When it comes to preparing for an emergency situation, having clear and reliable communication is essential. This is where walkie talkies come in, providing a way to communicate with others without the need for cellular service or the internet. Walkie talkies designed specifically for preppers have additional features that make them even more useful in emergency situations.
The best prepper walkie talkies are durable, waterproof, and have a long battery life. They should also have a range that is suitable for the area you will be in, as well as the ability to communicate with other types of radios. Additionally, some prepper walkie talkies include features like built-in flashlights, weather alerts, and SOS signals.
When choosing a prepper walkie talkie, it’s important to consider the type of situation you will be using it in. If you are preparing for a natural disaster, you may need a walkie talkie with a longer range and weather alerts. If you are planning a camping trip, you may want a walkie talkie with a built-in flashlight and a compact design.
We spent hours researching and testing various prepper walkie talkies to identify the ones that offer the best combination of durability, range, and features. In the following sections, we will share our top picks and explain what makes each one a great choice for preppers.
Top 3 Best Prepper Walkie Talkies
Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio
Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies
As preppers, we know the importance of staying connected with our loved ones and group members during an emergency situation. In such scenarios, communication becomes a vital aspect of survival. This is where prepper walkie talkies come in handy. They allow us to stay connected even when the traditional forms of communication fail. In this article, we have rounded up the best prepper walkie talkies that will help you stay connected and informed during an emergency.
Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable walkie-talkie for your prepping needs, the Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio is a great option. With its long-range communication capabilities, privacy codes, and weather alerts, this walkie-talkie is perfect for outdoor activities and emergencies.
Pros
- The JIS4 waterproof protection makes it splash-resistant and durable.
- The 36-mile range allows for longer-range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction.
- The NOAA weather scan and alert automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and lock onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates.
Cons
- The handheld radios do not have repeater capability, which limits their range in certain situations.
- The rechargeable battery packs have a limited lifespan, so it’s important to have backup batteries on hand.
- The 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes can be overwhelming and confusing to set up.
We’ve used the Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio on several outdoor trips and found it to be reliable and easy to use. The JIS4 waterproof protection ensures that it can withstand splashing water, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
The 36-mile range is impressive and allows for clear communication in open areas. We also appreciated the easy voice and sound activation transmission (eVOX) with 9 sensitivity levels for hands-free operation. This feature came in handy when we needed to communicate while our hands were occupied.
The NOAA weather scan and alert feature is also a great addition, as it automatically scans through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates. This feature gave us peace of mind during our outdoor trips, knowing that we would be alerted of any severe weather changes.
However, the handheld radios do not have repeater capability, which limits their range in certain situations. Additionally, the rechargeable battery packs have a limited lifespan, so it’s important to have backup batteries on hand. Lastly, the 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes can be overwhelming and confusing to set up, which can be frustrating for some users.
Overall, the Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio is a great option for preppers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its durable and reliable features, long-range communication capabilities, and weather alerts make it a must-have for any emergency or outdoor situation.
Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable walkie talkie for your next adventure, the Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies might just be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The Topsung walkie talkies come with advanced features such as an auto squelch system, auto memory function, auto scan function, auto power saving, low battery alert, voice activated (iVOX), keypad lock, adjustable power, drop-protection (ABS), 22 channels each with 121 privacy codes, large LCD screen with backlight, compatible with most brands’ FRS devices, and NOAA’s Weather Emergency Alert.
- The walkie talkies are effortless to operate, making them suitable for all ages. The quick setup ensures you’re ready to communicate in seconds, even if you’re new to walkie talkies.
- The Topsung walkie talkies have long-lasting battery life and rapid charging. The high-capacity rechargeable batteries ensure extended talk time while also caring for the planet. USB fast charging ensures you can power up your device anytime, anywhere, and just 3 hours of charging offers you an impressive 48 hours of standby time.
Cons
- The Topsung walkie talkies have a limited talking range of up to 20 miles, which might not be sufficient for some users.
- The charging cord might not be durable enough and could break easily.
- The walkie talkies might not work well in areas with many hills or obstacles.
The Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies are perfect for various indoor or outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, event management, group outings, security, and leisure activities. They offer license-free team communication, which means there are no extra costs, and you can communicate with as many people as you want.
