Top 10 - Best Two Way Radios of 2019
Looking for the best Two Way Radios? Discover our top 10 recommendations of the year.
Last updated by Craig McInally 7 days ago
We have been testing and reviewing Two Way Radios for more than a decade so know what separates the best from the worst.
Two-Way Radios have come a long way since the days of CB radio. Once a favourite with hobbyists and truckers, we’ve seen an explosion in the Two-Way Radio market in recent years. That’s mainly down to just how versatile these portable pieces of kit are, as there are so many different ways that they can be put to use. Whether you are planning an outdoor event and need to keep your staff coordinated, are an avid adventurer who loves exploring the wilderness, or simply want to make communication within the workplace that little bit easier, you’ll find that a Two-Way Radio is an absolute must-have.
Throughout the year we conduct an extensive survey of our customers to find out more about how their Two Way Radios perform in practice. This enables us to discover exactly what real customers think of their Walkie Talkies and identify the top Two Way Radio brands that you can rely on, and report on those whose standards are slipping so that you can make the right choice before parting with your hard-earned cash. Motorola are by far the leading brand on the market when it comes to Licence Free Two-Way Radios, which is why they feature so prominently on our Top 10 list.
So, read on to discover our top picks!
What we look for in a Two Way Radio:
Sound Quality
Every Walkie Talkie on our Top 10 has undergone extensive checks for excellent audio quality.
Range
If the signal drops out or doesn’t provide adequate coverage under ideal conditions it won't make the cut.
Usability
We have a panel of experts who test every Two-Way Radio to find out how easy they are to use.
Build & Reliability
We conduct an extensive survey throughout the year to find out which Walkie Talkies are the most reliable.
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1. Motorola TLKR T80 Extreme Twin Long Range Two-Way Radios
Our Verdict
Quality piece of kit with good range, easy to use & robust.
Product Features
- Licence-free (PMR446) weather-proof radios with up to 10Km range, 8 channels, 10 call tones, handsfree function, LED Torch and Vibrate Alert
- IPX4 rated: reinforced casing, weatherproof
- LED Torch vibrate alert and hands-free
- LCD display
- Up to 10km range
The Motorola TLKR T80 Extreme is well-deserving of its no.1 spot on our list of the Top 10 2-Way Radios. Rugged and all-weather proof, the TLKR T80 Extreme is the ideal companion for regular outdoor adventures, and the must-have set for skiing holidays. The maximum range of 10km can be put to great use on the slopes, and the bright yellow handsets will stand out against the pure white snow if it happens to slip out your hand or pocket). Further benefits of the T80 Extreme include: a convenient carry case for transportation, dual-charging pod for simultaneous charging of both handsets, vibrate alert for noisier environments, and headset compatibility so they can be used hands-free.What We Think
Product Features
- Licence-free (PMR446) weather-proof radios with up to 10Km range, 8 channels, 10 call tones, handsfree function, LED Torch and Vibrate Alert
- IPX4 rated: reinforced casing, weatherproof
- LED Torch vibrate alert and hands-free
- LCD display
- Up to 10km range
RRP: £109.99£94.9914% Off - Save a total of £15.00 -
2. Motorola TLKR T81 Hunter Twin Long Range Two-Way Radios
Product Features
- Licence-free (PMR446) weather-proof radios with up to 10Km range, 8 channels, 10 call tones, handsfree function, LED Torch and Vibrate Alert
- IPX4 rated: reinforced casing, weatherproof
- LED Torch vibrate alert and hands-free
- LCD display
- Up to 10km range
The Motorola TLKR T81 is more or less identical to the no.1 on our list; boasting a maximum range of up to 10km, rugged and weatherproof design, and all the same features. This License-free Two-Way Radio is ideal for both inside and outdoor use with a variety of useful features including VOX. Combining durability with a sleek design and a decent 16 hours of battery life, the TLKR T81 is a reliable choice that offers great value for money. The main difference between this and the T80 aside from the colour is that the T81 includes an individual carry case for each handset, which might be less convenient for transportation if you require a lot of handsets.What We Think
Product Features
- Licence-free (PMR446) weather-proof radios with up to 10Km range, 8 channels, 10 call tones, handsfree function, LED Torch and Vibrate Alert
- IPX4 rated: reinforced casing, weatherproof
- LED Torch vibrate alert and hands-free
- LCD display
- Up to 10km range
RRP: £159.99£74.9953% Off - Save a total of £85.00 -
3. Motorola TLKR T60 Two-Way Radios
Product Features
- Up to 8km range
- 8 Channels & 121 codes
