One reason why mobile telephony quickly became popular across the world is their ability to help people connect across cities, nations and even continents.
The thought that you can sit in the comfort of your bedroom and communicate with friends and family hundreds and thousands of miles away is still one of the greatest feelings ever.
However, there are places you’ll get to where you won’t have cell phone reception. Here, you need something else to help you stay in touch. Enter Walkie Talkies.
Just like mobile phones, a walkie talkie should be able to communicate over long distances. If you’re in the US, you may not be able to speak with someone in Canada over a walkie talkie (unless you’re using some added satellite technology, like in the military), but you should be able to cover considerable mileage.
Thankfully, there are walkie talkies that are extremely long range, but you would require a license to use them. This post provides the best walkie talkies for long distance, as well as factors you should consider before making a decision.
Best Two-Way Radios for Long Distance: By Best Feature
Buyer Guide: Critical Factors to be Considered before you Select the Walkie Talkie for Long Distance
When you set out to buy a walkie talkie for long distance; law enforcement, border patrol or some wild adventure, it is important to consider a few factors. Let’s take a look at them.
1. FRS or GMRS?
There are two major types of two-way radios; the Family Radio Service and the General Mobile Radio Service. FRS radios usually do not exceed 2 watts in output power and do not require a license.
GMRS, on the other hand, packs a lot of power with ability to transmit as much as 50 watts. Although, most operators keep it within the 5-watt range.
In terms of reach, many GMRS radios can communicate with other devices exceeding 30 miles in distance.
If you need a walkie talkie for long distance, you should be looking out for GMRS two-way radios. There’s a catch though, these radios require a license.
2. Number of Channels
One way or another, how far you’re able to reach is also tied to the number of GMRS channels you have. What this means is that you can only connect with another user if you have access to the channel through which the user operates.
Some radios like the Midland GXT series and X-Talker have as much as 50 channels, while there are others with access to more than 2,000 channel combinations.
This gives you great access, making a multi-channel walkie talkie the ideal radio for long distance.
3. Battery Life
If you’re going to be traveling for several miles, you would require good battery life for your walkie talkie. Depending on your intended location and access to electricity, a rechargeable walkie talkie might be a good choice for long distance.
Also, if you’re on a road trip, you should look out for one that can connect to a car charger.
Whatever the case, be sure your walkie talkie can give you several hours of talk time, so you don’t find yourself stranded in a remote location without a means of communication.
4. Weather Channels
You cannot overestimate the importance of weather channels for your walkie talkie. In the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the agency responsible for providing such weather alerts and channels for walkie talkie users.
Be sure your walkie talkie is NOAA enabled and you can have access to weather channels and alerts.
These will keep you updated on weather changes and incoming storms or other devastating conditions. This is even more important if you’ll be going to distant places.
5. Output Power
We already talked about GMRS radios and how they are ahead in terms of power output. The power of a radio (often measured in watts) is a very important component to consider when choosing a walkie talkie for long distance.
The output power often determines the range of the walkie talkie. Most radios have an output of between 0.5 and 5 watts.
My advice is that you look out for walkie talkies that pack more than 2 watts in power. This will give you incredible range and signal strength for all your long-distance needs.
6. Range
Walkie talkies for whatever reason need to have considerable range. For long distance, your walkie talkie must be able to cover a wide area.
When you go out to shop for two-way radios, ensure you check for a range surpassing at least 30 miles. Luckily, there are walkie talkies that give way more than that in mileage. Just be sure to choose carefully and pay attention to reviews like this one.
Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for Long Distance
1. Midland GXT1000VP4 Walkie Talkie
Best for: Value for Money
You must’ve heard about the Midland GXT1000VP4 at some point in time. Its popularity is as big as its quality.
For people looking to communicate over long distances, this is a sure choice due to its impressive range capacity and multiple channel access up to 50 channels and several privacy codes.
In the world of walkie talkies, this product is certainly at the top when it comes to outdoor adventures and activities.
If you embark on a journey or you just need to contact family or friends several miles away, this is the ideal radio for you. It looks out for activity on the various channels to get a secure connection.
This two-way radio is also water resistant, making it a great choice for any weather condition.
Multiple other features like the belt clip, SOS Siren function and NOAA weather alerts and channels also make this walkie talkie a great choice for long distance.
Specifications of Midland GXT1000VP4 Walkie Talkie
- 50 channels to choose from.
- 9-VOXsensitivity levels for voice detection
- NOAA/NWR weather alerts
- 36-mile range
- FRS/GMRS Network
- 142 Privacy codes
- Package contains two radios with accessories
- JIS4 Waterproof function
Key Benefits of Midland GXT1000VP4 Walkie Talkie
- Several channels to scan through
- Gets information on weather
- Long range, especially in open fields
- Can connect to both FRS and GMRS radios
- It is waterproof
- Has a belt clip for easy carry
- Batteries are rechargeable
- Great headsets for hands-free use
2. SAMCOM 5-Watt Two-Way Radio
Best for: Ease of Use
The fact that this walkie talkie transmits as much as 5 watts of output power says a lot about its efficiency. Whether you’re out on the plain road, deep in the woods or even in a dense urban area with lots of buildings, the signal penetrating power of this radio is commendable.