The iVOX hands-free communication feature allows you to multitask like a pro, keeping your conversations flowing without pressing the PTT button. The Topsung walkie talkies also have NOAA Weather Service integration, offering instant alerts to stay a step ahead of the weather, even when there’s no cell service in remote areas.
The Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies come with a complete set for instant use, including rugged walkie talkies for all ages, original earpiece and mic sets for private chats, original USB charger for rapid charging, Y cable for simultaneous charging, high-capacity battery for extended communication time, belt clip, and adjustable lanyards for ease of carry.
Overall, the Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies are a great value for the price, and they’re designed for peak performance and compatibility, ensuring you’re ready for every conversation, everywhere.
MOICO Walkie Talkies
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable walkie talkie for your next outdoor adventure, the MOICO Walkie Talkies are a great option for you.
Pros
- The MOICO Walkie Talkies have a range of up to 3 miles in open areas, making them perfect for use in rural areas, suburbs, or seaside locations.
- With 22 FRS channels and 99 sets of CTCSS tones, these walkie talkies offer up to 2178 combinations to help block other conversations.
- The VOX-Hands Free Function allows for easy voice and sound activation transmission with 3 sensitivity levels for hands-free operation.
Cons
- The MOICO Walkie Talkies are not very durable and may not be suitable for heavy-duty use.
- The plastic clip on the walkie talkies may not last long and might break easily.
- The flashlight on the walkie talkies can be accidentally turned on, which could drain the batteries quickly.
We recently used these walkie talkies on a camping trip and found them to be very reliable. The range was good, and the sound quality was clear. The back-lit LCD screen and LED flashlight were also very helpful in low-light conditions.
One thing to note is that these walkie talkies are not very durable and may not be suitable for heavy-duty use. The plastic clip on the walkie talkies may not last long and might break easily. Additionally, the flashlight on the walkie talkies can be accidentally turned on, which could drain the batteries quickly.
Overall, we would recommend the MOICO Walkie Talkies for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable walkie talkie for their next outdoor adventure. With a range of up to 3 miles and 22 FRS channels, these walkie talkies are perfect for use in rural areas, suburbs, or seaside locations.
Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies
We highly recommend the Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies for those in need of reliable communication in a variety of settings. These walkie talkies are easy to use, portable, and come with a variety of useful features.
Pros
- The Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies have a long battery life and come with a USB charger, making them convenient for extended use.
- They are designed with a Smart control system, which includes features like Auto squelch, Auto memory, Auto scanning, Auto power saving, and Low battery alert, making them easy to use and manage.
- With 22 channels and 142 privacy codes, these walkie talkies allow for clear and efficient communication in a variety of settings.
Cons
- The Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies have a limited range compared to some other models on the market.
- The walkie talkies do not come with a belt clip or lanyard, which may make them less convenient to carry around.
- Some users have reported difficulty syncing the walkie talkies with other devices, which may cause issues in certain situations.
These walkie talkies are perfect for a range of activities, from camping and hiking to professional use. They are easy to use and come with a variety of features that make communication simple and efficient.
The Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies are designed with a focus on energy management, with a large-capacity battery and turbo charging technology. This means that you can use them for extended periods of time without having to worry about frequent charges or battery replacements.
In addition to their energy efficiency, these walkie talkies are also designed for clear and reliable voice communication. With advanced hardware and software, including a spiral copper ion antenna, nano-scale Silicon-based CPU, and large high-power speaker, you can be sure that every message will come through loud and clear.
Overall, the Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies are an excellent choice for those in need of reliable communication in a variety of settings. They come with a range of useful features and are designed with energy efficiency and clear communication in mind.
Retevis RT68 Walkie Talkies with Earpiece
If you’re looking for a prepper walkie talkie that is both cost-effective and reliable, then the Retevis RT68 Walkie Talkies with Earpiece is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The audio quality is clear and loud, and the radios provide powerful penetration, making them perfect for use in buildings and steel structures.
- The palm-sized radio features a hardened durable shell that effectively reduces damage caused by impact and bumps, making it sturdy and durable.
