Do you remember how you loved playing cops and robbers in childhood? You were probably using toy walkie talkies. Even though nowadays, children prefer smartphones and tablets to walkie talkies, we're sure that they'll find lots of uses for these cool products.
Walkie talkies are great for a plethora of activities, as they can be used as
baby monitors if you need, and they can bring lots of fun on your children's playground. They either use
AAA batteries or rechargeable batteries and can offer you up to 12 hours of battery life if you use it continuously.
Even though it's not advisable to leave your child alone, you should know that walkie talkies are great to monitor your baby, together with a
nanny cam, if your baby monitor breaks.
So, if you're planning a family trip, want your children to have fun or simply need to watch over your baby, you need a good and reliable set of walkie talkies. Check out this buying guide that will inform you about everything you should know before making your buying decision.
Price
During our research, we discovered that you can get a set of quality walkie talkies from around $20 to $200. For example, if your budget is smaller, around $20 will get you a set of walkie talkies that feature backlit LCD displays and offer long-range communication along with smooth-quality sound.
However, if your budget is larger, for around $200 you can buy stylish walkie talkies that are also submersible and offer up to 12 hours of battery life.
We've also come across some cheap walkie talkies, but it's better to ignore them, as they're made with poor-quality materials and won't offer clear sound and long-range communication.
Features
There are thousands of walkie talkie models out there, so it's better to have some basic info about them before deciding which one to buy.
Here is a short list of the factors you need to consider when getting a walkie talkie:
- Frequency Type - You can choose between USF and VHF frequencies. They're quite similar, but not compatible with each other. So, if you buy more than two walkie talkies, make sure all of them use the same frequency.
- Service Type - There are two options when it comes to service type – FRS and GMRS. FRS walkie talkies are great for recreational walks with family, while GMRS covers a larger distance.
- Durability - If you are a professional and you're looking for a walkie talkie for your job, it's important to consider its durability. Make sure it is made of sturdy materials and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Dimensions - Walkie talkies should be easy to use and lightweight. However, if you go for a small-sized walkie talkie, you'll need to compromise on range.
- Transmission Power - The higher the wattage of the radio, the larger the range will be.
- Battery Life - You can choose between walkie talkies that use AAA batteries and ones with rechargeable batteries.
- Channels - If you only use the walkie talkie to talk to your friend, you can use only one channel. However, if you're looking for privacy and versatility, it’s good to choose a model that offers more channels.
- Type - There are walkie talkies for children, long-range walkie talkies and waterproof models. According to your purpose, choose the one that suits you best.
Construction and Design
Even though the factors considered above are enough for you to form an idea about what you should look for in walkie talkies, there are also some extra features that you might find interesting, such as: LCD display, vibration, silencer, alarm, illumination and more.
The bands frequently used by walkie talkies are FRS and GMRS. GMRS has a larger range, but you need a license from the FCC to use this band. However, most walkie talkies on the market use FRS, which is good for indoor and outdoor use.
Walkie talkies for kids are a great gift if you want your child to have fun. These kinds of walkie talkies are usually made with lightweight materials and are brightly colored. The range is not very large, and the batteries are not very powerful, but they're great for playtime.
Long-range walkie talkies are perfect for communication while you’re hiking or taking long trips in tough zones. Where your smartphone will fail, a long-range walkie talkie will help you stay connected.
There are also waterproof walkie talkies on the market, which can withstand tough weather conditions and won't get damaged if they fall in the water, or if you use them while it's raining.
Performance and Ease of Use
Walkie talkies are, basically, handheld portable radios, as they communicate through radio waves. You can use them to talk to your friends on trips, while camping or on building sites.
They're robust, easy to use and have simple features that can be understood by both adults and children. They're great for outdoor use, especially for children.
So, before getting a walkie talkie, consider the purpose you want it for. They're great for multiple kinds of activities and have special features for their intended use.
If this is your first time buying a walkie talkie, set your budget right from the start and find out how many you need. One? Two? Ten? Twenty? If you have a larger team to manage, you will probably need more devices. Similarly, range is an important factor as well.
Features
Uniden produces all kinds of quality electronic products that are sold through distributors all around America. This manufacturer offers video surveillance, radio scanners, two-way radios, telephones, marine accessories, and automotive products. You can find more than 1,700 Uniden products on Amazon that come with favorable reviews regarding the high quality and efficiency of the items.
The Uniden MSH75 Marine Radio is a top-notch radio that can cover USA, Canadian, and International marine channels, which makes it a reliable product. Its compact design is enhanced by a clip-on DC charger that can be attached to any belt; it’s also waterproof.
With a large LCD screen, you'll be able to communicate easily and as a bonus, it also offers weather alerts. Besides a memory channel scan and a watt switch, it has a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, so this baby won't let you down no matter how rough the time or weather gets! This walkie talkie is available in 5 different models for you to choose from.
Features
Midland has specialized in developing all sorts of radios that will accommodate your needs, regardless of how far you travel or how tough the weather conditions are. Whether you're looking for a two-way radio, one for business, a CB, or a NOOA weather radio, you'll definitely find a durable one at Midland. There are over 30,000 products on Amazon, and it's easy to convince yourself of the high-quality, considering there are thousands of satisfied clients from all around the world.
The Midland LXT500VP3 comes with a classic design that makes it practical and easy to carry, and in two colors: black and camouflage. Its 22 channels, 24-mile coverage, and channel scan turn it into a reliable friend when you're out camping, hunting, or involved in other outdoor activities.
It features multiple power settings and options, so you can use it with rechargeable batteries or AAA batteries. In addition, it has a call alert and a silent mode, destined for smooth operations. To ensure that this radio is extremely resistant, the manufacturer also made it waterproof, so you'll enjoy your time spent in nature, without worrying about poor communication.
Features
BaoFeng takes pride in manufacturing radios and walkie talkies that are perfectly created to suit your needs. You can now rely on their products to keep you safe when you're going camping, cycling, or hiking. Plus, as they’re a USA-based company, you'll receive your package fast and secure. BaoFeng will also offer a warranty and help you with any problems you may encounter through their support team.
The BaoFeng BF-888S is a walkie talkie that features 16 channels and a frequency range of 400-470 mhz.. With the aid of the earpiece included in the package, you'll be able to freely communicate with your friends over a 3-miles range. The product also comes with a rechargeable battery, a desktop charger, and a belt clip. It has a VOX function and is voice prompt, besides having an emergency alarm and a flashlight feature. You can choose to buy one piece, two, or a set of 20 walkie talkies at once.
Features
Motorola began developing radio technology almost 90 years ago, in Chicago, Illinois. In 1940, this company designed the first hand-held radio in the world, after manufacturing house radios and car radios. Since, Motorola has registered many firsts and is now one of the most well-known firms anywhere. You can find on Amazon over 4,000 products made by this company, from radios, cellphones, and chargers, all the way to baby monitors and watches.
The Motorola TalkAbout T5200 is a radio designed to accompany you on your trips. With a compact design and a weight of only 11,2 ounces, you won't even know you have it with you! It comes in a set of two, so rest assured that your buddy will have one as well. Covering a 2-mile range, you can rely on this device to enable clear communication, besides offering 14 channels. In addition, it has 5 different call alerts and 38 sub codes!
Did we mention that the LCD display is also illuminated? Now you can enjoy the outdoors, regardless of the time of the day, while knowing that you're only one call away if something's not right. This device also comes with a warranty period of 1 year.
Now you know more about walkie talkies and will be able to make a better decision. Also, remember that these devices come with instruction manuals if you’re new to using them. Good luck and happy shopping!
