REVIEW: FRS and GMRS 2-way Radios (Best Value Walkie-Talkies)

FRS two-way radios are great for keeping track of your kids in the neighborhood, or family and friends on a car trip, ski slope, amusement park or at the mall. If you choose a model with a scan feature, you may also enjoy talking to or meeting other radio users in the area. Many of these radios also allow for operation on teh GMRS channels, for up to 20-mile range.

An important note about the range of these 2-way radios, is that the FCC requires GMRS operators to have a license for operation of the higher power channels. Application information is usually included in the owner's manuals. Due to FCC requirements, the maximum range of these two-way radios can only be achieved on the GMRS channels (1 through 7, and 15 through 22). No license is required for operation on FRS channels 8 through 14. Realistically, the range for the amateur user of these radios on the RRS channels is 1-3 miles, depending on terrain. If you live in the city, don't expect a range on FRS channels of more than several blocks if there are tall building around.

Some of the radios come with privacy codes. Privacy codes add more sub-channels to the basic channels, and you can tune out unwanted chatter by other people. For example, on a 14-channel radio with 38 privacy codes, you effectively get 532 different "channels" to choose from -- just set all the radios in your group to channel 11, privacy code 21, for example, and you're not likely to get any interference from outside users.

Midland Outfitter Series GXT950VP4 5 Watt 42 Channel 30-Mile Waterproof GMRS with NOAA All Hazard /Weather Alert and Direct Call (Pair)
MSRP Price: ~ $90.00 / 2 units.

One of the more powerful GMRS two-way radios in its price class, the GXT950VP4 features the standard 22 GMRS Channels and an extra 20 Channels. The GXT950 meets the JIS4 Standard of exposure to water for 30 minutes and features the Maximum Power allowed for GMRS Handheld Radios of 5 Watts, for up to a 30 Mile Range.

The Weather Scan feature finds the nearest NOAA broadcast to stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard information. In addition to important weather announcements, All Hazards Alert means the GXT950VP4 will receive other emergency announcements such as Child Abduction (Amber Alert), Nuclear Power Plant warnings, Biological Hazard, Fire, and Landslide Warnings.

The GXT950VP4 features Voice Scramble to add security to conversations and Direct Call which allows you to reach one person in your group without alerting the others. A Vibrating Alert for silent notification, 9 Level E Vox for Hands Free operation, 142 Privacy Codes, Scan of the 42 Channels, Hi/Med/Low Power Settings, 10 Call Alerts with an additional 5 Animal Call Alerts, Keypad Lock, and Battery Save Circuit.

Unlike many other GMRS radios on the market that use lithium batteries, Midland's Dual Power Option allows the use of the included rechargeable batteries or 4 "AA" batteries (Not included).

This product set includes: Midland GXT950VP4 Two-Way Camo Radio Set includes 2 camo radios, dual desktop charger, 2 rechargeable battery packs, 2 headsets, and an AC/DC adapter. Color: Mossy Oak Break-Up.

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MIDLAND LXT340VP3 20-Mile GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)
Price: ~ $35.00 / 2 units.

Includes two radios, charging station and rechargeable batteries.

The Midland LXT340VP3 22 Channel GMRS Radios with up to 20 mile range features call tone for incoming call notification, Scan to check channels for activity, Hi/Lo Battery settings with a Battery Save Circuit for extended battery life, Roger Beep, and Keypad Lock. Unlike other GMRS radios on the market that use lithium batteries, Midland's Dual Power Option allows the use of the included rechargeable batteries or 4 "AAA" batteries (Not included). The LXT340VP3 is water resistant and has accessory jacks for Midland's AVP1, AVPH1, AVPH2, AVPH3, AVPH4, AVPH5 Headsets.

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Uniden GMR1838-2CK 2-Way 18 Mile 2 Pack GMRS/FRS Radio's with Dual Charger Included (Pair)
MSRP Price: ~ $30.00 / 2 units.

With 18 miles of range, the Uniden GMR1838-2CK two-way radios offer you the freedom to go anywhere and do anything--from weekend hiking to just hanging out at the mall. These GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios are lightweight, palm sized, state-of-the-art communications devices, providing a maximum spread of 18 miles. This product comes complete with two radios and two NiMH rechargeable batteries as well as a dual-bay charging cradle.

The GMR1838-2CK radios also have a unique circuitry designed to dramatically extend the life of your batteries. If there is no transmission of incoming call for three seconds, your radio automatically switches to the Power Save mode. They also have a built-in battery strength meter to let you know when it’s time to change out your batteries. A large, backlit LCD keeps you informed in any conditions, with data including channel selection, privacy code selection and battery strength.

Features and Specifications

22 total chanels: 5 GMRS / 7 FRS Channels
99 privacy codes (CTCSS Tone and DCS Code)
Up to 18-mile range
Silent mode
5 selectable call/ring tone alerts
Backlit LCD screen
Optional headset accessories
Headset jack
Roger beep
Battery charger
Battery level meter
Channel monitor
Channel scan
Keypad lock
Emergency weather alert
Power: NiMH battery pack (included for each radio) or 4 AAA batteries (not included)
Battery life: Up to 12 hours (NiMH and AAA)
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.41 inches
Weight: 4.9 ounces (each radio)
Color: Black with safety yellow accents
Warranty: 1 year

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