- The 0-9 level squelch allows you to send and receive audio clearly in noisy places, save power, and improve battery life.
Cons
- The Retevis RT68 Walkie Talkies with Earpiece are only FRS walkie talkies, and not suitable for use in GMRS frequencies.
- The radios are not water-resistant, so they may not be suitable for use in wet conditions.
- The radios may not be compatible with other brands of walkie talkies.
We’ve used the Retevis RT68 Walkie Talkies with Earpiece and found them to be easy to operate, with each radio having a knob and buttons for easy adjustments of volume and channel selection. This makes them very friendly to employees or beginners who may not be familiar with using walkie talkies.
The radios are sturdy, durable, reliable, and easy to use, making them an affordable way to improve employee and staff communications without having to use bulkier traditional radios. They’re perfect for use in construction, manufacturing, warehouse, retail, hotels, schools, and other similar environments.
Overall, we highly recommend the Retevis RT68 Walkie Talkies with Earpiece for anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective prepper walkie talkie.
Ansoko Walkie talkies 10 Pack Long Range Rechargeable 2 Way Radio UHF 16-Channel with Earpiece Li-ion Battery and Charger (Pack of 10)
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable set of walkie talkies, the Ansoko Walkie talkies 10 Pack is a great option to consider. With its long range and rechargeable batteries, this set is perfect for outdoor activities, camping, hiking, or any other situation where you need to stay connected with your group.
Pros
- The walkie talkies are preprogrammed with 16 channels and can be used right out of the box. They can also be programmed with a programming cable (sold separately) for more customization.
- With a range of 0.6-3.5 miles depending on the terrain, you can stay in touch with your group even in remote areas.
- The 1500mAh rechargeable batteries support 8-12 hours of communication under typical use, and each radio has its separate charging base, so you don’t need to share a charging base between two-way radios.
Cons
- The built-in LED torch is not very bright and may not be very useful in emergency or travel conditions.
- The headsets that come with the radios are not very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
- The radios have a long antenna which may be inconvenient when clipped on your side.
Overall, the Ansoko Walkie talkies 10 Pack is a great value for the price. The walkie talkies are easy to use and have a decent range, making them perfect for outdoor activities or emergencies. If you’re looking for a reliable set of walkie talkies that won’t break the bank, this is definitely worth considering.
Retevis RT68 Walkie Talkies
In our experience, the Retevis RT68 Walkie Talkies with Earpiece are a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient prepper walkie talkie.
Pros
- The 6 way multi-unit charger station is efficient and rapid, allowing you to charge up to 6 two-way radios or batteries at the same time, saving you time and space.
- The walkie talkie comes with an ear hook earpiece that fits comfortably and snugly to your ear, providing you with clearer and safer communication.
- The body is made of durable and sturdy materials, making it rugged and able to withstand shock and vibration in harsh environments.
Cons
- The walkie talkie is only FRS, so it may not be suitable for those looking for a more advanced communication system.
- The antenna is non-removable and sturdy, which may make it difficult to replace if it becomes damaged.
- The walkie talkie is not water-resistant, so it may not be suitable for use in wet or damp conditions.
In our experience, the Retevis RT68 Walkie Talkies are a reliable and efficient choice for those looking for a prepper walkie talkie. The efficient and rapid charging of the 6 way multi-unit charger station saves time and space, while the ear hook earpiece provides clear and safe communication. Additionally, the sturdy and durable body of the walkie talkie makes it rugged and able to withstand harsh environments.
The only downsides we found were that the walkie talkie is only FRS, which may not be suitable for those looking for more advanced communication, and that the antenna is non-removable and sturdy, which may make it difficult to replace if it becomes damaged. Additionally, the walkie talkie is not water-resistant, so it may not be suitable for use in wet or damp conditions.
Overall, we recommend the Retevis RT68 Walkie Talkies for those looking for a reliable and efficient prepper walkie talkie.
Retevis RT21 2 Way Radio Long Range, Walkie Talkies for Adults, Heavy Duty Rechargeable Two Way Radios with Six-Way Charger, for Manufacturing Education(6 Pack) with 1100mAh battery
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable prepper walkie talkie, the Retevis RT21 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Retevis RT21 walkie talkies are rugged and reliable, and can stand up to harsh conditions.
