In this article, we will be talking about Walkie talkies for city use. As you all will agree, connectivity is at an all-time high. Still, there are certain situations like events with high-density crowds (music festival, amusement parks, etc.), crew management (construction, backstage management, security, etc.), where cell phone fails to deliver the desired results.
Again, there are times where groups/teams need instant communication without getting stressed about data limits. It would be best if you stay connected with a physically dispersed group working in the same area. In such scenarios, there is one way to stay connected- Walkie talkies.
It will be interesting to note that all walkie talkies models practically use the same power output and have similar range coverage within city limits. This happens due to signal disruptions from buildings, telecom traffic, and other concrete structures all around the city.
Nevertheless, there are certain factors you should consider before buying a product. These are very vital concerning the performance of the walkie talkies for city use.
Top 5 Best Two-Way Radios for City Use: Best by Feature
Buyer Guide: Key Factors to be Considered to Select the Best Walkie Talkie for City Use
1. Frequency & radio service
If you need a walkie talkie for city use, you should first consider the frequency on which the device works. Ultra-high frequency (UHF) has a shorter radio wavelength (400-470MHz) than VHF (136-174 MHz).
Though VHF works best for covering long-range, it may not work in the city where there is an obstruction like houses, buildings, air and telecom traffic, trees, pollution, etc.
In that case, you will need an ultra-high Frequency transmission for your handset, which would give you a decent mile range anywhere, regardless of your location.
Again, check whether the device works on a licensed and unlicensed frequency like FRS (Family radio service), which is free, unlike GMRS (General mobile radio service), which requires a US license.
Most of the UHF radio Runs on GMRS. The license can be obtained from FCC (Federal Communications Commission). One can easily apply for the license.
2. Price
There should be a basic understanding that a good price doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price. The price of the product should be cost-effective in the sense that the cost should justify the specifications. It would be best if you opt for Value for money devices.
3. Durability
Always choose a walkie talkie that is sturdy. It should be waterproof, shockproof & dustproof. The device could be used roughly, so the built-in material should also be looked upon carefully.
4. Range
Some models cover a long distance up to 25-50 miles, but the catch is, that coverage range is applicable for an ideal setting (without any obstruction- flat area). In an urban setting, the coverage area is reduced to a few miles to a few hundred meters due to obstacles.
The same walkie could work excellently in the open region, but it could not perform well within the city with that efficacy. So, look for models with inbuilt functions like repeaters, which increases the device’s coverage area.
5. Brand
Reputed companies have years of experience and had developed technologies. They program their products in such a way that the gadgets work in all conditions and all terrains. Good brands always work towards the maximization of customers’ satisfaction. If budget is not an issue, then go for trusted brands.
6. Size
Most of the models are of the same sizes, but it is always advisable to pick a compact and portable model. This will ensure that the device would be handy to use without discomfort and could fit in your pocket.
Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for City Use
Based on the above factors, here are our top 5 picks.
1. SAMCOM Two Way Radio
Best for: User Friendly Features
This particular SAMCOM radio offers the best user-friendly features when one needs to stay in touch with a team or a family. The best part of this two way radio is you don’t need a license as it operates on FRS channels. This will definitely save you money and time.
In addition to this primary feature, the product comes with four headsets and 22 channels, and 154 privacy codes to transmit voice up to 2 miles of coverage in a city’s construction area. This feature provides the user to select multiple channels in order to get best possible reception. This is to done to avoid disruptions in few primary channels possibly generated from obstruction like trees, houses, telecom towers, pollution, etc.
You can even send messages to the team/members by dialling the group button simultaneously. The inclusion of voice-free talking and a built-in flashlight can be used as emergency light during night.
There is also an NOAA weather alert system for emergency weather broadcast. With removable belt clips, the radio can easily be kept in your shirt/pant pockets. The battery life is decent, and the sets come with a built-in 1250mAh Li-Polymer Battery.
Product specifications of SAMCOM Two Way Radio
- 22 channels
- frequency 462.5500-467.7125 MHz
- The range is 2 km
- Dual-channel watch
- 3 VOX levels
- 2 in 1 USB Split Charger
- 10 Call tones
- Key Lock Function
- NOAA & Weather Alert
- LED Flashlight
- Monitor & Scan
Pros and Cons of SAMCOM Two Way Radio
Pros:
- It doesn’t require a license to set or purchase it.
- LED flashlight for night-time illumination.
- Bright LCD.
- It has a keypad lock to avoid tampering.
- Comes with a user guide.
Cons:
- It comes with a single 2 in 1 charging cord. For the remaining seats, one has to buy separate cords.
- Batteries are not replaceable.
What makes this best walkie talkie for city use?
