The radio is a reliable source of communication over long distances (from hundreds of meters to several kilometers) in cases where it is difficult or even impossible to use a mobile phone or satellite communications.
There is a common misconception that walkie-talkies are operated exclusively by representatives of emergency and government services: the military, police, firefighters and others. Actually, it is not. Quite often these devices are used by tourists, hunters, fishermen, security guards, builders. Walkie-talkies are popular with truckers, logistics, couriers, etc.
Also note that the use of a walkie-talkie provides subscribers with almost complete independence from telecom operators. Only two things can limit their work - the range and the charge of the energy source.
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| Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
| Budget radios | ||
| Baofeng UV-5R | 98 out of 100 | 1 270 – 6 360 * |
| Motorola Talkabout T42 Twin pack | 96 out of 100 | 1 910 – 2 600 * |
| SOYUZ 2 | 94 out of 100 | 2 070 – 9 400 * |
| Optimal for hunting and fishing | ||
| COMRADE R6 | 100 out of 100 | 17 250 – 18 822 * |
| Motorola DP1400 | 98 out of 100 | 18 207 – 28 711 * |
| Baofeng BF-A58 | 94 out of 100 | 1 776 – 2 912 * |
| Yaesu VX-6R | 90 out of 100 | 20 513 – 22 564 * |
| Motorola TLKR-T92 H2O | 88 out of 100 | 6 520 – 8 820 * |
| Vertex VX-261 | 86 out of 100 | 11 490 – 15 450 * |
| KENWOOD TK-3406M2 | 82 out of 100 | 13 555 – 13 850 * |
| Professional radios | ||
| Motorola DP4801 | 95 out of 100 | 62 500 – 66 511 * |
| Hytera PD795 Ex | 88 out of 100 | 72 222 – 128 739 * |
*prices are valid for October 2020
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Despite the differences in appearance, the walkie-talkies are very similar in their internal structure and principles of operation. The main parameter of any radio is the operating range. This is the frequency interval in which the radio receiver and transmitter operate. In rare cases, wavelength is used to indicate the range.
The range determines not only the energy characteristics of the radio, but the conditions of its operation, since radio waves of different frequencies can behave in completely different ways. Currently, radios are used following ranges:
- HF (shortwave) - these are amateur frequencies from 100 kHz to 28 MHz, which do not require a license with a power of less than 5 watts
- CB (citiens band, civil frequencies) - frequency from 26 to 30 MHz
- LB (low band) – service range in the range from 30 to 50 MHz
- VHF - high frequency range. Requires licensing to use. Frequencies from 136 to 172 MHz
- UHF - ultrahigh frequency. There are both amateur and service frequencies. Frequency 420 - 473 MHz. It includes LPD and PMR - operating frequencies of 433 and 466 MHz, respectively.
HF and CB bands are mainly used for fairly large, almost stationary devices, as well as for license-free car radios (models Alan 100, ICOM, Optim Truck, Megajet MJ-3031m, President Barry ASC and so on). This is primarily due to the large dimensions of the emitters, since their wavelength at frequencies of 27 MHz or less can exceed 10 meters. Most modern portable radios operate in the last two bands listed (VHF and UHF) with frequency modulation (FM).
The second important parameter for users is transmitter power. The larger it is, the greater the range of the radio. Although the same power on different bands can give different ranges. Since the power can be adjusted, when buying a walkie-talkie, you should always be interested in how much range it has depending on the power.
In urban conditions, a power of 2-2.5 W is enough to provide communication at a distance of 1 km. For hiking (fishing, tourism), walkie-talkies with a power of up to 4 W are suitable, their range is about 3-4 km. When the power is more than 5W, the signal transmission distance is about 6km. To improve the signal quality and increase the range, additional antennas are used. With a properly selected antenna, even budget radio models will have a radius, like expensive devices.
The next option is number of channels. To ensure good communication, the range is divided into channels. Good walkie-talkies work with a large number of channels in order to find an unoccupied person.The use of coding in operation increases the number of channels (for example, a walkie-talkie with 2 codes and 10 channels can actually go through 20 combinations to select an unoccupied one).
The way the radio is fed is also important. Usually, such devices are powered by batteries, but regular AA batteries can also be used. The most commonly used lithium-ion batteries, but they are sensitive to low temperatures. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are more reliable in this regard, but they have a complex charge cycle (in particular, after a long period of inactivity, they require a full charge-discharge cycle).
Since walkie-talkies can be used in extreme conditions, it will be important to protection against moisture, dirt and dust. Usually, most walkie-talkies have some degree of protection in the IPX standard. This also includes the impact resistance of the case and protection from frost.