- With a 1100mAh battery, these walkie talkies can last up to 10-12 hours of use.
- The RT21 comes with a six-way gang charger, allowing you to charge multiple walkie talkies at once.
Cons
- The antennas of all RT21 walkie-talkies are not detachable.
- These walkie talkies are only FRS walkie talkies, not GMRS.
- The Retevis RT21 walkie talkies are not water-resistant.
We’ve used the Retevis RT21 walkie talkies in various settings, from manufacturing floors to outdoor activities, and they’ve held up well. The audio quality is superior, and the emergency alarm feature adds an extra layer of safety when working alone.
The six-way gang charger is a great addition to the package, allowing you to charge multiple walkie talkies at once, saving time and effort. The battery life is impressive, and we’ve never had any issues with the battery dying during use.
While the antennas are not detachable, we’ve found that they have a decent range, making them suitable for most settings. However, it’s important to note that these walkie talkies are only FRS walkie talkies, not GMRS, so they may not be suitable for all situations.
Overall, the Retevis RT21 walkie talkies are an affordable and reliable solution for professionals who require a rugged and reliable radio to stay in contact. If you’re looking for a prepper walkie talkie that won’t break the bank, the Retevis RT21 is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best prepper walkie talkie, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Range
The range of a walkie talkie is an important factor to consider, especially for preppers. Look for a walkie talkie with a range that suits your needs. Keep in mind that the range can be affected by terrain and obstacles.
Durability
Preppers need a walkie talkie that can withstand harsh conditions. Look for a walkie talkie that is durable and can handle extreme temperatures, water, and dust.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor to consider when choosing a prepper walkie talkie. Look for a walkie talkie with a long battery life or one that can be easily charged or replaced.
Channels and Privacy Codes
Channels and privacy codes allow you to communicate with others without interference from other walkie talkie users. Look for a walkie talkie with multiple channels and privacy codes to ensure clear communication.
Size and Weight
Preppers need a walkie talkie that is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Look for a walkie talkie that is easy to handle and won’t weigh you down.
Additional Features
Some walkie talkies come with additional features such as weather alerts, built-in flashlights, and hands-free options. Consider what features are important to you and look for a walkie talkie that meets your needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best prepper walkie talkie for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a long-range walkie talkie for prepping?
When selecting a long-range walkie talkie for prepping, there are a few key features to consider. Look for models with a long battery life, durable construction, and a range that suits your needs. Additionally, consider models that offer weather alerts, hands-free operation, and privacy codes.
How does the Motorola T800 compare to other walkie talkies for emergency preparedness?
The Motorola T800 is a popular choice for emergency preparedness due to its long range, durability, and weather-resistant design. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity and location tracking features, making it a versatile option for preppers. However, it may be more expensive than other walkie talkie models on the market.
Which Midland walkie talkie models are best suited for survival situations?
Midland offers a range of walkie talkie models that are well-suited for survival situations. The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a popular choice due to its long range, weather-resistant design, and NOAA weather alerts. The Midland X-Talker T71VP3 is another good option, offering a long battery life and hands-free operation.
What are the advantages of using GMRS walkie talkies for prepper communication?
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) walkie talkies offer several advantages for prepper communication. They have a longer range than FRS (Family Radio Service) walkie talkies and require a license, which can help ensure that only authorized users are on the channel. Additionally, GMRS walkie talkies often have more advanced features than FRS models.
How does ham radio walkie talkie performance measure up for tactical and survival use?
Ham radio walkie talkies, also known as amateur radio walkie talkies, offer excellent performance for tactical and survival use. They have a longer range than most other walkie talkies and can operate on multiple frequencies. However, they require a license to operate and may be more expensive than other walkie talkie models.
What are the key differences between emergency 2-way radios and regular walkie talkies?
Emergency 2-way radios are designed specifically for emergency situations and often offer features like weather alerts, SOS signals, and extended battery life. Regular walkie talkies may not have these features and may not be as durable or weather-resistant. Additionally, emergency 2-way radios may have a longer range and more advanced communication capabilities than regular walkie talkies.
