1035R FLT (best with extra features)
- DEWALT DXFRS220 (best wearable)
- Motorola T600 Talkabout (best ease of use)
- Craftsman 32-mile long-range (best value)
- DEWALT DXFRS300 (best heavy duty)
- Cobra RX860 2 watt (best battery life)
1. Midland 50 Channel GMRS (best waterproof)
The Midland 50 channel GMRS walkie talkies feature a host of excellent features to keep you connected on the move. You even get a handy channel scan feature to check for activity in any environment.
Thanks to a JIS4 waterproof protection, you can also ensure that your long range walkie talkie will continue to work as it should in any environment.
If you’re looking for super long range walkie talkies, then the Midland set can deliver frequencies in a 36 mile range, with long-range communication that’s perfect for areas with minimal obstruction.
Easy sound and voice activation transmissions mean that beginners can get started in no time.
Features of this walkie talkie set include:
- 2-way radios with 50 GMRS
- 36-mile range
- 142 CTCSS / DCS privacy codes
- NOAA weather scan + alert
- 2 radio kit
- Desktop charger and AC/DC adapter
- 142 privacy codes
- JIS4 water proofing
- Vibrate alert
With countless handy features, including 142 privacy codes, and a selection of 10 channel scan options to choose from, the Midland 50 channel does have it all.
There are some issues, however. Setting up privacy codes can be quite difficult, and the receiver seems to suffer from a lot of extra noise.
Pros:
- 50 GMRS channels
- Excellent 36-mile range
- NOAA weather scan and alerts
- AC/DC adapter functionality
- JIS4 water proofing
Cons:
- Tricky to set up privacy codes
- A lot of noise from the receiver
2. GOCOM long range walkie talkies (best for outdoors)
If you’re looking for the most efficient and reliable long range walkie talkies you can buy for a budget price, then GOCOM has you covered.
This set of long-range walkie talkies comes with a 32-mile range, so you can clearly communicate with friends and family in open areas.
These walkies do work better in open areas, so you should avoid using them in crowded cities.
Both compact and convenient, these walkie talkies will give you access to up to 22 service channels (all family-friendly), and there’s a privacy code system too.
You also get the benefit of up to 75 hours of battery life per charge, and IPX4 water resistance for splashes and dust.
Features include:
- Robust 32-mile range
- Smart LCD screen for accessing information
- Danger alarm function
- LED flashlight
- Up to 2,662 channels and 22 family-friendly options
- NOAA weather scanning and alerts
- 75 hours of battery life
- IPX4 water resistant
- USB quick charge
Despite their affordable price tag, these products stood out during our long-range walkie talkies reviews, thanks to their excellent additional features and easy functionality.
Whether you’re using the LED flashlight or threat alarm, you’ll have no problem with GOCOM.
Do be aware that the charging port can break quite easily though.
Pros:
- 32-mile range excellent for outdoors
- 75 hours of battery life with USB charging
- Safety features like flashlight and alarm
- NOAA weather radio and scanning
- Convenient IPX4 water proofing
Cons:
- Not ideal for urban spaces
- Charging port can break quite easily
3. Uniden SX507-2CKHS (best super long range)
For super long range walkie talkies, it doesn’t get much better than the incredible Uniden 5X507-2CKHS kit.
This set of two walkie talkies comes with a dual charging cradle, so you can power your devices with ease.
There’s also a selection of 22 channels to choose from, 142 privacy codes, and a NOAA weather scan and alert function.
Not only do these long range walkie talkies come with a fantastic fifty mile range, but they also have a host of extra features to explore too.
For instance, these are some of the best long range walkie talkies with earpiece access, and the devices come with up to 14 hours of battery life, so you can rest assured that you’ll have all day power.
Features include:
- Exclusive group modes with direct calling
- 50- mile range
- 22 channels to choose from
- 142 privacy codes
- Comprehensive JIS7 rating for water submersion
- Industry-standard frequencies
- NOAA weather alerts
- Up to 14 hours of battery life
- Earpieces included
Ready to tackle anything, these long range walkie talkies are JIS7 rated, so they can be submerged in water of up to 3 feet for as long as thirty minutes without suffering long-term damage.
You can also set up groups, so you know for a fact that you only connect with family and loved ones.
One slight downside is that the batteries can drain a lot faster than you realise if you use these devices a lot. It’s worth noting they’re not the best walkies for urban environments.
Pros:
- Excellent JIS7 water resistant
- NOAA weather alerts
- 50-mile range access
- Earpieces included
- Suitable for group calling
Cons:
- Not ideal for urban areas
- Can eat batteries faster than expected
4. Cobra ACXT1035R FLT (best with extra features)
More than just your standard long-range walkie talkies, these devices from Cobra are designed to help you stay connected on every journey.
With a range of up to 37 miles, and up to 2,622 channel combinations to choose from, these are some extremely versatile walkies.