The convenience of working with a walkie-talkie is determined by the presence of a display. Radios with a display can visualize the operating range, read the code, receive SMS, etc. But if, for example, walkie-talkies operate at a fixed frequency and with one channel, there is no need for a display. LCDs are commonly used backlit displays.
The article provides a rating of the top 12 best walkie-talkies that are on the market in 2019-2020.
For convenience, the rating is divided into three categories:
- best budget radios
- best radios for hunting and fishing
- best professional radios
The list of walkie-talkies includes models that have a high rating among buyers, as well as those that have the highest score according to expert reviews. For each model, a brief description of its capabilities is given, characteristics are given and pluses and minuses are indicated.
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Inexpensive devices with a price of about two thousand rubles, usually operating in the same range and having a low transmitter power. They can be used for communication in urban conditions at distances up to a kilometer, in rare cases more. Some of them have upgrade options that turn them into more advanced mid-range devices.
Baofeng UV-5R
Specifications:
Range: VHF/UHF, 136-174MHz, 400-520MHz
Transmitter power: 5
Range: 10 km
Number of channels: 128
Used power supply: li-ion, 1800 mAh
Weight: 250 g
User rating: 98
Price, rub.: 1 270 - 6 360
It is a Chinese copy of Kenwood TKF8 (like the more advanced DM-5R Plus) Another name for the device is Pofung, sometimes erroneously called UV-R5. This is one of the most popular walkie-talkies on the market today, with many similar models, and even outright clones (for example, Joker TK-450s).
It has no competitors in its price range. It is equipped with a powerful transmitter that allows radio communication in open areas at a distance of up to 10 km.
Of the features, several modes of scanning by channels and frequencies should be noted, and the presence of the VOX function - switching on the transmission at the start of a conversation.
The walkie-talkie comes with software that allows you to set the channel frequencies, as well as assign names to the channels, which greatly simplifies the work with the device.
Motorola Talkabout T42 Twin Pack
Specifications:
Range: PMR, 446.01-446.09 MHz
Transmitter power: 500mW
Range: 4 km
Number of channels: 8
Used power supply: 3 AAA cells
Weight: 79g
User rating: 96
Price, rub.: 1 910 - 2 600
They are used as children's toys or to provide communication with children (practically an implementation of Walkie - Talkie, but more advanced).Despite the simplicity and a small number of functions, they are quite reliable communication devices that provide signal reception and transmission up to 500 m in urban areas and up to 4 km in open areas.
An additional advantage of the device is that any element of the AAA format (microfinger battery) can be used as a power source. It is advisable to immediately select and purchase the appropriate size batteries.
Unlike similar products of competitors, the same pair of radios from Midland (Models Midland GXT-1050 / G5), Voxtel, or their own products (TLKR-T80 / Extreme, TLKR-T41, etc.) has more than 3 times lower price and more power. Although, there are comparable models on the market (for example, Xiaomi MiJia Walkie-Talkie 1S, the price of which differs slightly from Motorola products).
SOYUZ 2
Specifications:
Range: UHF, 400-470 MHz
Transmitter power: 2W
Range: 7 km
Number of channels: 16
Used power supply: Li-ion, 1100 mAh
Weight: 160 g
User rating: 94
Price, rub.: 2 070 - 9 400
The main feature of the device is the battery saver function, which increases the operating time without recharging. In addition, the radio limits the transmission time on one channel, and also blocks the connection with a busy memory channel. Supports subtone, which allows you to receive calls only from a selected group of users.
It can be used not only for amateur purposes, but also in the professional field - for the tasks of protecting objects, at construction sites, etc. Implemented VOX and PTT functions. In addition, the walkie-talkie has an emergency call function, "ALARM", which allows you to send a distress signal even if all your channels are not working.
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This type of device is specially designed to work in open areas for people engaged in active recreation - lovers of fishing and hunting, it is also suitable for tourists, etc.
They have high-capacity batteries that allow you to work for a long time without recharging, as well as higher-power transmitters that significantly increase the range. Such wearable communication devices are made in durable cases and have various protection against dust, dirt and water.
COMRADE R6
Specifications:
Range: UHF, 400-470 MHz
Transmitter power: 5W
Range: up to 32 km line of sight
Number of channels: 16
Used power supply: Li-ion, 2000 mAh
Weight: 246 g
User Rating: 100
Price, rub.: 17 250 - 18 822
Even considering its Chinese origin, it has excellent communication quality and no noise. Despite the lack of a display, it is easy to set up and program. After flashing, it can work with digital signals, although there is also a Comrade R6 Digital model on the market.
