Walkie talkies are also popular with the name two-way radios. The reason for their popularity is oftentimes difficult to grab, even for us. Useful for more than just hunting, they are handy items to have on hand when you need to stay off the grid.
While a lot of the services a walkie talkie provides you can be easily handled by smartphones, their value becomes more apparent when cell towers are out of reach. There are a lot of factors to keep in mind when buying one of these devices.
Maximum range, pairing options, durability, and weather handling are some of the most important features in your purchase. For example, there is no need to break the bank if you only need it for short ranges.
Your choice of purchase will thus depend on your need. We have listed some of the top walkie talkies on the market in 2023.
Best Walkie Talkie 2023
1. Proster Rechargeable 16 Channel Walkie Talkie
This walkie talkie comes with a rechargeable battery and produces an awesome sound quality over long ranges. Its decent two-miles range depends somewhat on the environment. The frequency range is a fantastic 400 to 470 MHz in UHF and the channels are limited at 16.
Proster’s most potent advantage is its 1500mAh battery. A USB charger and an integrated LED flash comes with it to round things off.
Specs
- 16 channels
- UHF 400-470MHz
- 1500mAh
- PC programmable
- Power saving
- DCS/CTCSS
- Single-frequency and band
- Battery alarm
Pros
- Cheap
- Generous features
- Durable
- Can be charged from any USB-port compatible device
- Impressive runtime
- Can be reprogrammed with a PC
Cons
- Limited range
- The battery could be better
2. Midland GXT1030
GXT1030 sports 50 General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) channels that far exceeds the regular FRS channels in power. A monstrous 36 miles range round off what is one of the most powerful walkie talkies in the market.
There are privacy codes to block other channel conversations, boom mics, NOAA weather alerts, splash-proof casing, and more. eVOX also ensures that Midland is a two-way radio that can work hands-free.
Specs
- Rechargeable
- 11-hours runtime
- Integrated NOAA weather alerts
- 50 channels (GMRS)
- 36-miles range
- Channel scan
Pros
- Ridiculous battery life
- Powerful channels
- Insane range
- Weatherproof casing
- Hands-free use
Cons
- Require GMRS license
- Charging is a lengthy affair
3. BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way Radio
When BF-888S just came out, it was a well-received model partly because of its cost-effectiveness. It has a single band transceiver with a 400-470MHz frequency range which makes it a low powered radio. Its lack of filtering makes use of it problematic in congested RF areas.
Despite this, there is DCS/CTCSS support with channel scan, a 1500mAh battery, UHF antenna, a PTT switch, and an LED flashlight.
Specs
- 16 channels
- Programmable
- Battery alerts and saving feature
- UHF 400-470MHz
- Transmitter timeout control
- Monitor button and LED flash
- Channel scan
Pros
- More features than you can imagine
- Sleek look
- Affordable
- Lightweight at 5.3-ounces
- Intuitive use
Cons
- Sound is not great
- Limited range
4. eSynic zESY66
zESY66 is of lesser quality than most other walkie talkies, but within its price tag range, it is the best. It has 16 UHF channels and ranges at a little below four miles. One of its more attractive quality is its low charging time for a nine-hour use battery.
There is an emergency alarm function in the event of danger and an in-built LED flash for dark vision. eSynic comes with some extras like belt clips, a charging stand, and two earbuds.
Specs
- LED flash
- UHF channels (16)
- 1500mAh rechargeable battery
- 18-month warranty
- 5-miles range
- 50 CTCSS tones
- Programmable
Pros
- Cheap
- Long-lasting battery
- Comes with an LED flash
- Modern look
Cons
- There is no privacy code
- USB-charging only
5. Retevis H-777 Walkie Talkie
H-777 is an ideal choice at maintaining continuous contact within a small radius. It is smooth to the touch and significantly easy to carry. With 16 channels in the UHF range of 400-470MHz frequencies, its operation is as easy as breathing.
There is an LED screen, time-out function, alarms, torchlight, quality audio, and a promising meld with other devices.
Specs
- Belt clip
- 1500mAh
- Earpiece with each piece
- Low voltage alert
- 16 channels of 400-470MHz frequency
Pros
- Handy
- All-weather use
- Cheap
- Awesome Audio
- Weight is light
- It is programmable
- Easily attached to the waist and other body parts
Cons
- Short-range
- Spotty customer service
6. Acehome Walkie Talkies
It is a great choice for kids with its miniature design and colourful bands. There are rubberized bumpers on each side to ensure they are not easily dropped during use. It loads out with an excellent 22 channels, three-mile range, and rubberized buttons.
Specs
- 4ounces
- The LCD screen (backlit)
- Money-back Guarantee
- 22 channels
- Three-mile range
- 400-470MHz
- CTSS 99 sub-code
- Smart system
Pros
- Awesome audio
- Guarantee
- Excellent size for kids
- Trendy colours
- Surprising range
- Impressive indoor use
Cons
- Does not come with batteries
- Lacks energy efficiency
7. Motorola T100 Talkabout
T100 is one of the most compatible two-way radios on the market. It can adapt to any GMRS/FRS radio with unsurpassed ease. There are numerous extra features too.
Specs
- Battery alerts, keypad lock, and unique call tones
- 22 channels
- The range is 16 miles
- 18-hour battery
- Any-radio compatible
Pros
- Compatibility is insane
- Powerful battery
- Impressive range
- Affordable
- Brilliant sound quality
- Large range
Cons
- GRMS needs a license
- AAA batteries needed
8. Arcshell AR-5
Specs
- Five-mile range
- Rechargeable
- Standby mode
- 400-470MHz
- 16 channels
- 110v-240v charge
- 3ounces
- 60-days warranty
Pros
- Cheap
- Belt clip
- Audio quality is good
- Pre-programmed channels
- Durable
- Awesome value
Cons
- No display
- Assembly can get complicated
- Some extra features are not working
- Battery could improve
- The antenna is too long
9. Midland Consumer GXT1030VP4
Specs
- 50 available channels
- 142 privacy codes
- NOAA weather warning
- Waterproof
- Nine VOX levels
- Ten calls and vibrate alerts
- 36-mile range
Pros
- Many available colours
- Reasonable price
- Awesome extras
- Alarm features
- Modern design
- All-weather use
Cons
- Bulky
- Long antenna
10. Diliss Walkie Talkies
Specs
- 121 privacy codes
- 22 channels
- Hands-free use
- Three-miles reach
- Backlit LCD
- Safety certificates
Pros
- Design is child-friendly
- Affordable
- Hands-free
- FRS/GMRS compatible
- Many privacies option
- ProTKTKTK
Cons
- The signal is easily lost
- Four-AAA batteries are needed