If you own a warehouse, hotel or large organisation, you’ll agree with me that indoor communication is extremely important. Perhaps, you manage a building; you know how much time and energy you’ll save having an effective communications system in place rather than having to move across floors every time you need to get a message across or pass some instruction. For their affordability and near zero maintenance cost, walkie talkies have become a very useful option for communicating indoors.
Security companies also rely on two-way radios, and so do parents who need to keep their kids in check. However, getting the best of anything is never an easy task. Thankfully, you’re reading this post and it’s certainly an important step to getting yourself the best walkie talkie for inside buildings.
We understand that needs vary and different people require indoor walkie talkies for different reasons. Understanding what you need and knowing what to look out for before selecting a walkie talkie for indoor use is another important factor.
So, what are the critical factors you must consider before selecting a walkie talkie for inside buildings? Let’s begin here.
Top 5 Best Two-Way Radios for Indoor Use : By Best Feature
Buyer Guide: How to Choose the Best Walkie Talkie for Inside Buildings
Depending on what you need your walkie talkie to do for you, there are several factors to consider. Every product has a Unique Selling Proposition that makes them stand out. To choose a perfect walkie talkie for inside building, here are factors to consider;
1. Battery Life
As you’ll be using your walkie talkie for indoor purposes, a rechargeable option would make more sense because you can always easily connect to a socket and charge your radio.
It is important to look out for batteries that have very long battery life. This will enable you use the walkie talkie for a long time without having to charge. Another option is the alkaline battery which only requires replacement.
2. Range
For all types of walkie talkies, range is probably the most important factor. The best walkie talkie for inside buildings should be able to cover several floors and horizonal space as well.
You may not need as much as 36 miles (which most of the best walkie talkies cover), but a good enough range with very strong signal strength to defy obstacles like walls, vehicles, and other household items should be considered.
3. Size/Weight
There’s certainly a difference between moving about with a radio and weightlifting. A large, heavy walkie talkie will weigh you down. This is even more likely if you move around a lot. A great walkie talkie should be potable. Well, except if you’re not going to be doing a lot of movements. If all you do is sit in your office and dish out directives, you can use a large and heavy radio. Otherwise, you should get a two way radio that is ergonomic and serves your need.
4. Frequency/Bands
When it comes to walkie talkies, including those for inside buildings, two bands are used- the Family Radio Service (FRS) or the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS).
Every two-way radio device operates on either of the two bands. Most people prefer the FRS network because it requires no license to use. You may decide on whatever service you prefer as long as you do not get into any trouble with the law.
5. Channels
The more pre-set channels your walkie talkie has, the better. This will ensure you can operate on multiple channels and interact with more radios on those channels. FRS models come with 14 channels or less.
However, you should consider using a model with more channels to avoid interruptions. These are also more expensive. There are also some models that have a scanning feature with which you can scan for frequencies in the area.
6. Price
Price is certainly a factor. You don’t want to break the bank over a walkie talkie, do you? With proper research and reviews, you can get the best walkie talkie for inside buildings at very affordable prices.
7. Sound Quality
Sound quality is often tied to signal/frequency strength and overall quality of the device. Signal is often affected by how it travels and what obstacles it comes in contact with.
There are two major types for walkie talkies; VHF and UHF. I’ll advise you go with indoor two-way radios that have the UHF frequency as they can go through the walls of your building.
8. Durability
It is also important that you look up reviews for how well the walkie talkie for inside buildings performs when it comes to build quality and endurance. Will it easily break at impact? Are there any protective features? Is it waterproof or dustproof? These questions are important.
Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for Inside Buildings
1. Motorola Talkabout T402 Rechargeable Two-Way Radios
Best for : Value for Money
This Motorola entry is a truly reliable walkie talkie for multiple purposes. It makes our list of best walkie talkies for inside buildings due to its truly sturdy design and build as well as its amazing range.
This rugged radio set of two walkie talkies is great for indoor use and also for outdoor adventures as it can endure the rigors of tough usage. Its far-reaching frequency is also a plus, as well as its protective features, including belt clips and inbuilt flashlights for when the power goes out.
Specifications of Motorola Talkabout T402 Rechargeable Two-Way Radios
- Two radios in a pack.
- 121 Privacy Codes programmed in each of its 22 channels.
- 11 weather channels and alert feature.
- Dual Power System.
- Black and Yellow exterior colors.
- Belt Clips for fastening.
- Hands-free enabled with iVOX/VOX feature.
- 35-mile range.
Pros and Cons of Motorola Talkabout T402 Rechargeable Two-Way Radios
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Comes with 22 channels for options
- 121 Privacy channels.
- Weatherproof feature with IP54 rating
- Quite affordable
Cons:
- Not the best battery life
2. eSynic Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Earpieces
Best for: Battery Life
This is another suitable set of two walkie talkies for inside buildings. With its rechargeable battery, you can easily plug the set or the battery via USB to a socket and get it charged within two hours.
With optimum charge, you can get as much as 9 hours of use whether in your hotel or any other indoor setting. Talk about crystal clear audio quality and utmost reliability, they truly do not make them any better.
As a building manager, you can easily get things going with these walkie talkies in the hands of your staff.
