Best GMRS Radio for Off-Roading: Top Picks For Communication

By: Jeremy Neisser

Off-roading is a thrilling and adventurous activity that requires the right equipment to ensure safety and enjoyment. One essential item that should be in every off-roader's kit is a GMRS radio. GMRS radios are two-way radios that allow communication between drivers in remote areas, making them an indispensable tool for off-roading enthusiasts.

When it comes to off-roading, the best GMRS radio should have a rugged design that can withstand harsh environments. It should also have a long-range and clear audio quality to ensure reliable communication between drivers. Additionally, the radio should be easy to use, with large buttons and a simple interface that can be operated even while wearing gloves.

Some GMRS radios also come with additional features such as weather alerts and GPS tracking, which can be beneficial for off-roading in remote areas.

We spent hours researching and testing various GMRS radios to identify the best one for off-roading enthusiasts. In the following sections, we'll discuss the top GMRS radios that we found to be the most reliable, rugged, and easy to use for off-roading.

To also get you prepared, here is the GMRS Channels - Full List

4 Best GMRS Radio for Off-Roading

We have compiled a list of the best GMRS radios for off-roading that will keep you connected with your group no matter how far you venture into the wilderness.

These radios are designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions and offer a range of features to make your off-roading experience safer and more enjoyable.

So, whether you're exploring the mountains or cruising through the desert, we've got you covered with our top picks for the best GMRS radios for off-roading.

There is a difference between CB radios and GMRS - I explain them here.

Top Pick

Midland MXT115

Range: 1-9 miles on average, up to 40 miles under ideal conditions (terrain, weather, battery strength)
Watts: The GMRS channels used by the 15-Watt MicroMobile walkie-talkie are licensed by the FCC for personal and business use

Batteries Required: 1 AA battery
Features:
15 high/low power channels

142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes
NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel
Channel scan function allows you to search for active channels in the area.

9.7

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If you're looking for a powerful GMRS two-way radio for off-roading, the Midland MXT115 is a great option.

We recently tested the Midland MXT115 out on a camping trip and were impressed with its range and clarity. The compact size and easy-to-use interface made it a convenient tool for communicating on the go. The privacy codes were especially useful in crowded areas where multiple radios were in use.

The NOAA Weather Scan and Alert features were also a nice touch, providing us with up-to-date weather information and alerts. However, we did notice that the magnet mount antenna could not be upgraded and that the radio only works in a narrow band, which can affect audio quality. Additionally, the range of the radio may be affected by terrain and other factors, so it's important to test the range where you plan to use it.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and versatile GMRS two-way radio for off-roading, the Midland MXT115 is a great choice.

Pros

The 15 high/low power channels provide increased range and clearer communication over a longer range.
The 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes allow you to select a specific code to use with a particular channel, providing a level of privacy and security for your communications.

The NOAA Weather Scan and Alert features will 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 magnet mount antenna cannot be upgraded.
The radio only works in narrow band, which can affect audio quality.

The range of the radio may be affected by terrain and other factors.

Most Powerful

Midland MXT400

Range: 1-16 miles on average with this two-way walkie-talkie, up to 50 miles under ideal conditions (terrain, weather, battery strength)
Watts: The GMRS channels used by the 40-Watt MicroMobile walkie-talkie are licensed by the FCC for personal and business use

Batteries Required: 1 AA battery
Features:
15 high/low power channels

142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes
NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel
Silent Operation - Channel Scan - Programmable Squelch - Keypad Lock - Monitor Mode - Keystroke Tones - Digital Volume Control - Backlit Display

9.4

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We've used the Midland MXT400VP3-40 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two Way Radio on several off-roading trips, and it has never disappointed us. The radio is easy to set up and operate, and the NOAA weather scan and alert feature is a great bonus, especially when you're in remote areas.

The 40-watt MicroMobile is a powerful radio that provides reliable and versatile communication, even when you're far from civilization. The 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes allow you to select a specific code to use with a particular channel, providing a level of privacy and security for your communications, especially in crowded areas where multiple radios may be in use.

However, the radio only transmits and receives narrowband FM, which isn't a deal-breaker, but wideband can sometimes achieve a tad more. Also, the microphone connector kind of sucks, and the RJ45 style mic connector could be better. Finally, you have to program the radio to hear FRS channels, and it cannot transmit back on them.

Overall, we highly recommend the Midland MXT400VP3-40 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two Way Radio for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable GMRS radio for off-roading, camping, hunting, or other outdoor activities.

Pros

The 40-watt MicroMobile is a two-way radio device that operates on GMRS frequencies, providing increased range over a long distance.
The 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes allow you to select a specific code to use with a particular channel, providing a level of privacy and security for your communications.

The NOAA Weather Scan and Alert feature automatically scans through 10 available weather band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates.

Cons

Only transmits and receives narrow band FM, which isn't a deal-breaker, but wideband can sometimes achieve a tad more.
The microphone connector kind of sucks, and the RJ45 style mic connector could be better.

You have to program the radio to hear FRS channels, and it cannot transmit back on them.

Best Value

Midland MXT105

Range: 1-8 miles on average with this two-way walkie-talkie, up to 40 miles under ideal conditions (terrain, weather, battery strength)
Watts: The GMRS channels used by the 5-Watt MicroMobile walkie-talkie are licensed by the FCC for personal and business use

Batteries Required: 1 AA battery or use the 12V Power Cord with DC Adapter
Features:
15 high/low power channels

142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes
NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel

9.4

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We recently took the Midland MXT105 on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The compact size and easy-to-use interface make it a convenient tool for communicating on the go. The 15 high/low power channels provide increased range and clearer communication over a longer range, which was especially useful when we were hiking in the mountains.