This gadget stands out in the crowd of all walkie talkies meant for city use because of its primary feature of License-free FRS radio with group PTT. It means there is no pocket pinch for a radio license, though it may limit the transmission range.
2. TH-UV8000D Walkie Talkies
Best for: Battery Life
Qigong two-way radio features a sophisticated compact design combining technology and art. The exceptional feature in this walkie talkies is a Cross-band Repeater Function, which most radios struggle to possess.
The special function easily filters out stray signals and connects with the stations you need to listen to clearly. The repeater does a great job surprisingly well by picking up weaker and far-away distant signals due to interference by city-obstacles such as air and telecom traffic.
It definitely adds a lot to its performance as a handheld walkie talkies for city use. In addition to this function, the modal provides dual-frequency (both the VHF unlicensed and UHF-licensed band system), which gives one an option to select between the wide and narrow bands according to one’s specific needs.
TH-UV 8000D produces clear and loud sound with less power usage because of its sophisticated acoustic technology. The device comes with a 3600mAh advanced Li-ion battery to generate ultra-high power output.
There is a dual standby and dual display feature and a multi-function power-saving function. With a battery life of up to 3 days, it is an outstanding gadget.
Product description of TH-UV8000D Walkie Talkie
- Cross-band repeater function
- Frequency – UHF/VHF
- 128*2 channels to store
- FM radio receiver
- Hand-free VOX function
- CTCSS/DCS encoding and decoding
- Low battery alarm
- Emergency alarm
- ANI function
- DTMF & Remote kill/stun function
- Reverse frequency function
Pros and Cons of TH-UV8000D Walkie Talkie
Pros:
- The impressive power output of 10 watts with Cross-band repeater function
- Incredible frequency range and radio capabilities.
- Built-in high-power speakers.
- 3-color backlit LCD
- Battery life is fairly long
Cons:
- The battery eliminator isn’t designed properly and has functionality issues.
- Tedious programming/ installing software.
What makes this best walkie talkie for city use?
TH-UV8000D is one of the most accomplished long-range walkie talkies for city use, especially because it offers cross-band repeat functionality at a great price.
It would probably give a run to some of the much more powerful two-way radio out there in signal transmission.
3. DEWALT DXFRS800 Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies
Best for: Durability
With four individual walkie talkies in the set, these DEWALT DXFRS800 Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies are an ideal choice for city use like businesses, building sites, or any retail setup.
Frankly, most of the FRS radio sets are not shockproof as well as water proof. But this particular modal will impress you with its protection features from dust, water, and shocks.
Engineered with a rugged rubber coating, the gadget can go through a drop from a maximum of 2 meters. It never slips off your hands because of such coating. The radios come with a lifetime warranty.
These aspects make it a highly durable option when compared with others. Their 2W power capacity delivers a range of up to 300,000 square feet or 25 floors, while the 22 preset channels provide plenty of communicative flexibility with regard to weak signals in an urban setup.
Another exceptional feature is the holster’s inclusion, which can rotate up to 180 degrees for a customizable storing position. Furthermore, this radio gang can work up to 18 hrs with a single charge.
Product specifications of DEWALT DXFRS800 Walkie Talkie
- 22 channels
- frequency FRS platform
- Range is 300 000 sq.ft / 25 floors
- VOX modes
- IP67 STANDARD Complete protection from dust
- Waterproof
- Power output 2W
- LED Flashlight and key lock
- Lcd Monitor
- Lithium polymer 2000mAh rechargeable battery
Pros and Cons of DEWALT DXFRS800 Walkie Talkie
Pros:
- Compact unit.
- The rugged coating for anti-slip.
- An automatic battery saving mode.
- Waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof
- Presence of an integrated roger beep tone and auto squelch function.
Cons:
- Inconvenient belt clip.
- Limited warranty only through authorised dealers.
What makes this best walkie talkie for city use?
Highly recommended in terms of durability. It is ideal for city use as it comes with a lifetime warranty and all protection features. Moreover, all important features are packed in this small unit like vibration alert, privacy codes, and swivel holster.
4. Motorola RDU4100 2-Way Radios
Best for: Range/Signal
The RDU4100 is a powerful option from brand Motorola. It has certain top-notch features making it the best among prevailing brands. The brand is known for its expertise in manufacturing radios with all inbuilt innovative techniques.
The transmission quality over an outstanding long-range coverage despite natural/ man-made obstacles, is superb in any Motorola walkie talkies. With 10 channels, this modal provides crystal clear sound.
It had been designed to face any harsh weather conditions, thus making it durable. It boasts an up to 350,000 sq. ft. or 30 floors indoors range, and it has business-exclusive frequencies (89 UHF) and 121 interference eliminator codes to stay in touch with your team.