- LCD display with backlight
- VOX hands-free
The TLKR T60 Two-Way Radios are a perfect mid-range set of PMR446 licence-free two way radios. Weighing just 103 grams, these walkie talkies are exceptionally compact, so are a great pick if you want to pack light. They also include VOX for hands-free communication, which is a very welcome feature in radios at this price point. Not as robust as the TLKR T80 Extreme and as there is no IPx rating but are still well built and provide a maximum range of up to 8km in clear line of sight. A really great choice if you’re on a budget and ideal for leisure pursuits or for small businesses.What We Think
Product Features
- Up to 8km range
- 8 Channels & 121 codes
- LCD display with backlight
- VOX hands-free
RRP: £69.99£49.9929% Off - Save a total of £20.00 -
4. Motorola TLKR T40 Two-Way Radios
Product Features
- Up to 4km range
- License-free
- LCD display
- 8 PMR Channels with channel monitor / scan feature
A child friendly and practical set of walkie talkies at a budget price from Motorola. As the name suggests, these two-way radios are a more compact version of the TLKR T80. The TLKR T40 are therefore ideal for smaller sized hands, and will offer far better performance than toy 2-way radios aimed specifically at children. Fun, affordable, and reliable, these are a great set. The maximum range is up to 4km so they are better suited for more close range use.What We Think
Product Features
- Up to 4km range
- License-free
- LCD display
- 8 PMR Channels with channel monitor / scan feature
RRP: £39.99£24.9938% Off - Save a total of £15.00 -
5. Cobra AM1035 12km Twin Walkie Talkies
Product Features
- Up to 12km extended signal range with 968 channel combinations
- IPX7 waterproof
- Handsfree with VOX voice-activated transmission
- VibrAlert offers silent vibrations to notify you of incoming transmissions
- Compatible with all other PMR 446 two-way radios
Representing a big step up from the MT975, the Cobra AM1035 is a seriously rugged piece of tech that can put up with just about anything that the wilderness might throw at it. Most notably, it floats, so it’s the obvious choice for kayaking and other water-based activities. With a colourful orange core, you’ll have no trouble spotting your radio should you drop it- and its IPx7 rating means it will stay safe in even the roughest surroundings. Thanks to a 12km range, the AM1035 will ensure you stay connected even at long distances. It also includes voice-activation functionality and a hands-free feature, vibrating alerts, plus compatibility with virtually all other PMR446 two-way radios. In short, it packs everything you could ask for in a two-way radio into a neat little package that’s built to last.What We Think
Product Features
- Up to 12km extended signal range with 968 channel combinations
- IPX7 waterproof
- Handsfree with VOX voice-activated transmission
- VibrAlert offers silent vibrations to notify you of incoming transmissions
- Compatible with all other PMR 446 two-way radios
RRP: £129.99£99.9923% Off - Save a total of £30.00 -
6. Binatone Action 1100
Product Features
- Range up to 6 miles (10 km) depending on environment and terrain
- VOX for hands-free conversations
- Noise reduction technology delivers enhanced sound quality
- Rechargeable batteries with dual desktop charger base included
This user-friendly set of license-free and rechargeable two-way radios are (as the name suggests) ready for action, boasting a battery life of up to 40 hours on a single charge. Although Binatone aren’t quite as well-known as some other radio manufacturers, they have always had a solid reputation among enthusiasts for their high-quality devices. In our tests, we found that the Binatone Action 1100 handsets certainly live up to that reputation, with crystal-clear sound and a maximum range of up to 10km, depending on the terrain. The Binatone noise-reduction software also really excels, making this a high-end model that’s as equally at home in the workplace as it is on the hiking trail.What We Think
Product Features
- Range up to 6 miles (10 km) depending on environment and terrain
- VOX for hands-free conversations
- Noise reduction technology delivers enhanced sound quality
- Rechargeable batteries with dual desktop charger base included
RRP: £54.99£52.994% Off - Save a total of £2.00 -
7. Cobra MicroTALK MT975 Two Way Radio
Product Features
- 10 Channel Memory
- Up to 12 KM Range
- Baby Monitor
- Backlit LCD
Cobra are one of the main names in the two-way radio market, and the MT975 is a great example of why this brand is trusted by so many users around the world. Coming in at a very affordable price, this feature-rich two-way radio handset is great value for money. The range and battery life both performed well during our tests, and the background noise reduction does an excellent job of enhancing voice clarity (although it does reduce the maximum range). For this reason, the MT975 is a solid choice if you plan on using your two-way radio in noisy environments such as building sites. While it doesn’t come with an IP-rating for dust and splashes, we nevertheless found during our tests that this is a remarkably robust radio that works well in tougher settings. As a reliable, affordable choice, the MT975 is still well worth considering.What We Think
