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10 Best Long Range 2 Way Radios 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

6 Pack of Motorola RMU2080D Two Way Radio Walkie Talkies

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,336
Durability and Weather Resistance
Battery Life
Additional Features

Most important from
15 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
The radios deliver dependable and durable performance, making them ideal for tough work settings like construction.
Battery Life
Battery life supports a full day of use but requires daily charging after heavy use.
Additional Features
The straightforward design meets expectations for reliable team communication without unnecessary complexity.

The Motorola RMU2080D two-way radios come in a 6-pack, making them a solid choice for businesses or teams that need reliable communication across multiple users. These radios operate on UHF frequencies (450-470 MHz), which generally work well for clear signals over various environments. They offer a maximum talking range of up to 36 miles, though this is under ideal conditions, so actual range might be less in urban or obstructed areas.

With 8 channels available, users can easily organize groups and switch conversations, useful for managing different teams. The radios include privacy codes to reduce interference, helping keep your communications clearer. Battery life is decent with a 15-hour lithium-ion battery, which should support a full day of typical use before needing a recharge. They’re also water-resistant, which adds durability and makes them suitable for outdoor or rough workplace conditions. Each radio weighs about 8.6 ounces and measures roughly 7.4 x 1.5 x 2.25 inches, so they’re fairly lightweight and easy to carry with the included belt holster.

Each radio requires its own battery and charger, so managing six units means handling multiple batteries and charging cycles. The design is simple and rugged, with a basic feature set focusing on straightforward, dependable communication. If you want heavy-duty radios for team coordination over long distances with good battery life and water resistance, these Motorola units fit the bill well.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,336
Durability and Weather Resistance
Battery Life
Additional Features

Most important from
15 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
The radios deliver dependable and durable performance, making them ideal for tough work settings like construction.
Battery Life
Battery life supports a full day of use but requires daily charging after heavy use.
Additional Features
The straightforward design meets expectations for reliable team communication without unnecessary complexity.
#2

Cobra Performa 450 Business Radio (1-Pack with Dock) - 6-Channel UHF/LMR Professional Two Way Radio, Waterproof Walkie Talkie, Shockproof, IP67 & MIL-SPEC Rated, 18hr Battery, LCD Screen

The Cobra Performa 450 is designed as a professional two-way radio suitable for businesses needing reliable long-range communication, such as in hospitality, retail, or dining environments. It offers a strong maximum range of up to 36 miles, which is quite impressive for a device in its class, making it well suited for large workspaces or outdoor sites. Operating on UHF and LMR frequency bands with 6 channels, it ensures secure communication with reduced interference — a key point for business use where privacy and clarity matter.

Battery life is solid, with an 18-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can easily last through a full workday. The included charging dock and USB-C cable add convenience for quick recharging. The radio’s durability stands out too, as it meets IP67 waterproof and dustproof ratings and MIL-SPEC 810H standards, meaning it can handle shock, vibration, and extreme weather conditions. This rugged build makes it a reliable choice for tough environments.

The device is relatively lightweight at just over a pound, with a compact design that’s easy to carry during long shifts. Additional useful features include an LCD screen for clear channel and status viewing, weather alerts to keep users updated on conditions, and over-the-air cloning to sync settings easily across multiple radios. However, the radio offers only 6 channels, which might be limiting for very large teams needing many separate communication groups. While setup is generally straightforward, customizing channels beyond preset frequencies requires programming software, which might be a bit technical for some users. The Cobra Performa 450 suits businesses needing dependable, long-range communication with solid durability and battery life. Its focus on professional-grade UHF/LMR frequencies and rugged design make it particularly valuable for demanding work environments, although users with very large teams might find the limited number of channels a constraint.

#3

Cobra RX680 Walkie Talkies (2-Pack) - Rugged & Splashproof Two Way Radios Long Range, IP54 Water Resistant Design, 60 Pre-Programmed Channels, Weather Alerts, Included Charging Dock (Black/Orange)

Rating
9.4
Range
Battery Life
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
2471 reviews

Range
Expect a real-world range of 2-5 miles, which is typical for consumer walkie talkies and sufficient for most outdoor scenarios.
Battery Life
Rechargeable batteries and a low battery indicator add to the practicality for extended use.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The splash-proof design ensures it can handle rainy conditions, adding to its durability.
Additional Features
Built-in flashlight and VibraAlert features provide convenience and ensure you never miss an alert.