The 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes allowed us to select a specific code to use with a particular channel, which helped to prevent unwanted transmissions from being heard on the same channel. The NOAA Weather Scan + Alert feature was also a great addition, as it automatically scanned through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locked onto the strongest weather channel to alert us of severe weather updates.

However, we did notice that the range of the radio depended on terrain, weather conditions, and obstacles in the way, so it's important to test the range of your radio where you plan to use it. We also found that the MicroMobile is not a base station, so you'll need to add a small 12vdc power supply to use it as a base station. Finally, we tested the output of the radio and found that it might not be as strong as advertised.

Overall, we would recommend the Midland MXT105 for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile GMRS two-way radio for off-roading. Its compact size, ease of use, and packed features make it a great choice for camping, hiking, hunting, outdoors, and business.

If you're looking for a reliable and versatile GMRS two-way radio for off-roading, the Midland MXT105 is a great choice. It's compact, easy-to-use, and packed with features that make it perfect for communicating on the go.

Pros

The 15 high/low power channels provide increased range and clearer communication over a longer range.

The 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes allow you to select a specific code to use with a particular channel, which helps to prevent unwanted transmissions from being heard on the same channel.
The NOAA Weather Scan + Alert feature will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates.

Cons

The range of the radio depends on terrain, weather conditions, and obstacles in the way, so it's important to test the range of your radio where you plan to use it.
The MicroMobile is not a base station, so you'll need to add a small 12vdc power supply to use it as a base station.

The output of the radio might not be as strong as advertised.

2nd Best Choice

Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio

Range: 1-10 miles on average with this two-way walkie-talkie, up to 50 miles under ideal conditions (terrain, weather, battery strength)
Watts: The GMRS channels used by the 15-Watt MicroMobile walkie-talkie are licensed by the FCC for personal and business use

Batteries Required: 6 AA batteries
Features:
15 Hi Power GMRS Channels: 1-7 & 15-22 provide increased range communication over a long range.

Channel scan allows you to search for active channels in the area.
Speaker Mic Jack - Split Tone Capable
USB Output

142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes
NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channels

9.4

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I highly recommend the Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio for off-roading enthusiasts who need reliable and long-range communication.

On our camping trip where we tested all of these, we found the Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio to be a reliable and easy-to-use communication device for off-roading trips. The compact size and easy-to-use interface make it great for communicating on the go. We were impressed with the range of the radio, which allowed us to stay connected with our team even when we were far from civilization.

The privacy codes and NOAA Weather Scan and Alert features provided an added level of security and convenience during our off-roading trips. However, we did find that the range of the radio was affected by terrain and other factors, so it's important to test the range of your radio where you plan to use it.

Overall, the Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and long-range communication device for off-roading trips.

Pros

The 15-watt MicroMobile is a powerful two-way radio device that operates on GMRS frequencies and provides increased range communication over a long range.
The 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes allow you to select a specific code to use with a particular channel, providing a level of privacy and security for your communications.
The NOAA Weather Scan and Alert feature automatically scans through 10 available weather channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates.

Cons

The 50-mile range may be possible under ideal conditions, but it's important to consider terrain and other factors that can affect the range of the radio in use.
The speaker may not be loud enough even when turned all the way up.
The included antenna may not be sufficient for all off-roading situations.

6 AAA are required - most others are only 1 AAA required

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best GMRS radio for off-roading, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind before making your purchase:

Range

One of the most important things to consider when buying a GMRS radio is the range. You want to make sure that your radio has a range that is suitable for your needs. If you plan on going on long off-road trips, you'll want a radio with a longer range. Keep in mind that the range can be affected by terrain and other factors, so it's always a good idea to test your radio before heading out on a trip.

Durability

Off-roading can be tough on equipment, so you'll want to make sure that your GMRS radio is built to last. Look for radios that are waterproof and shockproof, and that have a sturdy construction. You don't want your radio to break down in the middle of a trip, so invest in a quality product that will stand up to the elements.

In case you want something a little more reliable - Midland MXT575 MicroMobile GMRS Radio Review

Battery Life

Battery life is another important factor to consider when buying a GMRS radio. You want to make sure that your radio has enough battery life to last through your trip, especially if you plan on being out for several days. Look for radios with long battery life or that have the option to use rechargeable batteries. The ones I listed above

Features

Finally, consider the features that are important to you. Do you want a radio with a built-in GPS or weather alerts? Do you need a radio with multiple channels or the ability to communicate with other types of radios? Think about what features are important to you and look for a radio that meets your needs.

By considering these factors, you can find the best GMRS radio for your off-roading adventures.

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Hi & Welcome!

My name is Jeremy and I have been an avid car nut for many year. My first car was an 1987 Honda CRX. I put in my first Kenwood stereo, amp, 2 10" JLs and a CB Radio in it and have been an avid user of CBs and car radios for years. I'll do my best to share my tips, information and thoughts to help you with whatever question you might have, ABOUT ME

After I graduated from High School, I worked 5 years are Radio Shack and 3 years at Circuit City answering questions and helping customers with various electronics questions.