Product Features
- 10 Channel Memory
- Up to 12 KM Range
- Baby Monitor
- Backlit LCD
RRP: £79.99£58.9926% Off - Save a total of £21.00 -
8. Motorola TALKABOUT T82 Extreme Two-Way Radios
Product Features
- Up to 10km range
- LED Torch, Vibrate alert & hands-free
- LCD display with backlight
- Weatherproof IPx4
The Motorola T82 Extreme Two Way Radios are rugged and waterproof with an IPX4 rating and a hidden screen that can light up making it easier to navigate through the menu. A bit more expensive than the no.1 on our list they are ideal for intensive use in extreme environments, and comes equipped with an LED flashlight for professionals working at night. A further benefit of the T82 includes a vibration alert function to work without disturbing others and the iVox function, with which you can enjoy automatic activation by voice and hands-free.What We Think
Product Features
- Up to 10km range
- LED Torch, Vibrate alert & hands-free
- LCD display with backlight
- Weatherproof IPx4
RRP: £129.99£84.9935% Off - Save a total of £45.00 -
9. Cobra AM645 Twin Walkie Talkies
Product Features
- Provides range of up to 8km
- VOX - Voice activated transmission (handsfree)
- Backlit LED Display
- No licence required
- Compatible with all other PMR 446 two-way radios
The Cobra AM645 are another great pair of compact and robust two-way radios that offer excellent value for money. At a mid-range price, they come with a solid range of features, including backlit LCD display, rechargeable batteries, VOX, 8 channels and 121 privacy codes. They are also compatible with all other PMR 446 two-way radios, so can be added to your existing setup if required. Whether looking for a set of two-way radios for skiing, hiking or work, the Cobra AM645 are a relatively low-cost solution that offer dependable performance.What We Think
Product Features
- Provides range of up to 8km
- VOX - Voice activated transmission (handsfree)
- Backlit LED Display
- No licence required
- Compatible with all other PMR 446 two-way radios
RRP: £64.99£54.9915% Off - Save a total of £10.00 -
10. Motorola TLKR T50
Product Features
- LCD display
- Up to 6km range
- 8 PMR Channels + 121 codes
- Belt-Clip and Carrying Loop
This award-winning set of two-way radios from Motorola boasts a ruggedized rubber outer shell, making them durable and reliable and giving you excellent value for money. With a maximum range of up to 6km, the TLKR T50 is a good choice for many outdoor excursions, adventures- even espionage! To ensure your calls stay private, the T50 comes with 8 different channels and 121 codes, which adds up to over 900 different combinations. As a Motorola two-way radio, you can rest assured that it excels when it comes to sound quality and ease of use. In our tests, we found it performed particularly well in hands-free mode. When we tried out the range in the open countryside it was excellent, and the twin is a bargain!What We Think
Product Features
- LCD display
- Up to 6km range
- 8 PMR Channels + 121 codes
- Belt-Clip and Carrying Loop
RRP: £59.99£54.998% Off - Save a total of £5.00
Here at liGo, we work hard to offer only the very best two-way radios to our customers. How do we go about that? Our team of walkie talkie experts carry out in-depth tests on every new model to hit the market. By always staying on top of industry trends and developments, we can ensure our Top 10 list is right up to date throughout the year.
In particular, we pay close attention to build quality. We know that for many users, their two-way radios will be an essential line of communication with the outside world. The last thing you want is to have this line cut off should your handset break on you. Whether you are on a family camping trip, or putting your radios through some serious use in a demanding workplace environment, you should be able to count on your handsets. While some of the models on our list are more robust than others, they all provide a high level of durability for their respective price points.
The two-way radios market can be a little daunting if you aren't familiar with these devices. With so much to choose from, buyers are spoilt for choice. If you need any help in narrowing down your options, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Our helpful customer service team will be able to guide you towards the best radios to suit your own unique requirements. We can be reached by phone, email, or live chat, and are always happy to help!
10 products from £24.99 to £94.99 rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 60 reviews.