The leader of the recreational use 2 way radio is the Talkabout MJ270 series. It uses both Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Services (GMRS) frequencies, allowing for more channel combinations.

With a range of up to 7 miles (in ideal conditions), the MJ270 walkie talkie pair has 22 channels with 121 privacy codes for a possible 2,662 combinations. The iVOX hands-free communication allows for more convenient use and the QT filter (quiet talk) ensures the conversation won’t be interrupted. There is an emergency alert button and NOAA weather alert feature with 11 weather channels. You can charge is using a mini-USB port after you’ve discovered the power is running low, thanks to the battery meter. The backlit display as well as the built-in flashlight are handy if you are using your Motorola walkie talkie at night.

The basic features include an audio low battery alert, talk confirmation tone, battery save, emergency checklist, keypad lock, and advanced priority scan. It also comes with a belt clip, dual charger and 2 NiMH rechargeable battery packs.

If you are looking for a recreational use walkie talkie with a bit of edge, extra power and advanced features, then this is the 2 way radio option for you. No FCC license needed.

The Motorola 2 way radios made for business are quite impressive. Available in 10 different models, Motorola’s line of made for business walkie talkies are praised for their durability, reliability and functionality.

The RDX series is the most specialized, with 4 watts of power and covering up to 350,000 square feet, or 30 floors indoors. Although very lightweight, the Motorola RDX series was designed specifically for heavy-duty industrial use such as manufacturing, construction, retail, property management, etcetera.

It operates on FCC business use frequencies, so an FCC license is required.
Performing many actions and providing many functions and uses for a business, these the Motorola walkie talkie is an easy choice for businesses that require constant and reliable communication amongst employees.

Standard features include 122 privacy codes, VOX which allows for hands-free operation, autoscan, battery save, scan list, channel alias, programming software for customization (CPS) and a 16 channel display radio. The Li-Ion battery provides 18.5 hours of use per charge and the antenna is removable.

The Motorola walkie talkies made for business come in several different models, and types within those models, to suit your specific business communication needs. They are widely distributed so whichever model you decide on, you will be able to conveniently find them and purchase them.

In addition to the levels of water protection, some waterproof walkie talkie radios can also float in water. This is ultra convenient and helpful if your activities include anything such as kayaking, boating, fishing, etcetera. If you drop your device, no need to go diving for it – it will float right where it lands.

Other helpful and essential features can include an impressive range – up to 36 miles – in some models. This is a crucial component to the device if you rely on walkie talkie radios for work – such as being a firemen, park ranger, etcetera. There is also little to no interference on these 2 way radios with privacy codes that help block other conversations.

Another important feature on the waterproof walkie talkie is the NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan. Your radio will auto-lock to the local weather channel and alert you if necessary. Regardless of your 2 way radio’s intended purpose, this is critical for your safety if inclement weather should decide to head your way.
If you should find yourself in a serious or emergency type situation, the SOS siren will allow you to send out a locator-distress signal.

Other hi-tech features such as direct calls within “group calls,” which allows you to speak directly to another person without alerting your entire group, eVOX hands free operation and voice activation, battery strength meter, silent mode, missed call indicator, powerboost key, backlit LCD display, auto channel change, rapid charger, “whisper” – which allows you to do just that and the receiver hears you at full volume, dual power option and variant call alerts come standard on any model of waterproof walkie talkie.

Waterproof walkie talkie radios are a must if you have a job or extra-curricular activity that requires you to be outside and communication is regularly required.

Additionally, walkie talkie headset models have a noise reduction feature which, depending on where you are, can mean the difference between totally clear communication and a conversation you can barely hear or understand. The hands-free and noise reduction features are usually the two biggest attractions to the walkie talkie headset.

Walkie talkie headset models are very affordable, and typically compatible with any type of walkie talkie radio. Some will have more features and options than others, but they all serve the same main purpose, which is to free your hands and provide continuous communication without having to use a PTT button.

If you want to go a bit more hi-tech, there are even wireless walkie talkie headset models available. They are a bit more expensive than the standard plug-in headset, but the added freedom, functionality and convenience might be worth it to you depending on your reason for needing a walkie talkie radio in the first place. First introduced in 2008, not every two-way radio device was compatible with the wireless component except for Motorola and Kenwood models. Wireless walkie talkie headset models were the first devices to operate on Bluetooth technology – a now common word in today’s technology vocabulary. Since its launch in 2008, the wireless headset has become more mainstream and is compatible with all walkie talkie models. The price has also dropped since its original introduction and is much more affordable compared to its original few hundred dollar price tag.

Whether you are looking for the standard plug-in walkie talkie headset, or the wireless headset would be a better fit for you and your two-way radio needs, we hope this article has been helpful in providing you useful information and sources for finding your hands-free communication device of choice.