This also enhances its range as it can penetrate through wood, trees, walls and other obstacles in its way. The radio is already preset and does not require any further settings before use.
With a UHF band frequency of between 400 and 470 MHz, you can also be sure of clear signals, and this is one reason it is on the list of best walkie talkies for long distance.
With super strong, long antenna, great noise-reduction earpiece, Group PTT Function, and 20 secure channels at your disposal, there’s so much this radio can do for you even from a long distance away.
Specifications of SAMCOM 5-Watt Two-Way Radio
- 20 channels
- Up to 30 miles on plain areas
- 6 radios in the pack
- 5-watt output power
- Built-in mic and ear buds
- Backlit LCD Display
- 1500 mAh rechargeable battery
- Dock charger
- Belt clips included
Key Benefits of SAMCOM 5-Watt Two-Way Radio
- 20 channels to search through
- Long range
- Maximum transmitting power for its grade
- Belt clip for easy carry
- Earbuds to cancel noise
- Able to penetrate through walls and trees
- Includes battery-saver feature
3. Midland 40-Watt GMRS Radio
Best for: Range/Output
Talk about a truly equipped GMRS radio for long distance adventure. If that’s what you need, then you don’t have to go too far.
This radio, unlike the conventional walkie talkies, is suitable for car use with the talkie connected to a transmitter/monitor stationed in the vehicle.
It packs as much as 40 watts of transmitting power and can communicate with other radios as far as 65 miles away without obstruction and as much as 15 miles with several buildings in its way.
And, if your long-distance adventure leads you into thick woods, with lots of trees and shrubs, there’s still nothing to worry about.
There’s certainly no way you can consider best walkie talkies for long distance without paying attention to this product.
Specifications of Midland 40-Watt GMRS Radio
- 15 GMRS channels
- 8 Repeater channels
- Includes 142 privacy codes
- 40 watt transmitting power
- Features silent operation
- Large LCD display
- Up to 65 miles in range
Key Benefits of Midland 40-Watt GMRS Radio
- Unbeatable range
- Great signal quality
- Impressive output power
- Multiple GMRS channels to find your contacts
- Mount is detachable if you need to move your radio
- Keypad lock feature to prevent accidental commands
4. Motorola MR350R Walkie Talkie
Best for: Build Quality/Durability
Motorola remains one of the leading brands in the walkie talkie industry. With the MR350R, it makes a strong statement with regards to outdoor radios and what they should look like.
This two-way radio has an ergonomic design that makes for a comfortable grip, even with gloves on. The buttons are large and visible enough for good manipulation and they lighten up in the dark too.
All of these coupled with great waterproof function, weather-monitoring features and a very rugged design make it one of the most durable walkie talkies for long distance. It also has a built-in flashlight for night-time use.
Specifications of Motorola MR350R Walkie Talkie
- 22 channels
- 121 privacy codes
- 35-mile range
- Built-in flashlight
- NOAA weather alert and channels
- IP-51 rated waterproof function
- Dual power feature
- PTT Power Boost
Key Benefits of Motorola MR350R Walkie Talkie
- It is waterproof
- Long range up to 35 miles
- Very easy to use
- Multiple channels give more access
- Able to access NOAA weather channels
- Hands-free operation
- Can be used in the dark
5. Cobra RX680 Walkie Talkie
Best for: Price
This two-way radio makes a grand entry into our review of best walkie talkies for long distance. It is an incredible walkie talkie with as much as 38 miles in range.
It is also extremely affordable for all its amazing features and functionality. The 60 channels and 2,662 channel combinations mean you can always find a channel to securely communicate with your loved ones.
If you do go into dusty terrains or drop your radio in water, the IP54 waterproof and dustproof protection keeps it working all day long.
Specifications of Cobra RX680 Walkie Talkie
- 60 channels
- 2,662 channel combinations
- 38-mile range
- IP54 standards for waterproof and dustproof
- NOAA radio receiver
- Voice-activated feature
- 18-hour rechargeable battery run time
Key Benefits of Cobra RX680 Walkie Talkie
- Impressive range at 38 miles
- Good battery life
- USB doc charger for easy recharging
- Supports hands-free operation
- Up to 60 channels for enhanced options
- Radio is waterproof and dustproof
- Able to monitor weather changes
Comparison of Top 5 Walkie Talkies for Long Distance
| Range | Weather Alert | Channels | Waterproof | GMRS/FRS | |
| Midland GXT1000VP4 | 36 miles | Yes | 50 | Yes | GMRS |
| SAMCOM 5-Watt Radio | 30 miles | No | 20 | No | GMRS |
| Midland 40-Watt Radio | 65 miles | No | 23 | No | GMRS |
| Motorola MR350R | 35 miles | Yes | 22 | Yes | FRS/GMRS |
| Cobra RX680 | 38 miles | Yes | 60 | Yes | FRS |
Final Words:
If you work far away or you ever need to go on a road trip and still keep in touch, you’d want to consider choosing any of the walkie talkies for long distance listed here. You can be sure of their impressive reach and stellar qualities that make them highly competitive in the market.