The radio has scrambling, scanning and channel monitoring functions. The transmission can be controlled by voice or via a button. The battery life allows you to work up to a day without recharging, in energy-saving mode - up to 1.5 days. Made of rugged IPX4 waterproof housing. It can work at negative temperatures (up to -25°C).
The model has many clones (for example, the same Argut A73, Terek 202, Motorola CP-040, Vector VT-44 Turbo, Icom IC-F16, Terek RK-322 DMR PRO / RK-401 / RK-501, Roger kp-14 series etc.), which indicates the success of the model and its popularity.
There are also cheaper models with reduced features, such as the Turbosky T8 with lower transmitter power and low battery capacity. But in the general case, the price practically does not depend on the brand, since the competition in the segment is quite dense.
Motorola DP1400
Specifications:
Range: VHF/UHF, 136-174MHz, 403-470MHz
Transmitter power: 5W
Range: 25 km line of sight
Number of channels: 32
Power supply used: Ni-MH, 1400 mAh
Weight: 406 g
User rating: 98
Price, rub.: 18 207 - 28 711
It has excellent voice quality. Initially, it is analog, but after flashing it can also work with digital communication channels.
A large number of channels allows you to organize the connection of several dozen subscribers. There is a transmission interrupt function when an important connection needs to be made. Can work through a repeater. There is compatibility with the radio control package.
The impact-resistant case is made of comfortable non-slip plastic, it has a moisture protection standard IPX4. The operating time without recharging is about 24 hours.
Baofeng BF-A58
Made in a practical and durable case with a high degree of moisture protection (IPX7 standard). Based on the cheaper model Baofeng bf-888s. It has a huge number of channels - 128, in addition, it uses 200 codes, which gives the radio the ability to enumerate several tens of thousands of receive / transmit combinations in two bands.
Specifications:
Range: VHF/UHF, 136-174MHz, 400-520MHz
Transmitter power: 5W, power switchable
Range: up to 16 km
Number of channels: 128
Used power supply: Li-ion, 1800 mAh
Weight: 300 g
User rating: 94
Price, rub.: 1 776 - 2 912
The radio has a display, which makes it easy to set up communication channels. There are VOX and PTT functions. There is a channel scanner and the ability to program them from a computer.
The powerful transmitter provides stable operation at a distance of up to 5 km in difficult terrain. The battery capacity is enough to work for a day and a half without recharging. The Baofeng lineup in this price category is represented by several models (for example, UV-82, UV-8D and others with approximately the same characteristics). There are also analogues in stores from competitors in the form of Argut a-54, but their price tag is much higher - you can buy them at a price of at least 15 thousand rubles.
Yaesu VX-6R
Specifications:
Range: VHF/UHF, 144-146MHz, 222-225MHz, 420-470MHz
Transmitter power: 5W
Range: up to 20 km
Number of channels: 1000
Power supply used: Li-ion, 1400 mAh, can be powered by AA batteries
Weight: 270 g
User rating: 90
Price, rub.: 20 513 - 22 564
The radio uses a Japanese superheterodyne receiver, which distinguishes it from most Chinese consumer goods. Thanks to this, the communication quality is excellent, maintaining even in difficult terrain and urban conditions.It is possible to fine-tune channels and modes of operation.
There is a function to access the system of amateur repeaters (WIRES). Due to the possibility of switching the transmitter power, it is possible to increase the operating time of the radio without recharging. This is critical, since it has a fairly high power consumption - the operating time in normal mode rarely exceeds 5-6 hours.
The shock-resistant and moisture-proof case ensures the operation of the radio in any weather conditions.
Motorola TLKR-T92 H2O
Specifications:
Range: PMR, 446.006-446.094 MHz
Transmitter power: 500mW
Range: 10 km
Number of channels: 8
Power supply used: Ni-MH, 800 mAh
Weight: 233g
User rating: 88
Price, rub.: 6 520 - 8 820
It has all the necessary features for comfortable work. There are PTT, VOX and even IVOX - voice activation without a headset. There is a channel scanner, including the Dual Watch function.
The shock-resistant case has a high degree of moisture protection (IPX7). The battery capacity is small - only 800 mAh, but according to the manufacturer, it is enough to provide 16 hours of operation.
The disadvantages include the low power of the transmitter. The radio provides reliable reception at the declared distance only in open areas. In urban conditions, everything is much worse - the actual working distance rarely exceeds 500 m.