The NOAA functionality and weather alert ensure that you can always be prepared for emergencies and storms.
Voice activated transmission on the Cobra long range walkie talkies ensure that you don’t have to waste too much time fiddling with buttons before you can reach your colleagues or family.
On top of all that, you also get IPX7 water resistance too.
Features include:
- IPX7 water proofing for any environment
- Range of up to 37 miles
- 2,662 channel combinations and 121 privacy codes
- NOAA weather alert function
- IPX7 floating and waterproofing
- Rewind (say again) functionality
- Call alert and vibration
- SOS flashlight and LED
- Voice activated transformation
Cobra walkie talkies make life easier when you’re trying to stay connected outdoors.
There’s the option to rewind the last 20 seconds of audio if you don’t have the best connection, and you don’t have to worry about water damaging your investment. These walkie talkies can even float in water.
The microphone is in an odd spot, which takes some getting used to, and the belt clip on these devices are quite flimsy.
Pros:
- Waterproof to IPX7 standards (floating functionality)
- Massive 37-mile range
- SOS flashlight and other safety features
- Say again rewind functionality
- NOAA weather alerts
Cons:
- Somewhat flimsy belt clip
- Microphone is in an odd position
5. DEWALT DXFRS220 (best wearable)
Reliable and easy to use, these long range walkie talkies will simply clip onto your clothing, so there’s no need to fumble around for your communication device in cold and wet conditions.
Created by one of the better-known brands for construction workers in the industry, the DEWALT long range walkie talkies come with up to 100,000 square feet of long-distance signal range, although your actual distance will depend on conditions and terrain.
Sporting up to 10 hours of battery life with a built-in rechargeable battery, these water-resistant wearable walkie talkies are great for life on the move.
There’s also a “roger beep” tone which lets you know the other person received your message.
Features include:
- Simple clip-on wearable design
- Turnable belt clip
- Shock resistant up to 2 meters
- Voice prompts available
- 22 channels
- Ultra-clear 100,000 square foot range
- UHF/FM reception
- Keystroke tone signal
- Easy charging with up to 10 hours of battery
- “Roger” signal included
Great if you’re working in conditions that require you to keep your hands free, these DEWALT wearable long range walkie talkies are clear and easy to use.
The battery in this product can drain a little quickly depending on how often you use it, and it’s worth remembering that your range will depend heavily on your surroundings.
Pros:
- Excellent wearable design
- Splash and shock resistant
- Convenient voice features and “roger” signal
- Ultra-clear range up to 100,000 square feet
- Designed for long-term use
Cons:
- Range differs depending on surroundings
- Can drain battery quickly
6. Motorola T600 Talkabout (best ease of use)
If you want a pair of the best long range walkie talkies that you can start using instantly, then it’s hard to go wrong with the Motorola T600 talkabout.
These headphones come with an IP67 rating, an advanced built-in flashlight, and up to 23 hours of battery life.
You can even explore 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, leading to thousands of available combinations.
Great for keeping you informed, the Motorola Talkabout walkie talkies feature NOAA radio service with weather alerts, and a low battery notification.
These devices are also compatible with virtually any other radio, thanks to a standards-based design.
Features include:
- Easy-to-retrieve floating design
- Waterproof to the highest standards
- 35-mile range depending on surroundings
- Water-activated flashlight
- LED flashlight
- Push to talk functionality
- VOX hands-free performance
- Emergency alerts
These fantastic long range walkie talkies are a great choice for beginners experimenting with walkies for the first time.
The hands-free functionality means that you can reach people in seconds, and there’s an emergency alert button for safety too.
One slight problem is that they can struggle in urban areas with a lot of buildings. Also, the speaker system can struggle with noise at times.
Pros:
- Long range performance of up to 35 miles
- Excellent LED flashlight with water activation
- Push-to-talk and hands-free performance
- Floating design with waterproofing
- Emergency alerts included
Cons:
- Suffer from range issues in urban areas
- Noise distortion is common from the speaker
7. Craftsman 32-mile long-range (best value)
When it comes to purchasing long range walkie talkies, it’s important to find something that matches both your feature requirements, and your budget.
Offering around 32 miles of range, the Craftsman walkie talkies for adults are surprisingly affordable. These extended super long range walkie talkies deliver up to 662 channel combinations, with support for hands-free use.
Weather resistant materials ensure that your walkie talkies will continue to work even in the rain, and you know that you’ll always be informed about emergencies thanks to 10 NOAA channels.
All that, and the craftsman walkie talkies also come with a handy built-in flashlight.
Features include:
- Up to 32 mile range
- Excellent hands-free functionality
- Simple button layout
- VOX hands-free usage
- Weather resistant IP54 design
- Convenient built-in LED flashlight
- Excellent range of NOAA weather channels
- Small and compact design
These compact walkie talkies come with a belt clip so you can attach them to your clothing fast, and the VOX functionality ensures that your walkie can detect your voice immediately, without the need for any button pressing.