The Cobra RX680 Waterproof Walkie Talkies are designed for users who need reliable communication in various outdoor conditions. Its key strength lies in its durability and weather resistance, boasting an IPX4 rating that ensures it can handle splashes of water, making it suitable for use in rainy conditions. The range is impressive, with up to 38 miles under ideal conditions, which makes it useful for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. However, real-world conditions may reduce this range significantly.

It includes 60 preset channels, including 22 standard FRS channels and 38 pre-programmed privacy code combinations, which help secure your conversations from others nearby. This is particularly beneficial for hikers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts who need privacy and security in their communications. The walkie talkies also feature NOAA weather channels for constant weather updates, which is a crucial safety feature during outdoor adventures. The voice-activated transmission (VOX) allows for hands-free operation, adding convenience when your hands are occupied.

The VibraAlert and built-in LED flashlight are thoughtful additions, ensuring you never miss an alert and have visibility in low-light conditions. On the downside, while the product is built to be durable, it is slightly heavier and bulkier compared to some other models on the market, which can be a drawback for users looking for more compact devices. Additionally, the actual battery life may vary depending on usage and conditions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Cobra RX680 offers a robust set of features that cater well to its target audience of outdoor adventurers and professionals who need reliable, long-range communication tools.

Rating
9.4
Range
Battery Life
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
2471 reviews

Range
Expect a real-world range of 2-5 miles, which is typical for consumer walkie talkies and sufficient for most outdoor scenarios.
Battery Life
Rechargeable batteries and a low battery indicator add to the practicality for extended use.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The splash-proof design ensures it can handle rainy conditions, adding to its durability.
Additional Features
Built-in flashlight and VibraAlert features provide convenience and ensure you never miss an alert.

Buying Guide for the Best Long Range 2 Way Radios

Choosing the right long-range 2-way radio can be a bit overwhelming, but understanding the key specifications can help you make an informed decision. These radios are essential for communication over long distances, whether for outdoor adventures, professional use, or emergency situations. Here are the key specs you should consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
RangeThe range of a 2-way radio indicates the maximum distance over which it can communicate effectively. This spec is crucial because it determines how far apart users can be while still maintaining clear communication. Ranges can vary significantly, from a few miles to over 30 miles in ideal conditions. For casual use, such as hiking or camping, a shorter range may suffice. However, for professional use or in areas with challenging terrain, a longer range is essential. Keep in mind that obstacles like buildings, trees, and hills can reduce the effective range.
Frequency Bands2-way radios operate on different frequency bands, primarily VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency). VHF radios are better suited for outdoor use with fewer obstructions, as they can cover longer distances in open areas. UHF radios, on the other hand, perform better in urban environments with many obstacles, as they can penetrate buildings and dense foliage more effectively. Choose VHF for open, rural areas and UHF for urban or indoor use.
Battery LifeBattery life is a critical factor, especially if you plan to use the radio for extended periods without access to charging. Radios can come with rechargeable batteries or disposable ones. Rechargeable batteries are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long run, while disposable batteries can be convenient for emergencies. Consider how long you need the radio to last on a single charge and whether you have the means to recharge it regularly. For outdoor adventures, longer battery life is preferable.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are important if you plan to use the radio in harsh conditions. Look for radios with rugged designs and those that are water-resistant or waterproof. This ensures that the radio can withstand drops, dust, and exposure to rain or snow. For outdoor enthusiasts or professionals working in tough environments, a durable and weather-resistant radio is a must.
Channels and Privacy CodesThe number of channels and privacy codes available on a 2-way radio can affect your ability to find a clear communication channel and avoid interference from other users. More channels provide more options for communication, while privacy codes help prevent others from listening in on your conversations. If you are using the radio in a crowded area or for professional purposes, having more channels and privacy codes can be very beneficial.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of the radio can impact its portability and ease of use. Smaller, lighter radios are easier to carry and handle, making them ideal for activities like hiking or traveling. However, they may have fewer features or shorter battery life compared to larger models. Consider how you will be using the radio and whether portability or additional features are more important to you.
Additional FeaturesSome 2-way radios come with additional features such as built-in GPS, emergency alerts, hands-free operation, and weather updates. These features can enhance the functionality of the radio and provide added convenience and safety. Think about which features are essential for your needs and which ones are nice to have. For example, built-in GPS can be very useful for outdoor adventures, while hands-free operation might be important for professional use.

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