Specifications of eSynic Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Earpieces
- Comes with 16 channels.
- UHF Frequency
- Inbuilt flashlight.
- Dimension of 2.36 x 1.3 x 4.53 inches.
- Dual charge system (radio or battery).
- Noise reduction feature for audio clarity.
Pros and Cons of eSynic Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Earpieces
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Power saving technology.
- Can be used at night with LED light feature.
- Quite potable.
- Short charging period of between 2 and 3 hours.
- Great customer support
- 18-month warranty.
Cons:
- Not very long range.
3. Proster Rechargeable Walkie Talkies
Best for: Audio Clarity
If you’re looking for a truly effective indoor radio, this walkie talkie is a pretty good deal. So, whether it’s a gym, restaurant, construction site or even a supermarket, here is a radio you can truly trust. It is both potable and ergonomic, making it easy to carry around.
The durability of Proster is another added advantage, as you don’t have to worry about damage if you drop it. What’s more? This two-way radio is designed for inside buildings (short-distance communication), and that means very strong reception and audio clarity.
If for nothing else, Proster Rechargeable Walkie Talkies deserve a spot on this review of best walkie talkies for inside buildings due to their unbeatable audio clarity.
Specifications of Proster Rechargeable Walkie Talkies
- 16 channels
- UHF 400-475 over a 2-mile distance
- CTCSS and DCS feature further aids audio signal quality
- 1500 mAh battery for 8-hour use.
- Rechargeable battery with USB support.
- Quite potable at 6.2 x 2.3 x 7 inches.
Pros and Cons of Proster Rechargeable Walkie Talkies
Pros:
- Unbeatable audio clarity.
- Very strong signals.
- Impressive channel scope.
- Good battery strength.
- Very durable
- Multiple charge options.
Cons:
- Not very impressive range.
4. Midland – X-Talker T77VP5 Two-Way Radio
Best for: Range
From the convenient, large buttons to the very potable design, this walkie talkie is more than just a small radio. Your hands can easily go around it for its ergonomics. But never mind the size, its range is what makes it a best seller.
The Midland X-Talker stands tall on this list of best walkie talkie for inside buildings for a lot of other things like its numerous channels and privacy codes, a unique carry bag and several other unique features.
You can communicate freely wherever you are in the building with crystal clear audio and unbeatable reach.
Specifications of Midland – X-Talker T77VP5 Two-Way Radio
- 121 Privacy Codes
- About 836 channel options to block interference
- FRS Frequency with no license required.
- 38-mile range
- Set of 2 radios.
- 3 “AA” Batteries each.
Pros and Cons of Midland – X-Talker T77VP5 Two-Way Radio
Pros:
- Very long range for extended reach.
- Multiple channel options for convenient communication.
- License-free FRS radio frequency.
- Water resistant.
- Easy charging.
- Also includes weather alert with indicator alert.
Cons:
- Long battery-charge time and short life.
5. Baofeng UV-82 VHF UHF FM Transceiver/Two-Way Radio
Best for: Price
Everywhere we turned in 2020, Baofeng made the top best list for both indoor and outdoor walkie talkies. For most users, it was mostly about getting a decent walkie talkie at an unbelievable price. For others, it is the fact that the device didn’t disappoint in quality.
With both VHF and UHF bands, Baofeng offers you the best of both worlds, ensuring you never run out of options. This makes it an extremely great walkie talkie for inside buildings. Despite having a single receiver, it can monitor two different channels with access to 128 groups channels storage.
Specifications of Baofeng UV-82 VHF UHF FM Transceiver/Two-Way Radio
- Selectable 0-9 grades VOX
- Battery-saver function
- Frequency range of between 136-174 and 400-480MHz
- 128 groups channels storage.
- Low battery alert
- Up to 1watt speaker capacity.
- LED Flashlight
Pros and Cons of Baofeng UV-82 VHF UHF FM Transceiver/Two-Way Radio
Pros:
- Good sound production
- Extremely affordable
- Can monitor multiple channels
- Long-lasting 1500 mAh BL-5Li-ion batteries.
- Dual watch and dual reception.
Cons:
- Low range
- Not waterproof
Comparison Table of Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for Inside Buildings
Motorola Talkabout T402 | eSynic Rechargeable Walkie Talkies | Proster Rechargeable Walkie Talkies | Midland X-Talker T77VP5 Walkie Talkie | Baofeng UV-82 Two-Way Radio | |
Range | 35 miles | 2 miles | 2 miles | 38 miles | 3 miles |
Battery Life | 8.5 hours or 21 hours with AA batteries | 8 – 9 hours | 8 hours or more | 6 to 8 hours | Up to 9 hours |
UHF/VHF | UHF | UHF | UHF | UHF | UHF & VHF |
Channels | 22 | 16 | 16 | 36 | 128 |
Protection | Weatherproof | None | Sturdy build | Water resistant | None |
Final Words:
There are so many reasons you need an indoor walkie talkie; from passing out instructions, checking the progress of work, security and even checking on staff and kids. You don’t have to worry about searching through thousands of products as we have narrowed it down to 5 of the best walkie talkies for inside buildings you can find anywhere. Be sure to pick any of them based on your unique needs and enjoy amazing radio benefits for whatever you need them for.