Vertex VX-261
Specifications:
Range: VHF/UHF, 136-174MHz, 400-470MHz, 450-520MHz
Transmitter power: 5W
Range: up to 12 km
Number of channels: 16
Used power supply: Li-ion, 1380 mAh
Weight: 288 g
User rating: 86
Price, rub.: 11 490 - 15 450
The design using such a filling allows you to provide an acceptable communication quality in almost any conditions.
Initially, the device was planned as a solution for the middle segment when used in professional communications (construction, security, transportation). However, due to the relatively low price and the presence of protection against external influences of the IPX5 standard, it can also be used for amateur communications of tourists, fishermen and hunters.
The device has all the necessary functions (from VOX and PTT to Dual Watch mode), and can also be programmed from a computer. The last circumstance is important, since the radio does not have a display.
KENWOOD TK-3406M2
Specifications:
Range: UHF, 400-470 MHz
Transmitter power: 4W, switchable to low power mode
Range: up to 19 km
Number of channels: 16
Power supply used: Ni-MH, 1400 mAh
Weight: 365 g
User rating: 82
Price, rub.: 13 555 - 13 850
It has advanced functionality and sufficient transmitter power. Of the functions, it should be noted the presence of a scanner and channel monitoring, as well as a scrambler. PTT and VOX are present.
The radio can be used both for security tasks and for communication while hunting or fishing. The device has an improved noise reduction system that meets the main international standards. Use of repeaters, etc. is available.
The battery capacity is enough for approximately 10 hours of operation.It is possible to connect the charger during operation. The antenna is removable and connected via a universal connector. The shock-resistant case meets the IPX5 waterproof standard.
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Such walkie-talkies are used to solve a narrow range of tasks and have a number of features. The main parameter of such devices is the reliability of operation. In addition, they have reliable protection both from external influences (meaning the encryption of transmitted information) and from the actions of the operator. The latter cannot and should not change their settings, everything is done by a third-party specialist using a computer. As a rule, they are single-range, in rare cases this rule is violated. The cost of such solutions is quite high, but given the peculiarities of their application, it is justified.
Motorola DP4801
Specifications:
Range: VHF/UHF, 136-174MHz, 403-527MHz
Transmitter power: 5W
Range: up to 25 km
Number of channels: 1000
Used power supply: Li-Ion, 2250 mAh
Weight: 356
User rating: 95
Price, rub.: 62 500 - 66 511
Excellent transmission of voice messages and digital data. The device operates in the UHF and VHF frequency bands and has a large display and full keypad. It has five programmable buttons and an emergency call button.
It is possible to integrate a satellite navigation module (GPS or GLONASS). The case complies with the IP57 security standard. In addition, the radio is certified for use in potentially explosive environments.
The device implements the IP Site Connect function. It is a digital solution capable of using the Internet for voice and data transmission.
Hytera PD795 Ex
Specifications:
Range: VHF/UHF, 136-174MHz, 400-470MHz
Transmitter power: 1W
Range: up to 5 km
Number of channels: 1024
Used power supply: Li-Ion, 1800 mAh
Weight: 495 g
User rating: 88
Price, rub.: 72 222 - 128 739
It is able to solve complex problems thanks to the advanced functionality of the DMR TDMA Tier II digital standard.
The radio complies with all requirements of ATEX, IECEx and FM explosion-proof specifications. It has an IPX7 protected housing. Can work in digital and analog standards. In the latter case, various systems are supported: CTCSS, DCS. HDC1200, 2-Tone and 5-Tone.
The setup of the radio is quite flexible, for example, any of the 38 functions of the device can be assigned to programmable buttons.
The GPS-receiver already built into the device, together with the DMR digital standard, allows performing various geopositioning tasks for subscribers.
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The above analysis of the best walkie-talkies on the market today will allow buyers to decide which device for voice communication they should choose. To make it easier for the buyer to make a choice when buying, the rating concludes with the best devices in their classes based on the combination of their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the reviews of users who have used them.
Among the budget walkie-talkies, the first place is occupied by the Baofeng UV-5R model, which, despite the low price, has great functionality and can be configured for various types of work depending on the required tasks.
The tourist segment of portable radios (hunting and fishing) is represented by the leader - the COMRADE R6 radio, which has an optimal combination of price and quality. This device can be used not only for recreation, but also for solving professional problems, such as security and construction.
Among professional walkie-talkies, the leadership belongs to the Motorola DP4801 model, which not only has the highest reliability and security of communication channels, but also has, perhaps, the most complete functionality among devices of this type.