This Audiovox walkie talkie radio operates on NiMh rechargeable batteries which eliminates the need for purchasing costly batteries each time the power runs low. They also come with a dual desktop charger which allows for both radios to be charged at the same time. Other convenient features and options are a swivel belt clip for easy carrying and hands-free usage. One of the most popular features is the Voice Operated Transmitter (VOX) which allows for automatic voice transmission when hands-free operation is essential.
This is a great choice for someone needing a wide range of functionality in a walkie talkie radio. Please note that this particular Audiovox walkie talkie model requires an FCC license for operation.

Another popular Audiovox walkie talkie radio model is the GMRS600SCH. The 6-mile GMRS two-way radio twin pack is ultra-slim and compact for easy storing and use. This 6-mile range radio set also features a built-in, high-intensity LED flashlight and dual desktop and wall charger for the rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. The GMRS600SCH radios have dual modes, which allows you to communicate through push-to-talk (PTT) after a short press of the mode button. You also have the ability to use VOX for hands-free, voice-activated operation after a long-press of the mode button. In addition to everything stated above, this particular set comes with one blue radio and one black radio, a carrying case, two ear microphones and two detachable belt clips. Please note that this particular Audiovox walkie talkie model requires an FCC license for operation.

For those needing a good walkie talkie radio but not the advanced functionality of the above models, the Audiovox FR530-2 walkie talkie radios is a great option. The ultra-compact design allows for easy carrying and storage while the swivel belt clip allows for hands-free operation. The Audiovox FR530-2 comes in a set of two, has a 2-mile range, 14 channels with auto scan, last channel save, VOX and Dual Watch Mode for monitoring two channels simultaneously. This Audiovox model is ideal for around the house use as well as outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, biking, hunting and camping trips. It operates on four AAA batteries. This model does not need an FCC license for operation.

Hopefully the above product information on different Audiovox Walkie Talkie Radio models will help you decide which one is the best match for you and your needs. There are a wide range of Audiovox two-way radio products and models and the three we featured are currently the most popular among consumers.

 Types of Walkie Talkie Radios:

FRS walkie talkies, or Family Radio Service, is a series of fourteen channels within the 462 and 467 megahertz range as specified by the FCC. FRS walkie talkie radios are for use by “the average person” such as hunters, hikers, campers, bikers and other such users as they are free from interference from government agencies and businesses. FRS walkie talkies do not require any type of special FCC license for use – so they are a popular choice for casual and leisurely uses.  Handheld and compact, FRS walkie talkie radios can be used for ranges up to two miles.  FM frequencies are used instead of AM, and are generally free from interference. FRS walkie talkie radios are also more reliable that other license free radios.

GMRS walkie talkie radios, or General Mobile Radio Service, is a series of specific frequencies designated by the FCC.  GMRS radios also require a license from the FCC in order to be used. These particular walkie talkie radios are larger than the FRS radio and allow ranges of up to five miles. Because of the above stipulations and specifications for the GMRS, they are not your typical “casual conversation” radio.  They are reserved for more purposeful communication.

Weather Alert walkie talkie radios do just that – alert you if bad weather is approaching your area. These are ideal for any outdoor activity that might have you cut off from being able to immediately receive warnings otherwise, such as camping and hunting. Some walkie talkies have this as an optional feature, so if you will be in a situation where you will have no way of knowing, whether it be no TV, radio or cell service, bad weather is approaching, you might certainly want to consider the weather alert option for your walkie talkie radio.

GPS walkie talkie radios are one of the latest advances to the handheld receiver world. They can determine your current location, your direction headed, how fast, what time you will be there, and the route in which you will take. Some models are waterproof and have a range of up to five miles. GPS walkie talkie radios are a must have safety and convenience device for any type of outdoor activity, whether it be biking, hiking or hunting.

Walkie Talkie Radio Accessories allow customization for your radio depending on what you need and what is important to you.  Many optional features allow for the most user friendly two-way radio possible. Standard add-ons might include the battery charger, ear buds, carrying cases, etcetera. However add-ons such as PC interface cables, scanning capabilities, GPS features, altimeters, barometers and thermometers are also available. From the most basic and standard of walkie talkie radio accessories to the most advanced,  the list is endless and helps make an already modern convenience tool, even more convenient and modern.

As far as brands and specific manufacturers for walkie talkie radios, there is a wide selection to choose from, all offering the latest two-way radio specs and options. The top walkie talkie manufacturers are Audiovox, Cobra, Gamin Rino, Kenwood, Sylvania and Uniden. Which one is best for you? It just depends on what you are looking for in a walkie talkie radio. Cobras are known for being the most bang for your buck, but Garmin Rino offers some of the most advanced technology in walkie talkies today. Again, it just depends on what you need and want in a walkie talkie radio. Do you research to make sure the brand and model you choose will fit your needs the best. Happy Chatting!