There are some limitations with these walkie talkies. This product will struggle in urban areas with a lot of buildings, however, so it might be better for hiking and camping.
The reception can struggle in some conditions.
Pros:
- Up to a 32 mile range
- Fantastic hands-free functionality
- Weather resistant design
- NOAA weather channels included
- LED light for safety
Cons:
- Struggles with distortion in the reception
- Can lose range in urban areas
8. DEWALT DXFRS300 (best heavy duty)
If your idea of the ideal long range walkie talkies are a set that can withstand any environment or conditions, then you need to check out these heavy-duty products from DEWALT.
Designed with long-term durability in mind, these waterproof walkie talkies are shock resistant, and rechargeable, great for life on the move.
You get up to 250,000 square feet of range distance with these walkie talkies, as well as a limited lifetime warranty.
There are 22 pre-set channels to choose from, with privacy codes to reduce interference from others.
There’s also the option to experiment with dustproof and waterproof functionality. Thanks to IP67 resistance, you don’t even have to worry about water or dust.
Features include:
- Up to 22 pre-set channels
- 250,000 square feet of coverage
- Heavy duty shock proof design
- Waterproof and dustproof to IP67 standards
- Power saver and keylock modes
- FM and UHF signals
- Auto squelch function
- LCD display for easy to use
- Microphone jack included
You get everything you need to start connecting in any environment with these DEWALT walkie talkies, including a volume knob, charging ports, and an anti-slip design.
The DEWALT walkie talkies can deliver up to 12 hours of power, and your LCD screen can show you how much power you have left.
The speaker seems to break surprisingly easily, and these devices can be a little difficult to set up.
Pros:
- Heavy duty shock proof structure
- Power saver and key locking modes
- Auto squelch functionality
- 250,000 square feet of range
- Waterproof and dustproof
Cons:
- Complex setup process
- Speaker system can break easily
9. Cobra RX860 2 watt (best battery life)
Finally, for those who need long range walkie talkies that can stand the test of time and deliver exceptional functionality in a range of conditions, the Cobra RX860 devices have a lot to offer.
Voice activated transmission means that you can connect with your colleagues or family without having to press any buttons. And there’s an NOAA weather alert system built-in too.
For peace of mind, you get a durable IP54 shell that’s resistant to dust and water, and on top of all that, these walkies talkies can also deliver up to 38 miles of range, with 2,662 channel combinations to choose from.
With an 18 hour battery life, you’ll always be prepared for life on the go.
Features include:
- Up to 38-mile range
- 60 channels and 10 NOAA channels
- Up to 2,662 channel combinations with privacy codes
- Excellent runtime of up to 18 hours
- Emergency alert button
- Rugged water and dust proof design
- Convenient voice-activated transmission
- Easy-to-use design
- Compact and lightweight
With an easy to use functionality, and an LCD display where you can check your status and channel, these handy long range walkie talkies are sure to appeal to a range of customers.
One point to note is that you do lose access to your range in crowded areas or places with a lot of cars.
You might also find that the performance suffers in some weather conditions.
Pros:
- 38-mile range
- Fantastic battery life
- Emergency alert button and NOAA channels
- Easy-to-use functionality
- Voice activated transmission
Cons:
- Not ideal for all weather conditions
- Struggles in spaces with buildings and cars
Choosing the best long-range walkie talkies
Finding the best long-range walkie talkies for your needs is easier said than done, particularly with so many amazing products to look at these days. There’s no shortage of long range walkie talkies out there.
Hopefully, our long range walkie talkie reviews have helped to kick-start your search, but here are a few points you might want to consider when you’re looking for the right option.
Range
The most obvious thing to look at when you’re choosing a long-range walkie talkie, is how much distance you can cover. Remember, although some walkie talkies can promise miles of connectivity, your range is likely to change based on your surroundings.
Functionality
The best tools need to be easy to use. When looking for super long range walkie talkies, keep a close eye on things like voice-activated access and simple press-to-talk functions. The simpler the functionality is, the easier it will be to ensure that you can make the most of your walkie talkies.
Battery life
You don’t want your walkie talkies to run out of battery when you’re in the middle of an adventure. Look for something with an extensive battery life, and a quick-charge function if possible. The option to switch batteries on the go may be helpful.
Extra features
Many of the leading walkie talkies on the market come with extra features to explore, including things like earpieces for hands-free conversations, NOAA weather alerts, and even LED flashlights for safety.
Durability
If you’re going to be out and about with your walkie talkies frequently, make sure that they can withstand a range of conditions. Durability in the form of dust and water resistance is key. Don’t forget to address shock-proofing too.
Good luck finding the walkie talkies you need to take your communications strategies to the next level.
With so many options to choose from, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to get a walkie talkie set you love!
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