Other functions include 3 Voice Scramble settings to reduce eavesdropping, 2000 MW of audio output, speaker magnetic field reduction, and wind-noise reduction. The set comes with a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which lasts up to 18.5 hrs, and a 5-AA battery option, it can last for 26 hrs.
The modal is developed to the IP 55 and MIL specifications with auto switch modes and a dynamic talk-around scan feature (which allows the radio to switch between talk around and repeater modes automatically). With the standard battery, its weight comes to 10.3 ounces.
Product specification of Motorola RDU4100 2-Way Radios
- 10 channels
- frequency UHF platform
- Range is 350 000 sq.ft / 30 floors
- Repeater Capability,
- 3 Voice Scramble settings
- Water-resistant
- Call Alert Tones
- Channel Scan
- Removable Antenna
- Power output 4W
- Dual power and VOX mode
- Tricolor LED indicator and key lock
- FCC License required
Pros and Cons of Motorola RDU4100 2-Way Radios
Pros:
- It provides Business-exclusive frequencies.
- The VOX feature lets hands-free use.
- There are various selections for charging.
- The 5 AA battery life lasts around 26 hours.
- It has Bright sensors alerts.
- It is rugged and water-resistant.
- Sound Clarity
Cons:
- The walkie-talkies are water resistant but not completely waterproof.
- No backlight display.
What makes this best two way radio for city use?
Motorola RDU4100 is a reliable walkie talkie, as it comes with the brand assurance of complete replacement if it has any manufacturing faults. In addition to that, the brand offers long battery life, clear audio, rugged construction, and access to definite frequencies to make it the perfect walkie-talkies for city use, especially in working environments.
5. Retevis RT19 Walkie Talkies
Best for: Value for Money
The Retevis RT19 walkie talkie is one excellent choice for city use. It is a budget-friendly option with all the important features. The compact device has a long battery life of 15-24 hours, which is more than standard.
It comes with a high power 1300 mAh battery, a micro USB charger, and battery saver mode to ensure long battery life.
Each channel has a preset privacy codes. The FRS enabled devices offer clear audio transmission. These gadgets can be used hands-free with the VOX mode function.
This feature helps you to participate in other actions that would, in other cases, restrict you from pressing the PPT button. These Retevis walkie talkies are designed perfectly to be attached to the user with the included belt clip.
Its additional features such as the auto squelch (reduce the background noise) ensure seamless communication, a 5 port USB cable (improves charging efficiency), and the rugged model with short antenna, makes it easy to carry.
Product specification of Retevis RT19 Walkie Talkies
- 50 CTCSS/208 DCS and 22 channels
- Frequency –FRS
- VOX
- Low Battery Prompt
- Battery Save Function
- TOT
- Power- 1300 MAh battery
- Micro USB charger
- Weight- 0.2 pounds
- Metal back clip
Pros and Cons of Retevis RT19 Walkie Talkies
Pros:
- It fits perfectly on the palm.
- Its hard, durable shell makes it shockproof.
- It has 0 to 9 level squelch, which sends and receives audio clearly in noisy places.
- Adjustable volume and an included earpiece for a loud sound.
- Battery save mode
- Designed to provide quick communication
Cons:
- The frequencies are pre-programmed with privacy codes, which makes them incompatible with other FRS radios.
- Very Limited range.
What makes this best walkie talkie for city use?
It is one of the best cost-effective radio, with all important features. Thus making it perfect for city use as in construction, retail, manufacturing, warehousing, hotels, schools, etc.
Comparison of Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for City Use
| SAMCOM Two Way Radio | TH-UV8000D | DEWALT DXFRS800 | Motorola RDU4100 | Retevis RT19 | |
| Range | 3 Miles | 20 Miles | 2 Miles | 7 Miles | 2 Miles |
| Battery life | 15-18 hours | 72 hours | 18 hours | 18 hours | 24 hours |
| Channels | 22 | 128*2 (to store) | 22 | 10 | 22 |
| Frequency | FRS | UHF/VHF | FRS | UHF/GMRS | FRS |
| Waterproof/ shockproof | Water proof | Water and shock proof | Water proof/shock and dust proof | Water resistant | Shock proof |
Final words:
It is really challenging to find the best gadget which is worthy of your hard-earned money. In Preparing this list, we have analyzed hundreds of products, and we based our ranking on various product features like the reputation of the manufacturer, value for money, etc. We have read hundreds of reviews from the actual customers to get the best among the lot. If you choose from this list, be assured, you will be buying the best product available in the market right now. Also, Don’t forget to check the product links given alongside.
