By: Jeremy Neisser

When it comes to staying connected while out in the wilderness or in remote areas, a GMRS radio can be a lifesaver. GMRS radios have a longer range and clearer communication than traditional walkie-talkies, making them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and emergency responders.

In this article, we will be discussing the best handheld GMRS radios on the market. When choosing a handheld GMRS radio, there are several factors to consider, such as range, battery life, durability, and ease of use. It's also important to note that a GMRS license is required to operate these radios legally.

One critical feature to look for in a handheld GMRS radio is its range. The range of a GMRS radio can vary greatly depending on the terrain and obstacles in the area, but a higher wattage can generally provide a longer range. Another essential factor to consider is battery life, as you don't want to be caught in an emergency with a dead radio. Durability is also crucial, as a radio that can withstand harsh weather conditions and accidental drops can be a lifesaver in an emergency.

After researching and testing various handheld GMRS radios, we have identified the top models that excel in range, battery life, durability, and ease of use.

Best Handheld GMRS Radios

If you're looking for a reliable and portable way to communicate with your group while hiking, camping, or exploring the great outdoors, a handheld GMRS radio is a great option. These radios offer a range of features, including long battery life, weather alerts, and even GPS tracking. In this article, I've compiled a list of the best handheld GMRS radios on the market, based on factors such as range, durability, and ease of use. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or just looking for a way to stay connected during your next adventure, these radios are sure to meet your needs.

Midland T290VP4 X-TALKER GMRS Long Range Walkie Talkie

If you're in the market for a reliable handheld GMRS radio, the Midland T290VP4 X-TALKER is worth considering.

Pros

• The 40-mile range in open areas is impressive and provides reliable communication.

• The 121 CTCSS privacy codes make it easy to block other conversations and keep your communication private.

• The NOAA weather scan and alert feature is a nice addition that can help you stay informed and safe in severe weather conditions.

Cons

• The battery life could be improved, and it's not possible to recharge the batteries in a vehicle.

• The advertised 40-mile range may not be realistic in all environments.

• The radios are a bit bulky and may not be as comfortable to hold for extended periods.

As someone who has used the Midland T290VP4 X-TALKER, I can confidently say that it's a solid choice for those in need of a reliable GMRS radio. The 40-mile range is impressive and provides reliable communication in open areas. The 121 CTCSS privacy codes make it easy to block other conversations and keep your communication private. Additionally, the NOAA weather scan and alert feature is a nice addition that can help you stay informed and safe in severe weather conditions.

However, the battery life could be improved, and it's not possible to recharge the batteries in a vehicle. The advertised 40-mile range may not be realistic in all environments, so it's important to keep that in mind. Finally, the radios are a bit bulky and may not be as comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Overall, if you're in need of a reliable GMRS radio and the cons aren't dealbreakers for you, the Midland T290VP4 X-TALKER is a great option to consider.

Radioddity GM-30 GMRS Radio Handheld

If you're looking for a reliable and versatile handheld GMRS radio, the Radioddity GM-30 is a great option.

Pros

• With 30 default channels and 250 channels in total, this radio is ready to use right out of the box and can be easily programmed with PC or keypad menu.

• The dual-band scanning and receiving feature allows you to monitor UHF and VHF channels, not just GMRS channels.

• The two display and standby options make it easy to keep track of your channels and settings.

Cons

• The range of 5 miles may not be sufficient for some users.

• The menu system can be a bit confusing at first.

• The included antenna could be of higher quality.

I recently used the Radioddity GM-30 on a camping trip and found it to be a reliable and versatile radio. The default channels were easy to access and the ability to scan UHF and VHF channels was a great feature. The display options were also helpful in keeping track of my channels and settings.

However, the range of 5 miles may not be sufficient for some users, especially in mountainous or heavily forested areas. Additionally, the menu system can be a bit confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's not too difficult to navigate. Finally, while the included antenna is functional, a higher quality antenna could improve performance.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and versatile handheld GMRS radio, the Radioddity GM-30 is definitely worth considering.

Midland T290VP4

If you're looking for a reliable GMRS two-way radio, the Midland T290VP4 is a great option.

Pros

• With 22 GMRS channels and 14 extra pre-programmed privacy code channels, you'll have plenty of options to communicate with your group.

• The T290VP4 has a 40-mile range, making it ideal for outdoor activities and long-range communication.

• The Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) gives you up to 2,662 channel options to help block other conversations, while silent operation allows you to turn off all tones.

Cons

• The e-Vox voice activation feature can be hit or miss, and may not work well in noisy environments.

• The included headsets with boom microphones may not be comfortable for extended use.

• The radios are not waterproof, so you'll need to be careful in wet conditions.

I recently used the Midland T290VP4 on a camping trip with friends, and was impressed with its range and clarity. The 121 privacy codes were especially useful in blocking out other conversations, and the backlit LCD display made it easy to see in low light conditions. However, the e-Vox feature didn't always work well when there was a lot of background noise, and the headsets with boom microphones weren't the most comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Overall, the Midland T290VP4 is a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable GMRS two-way radio.

Retevis RA87 GMRS Mobile Radio with Integrated Control Mic (1 Pack) with RB17P Handheld GMRS Two Way Radio (2 Pack), GMRS Communication Kit, Long Range GMRS Transceiver for Hunting

If you are looking for a reliable GMRS communication kit for hunting, the Retevis RA87 and RB17P are a great choice. With a long transmission distance and a high-power two-way radio, you can stay connected with your companions during hunting trips. The handheld microphone makes it easy to pick up calls and communicate quickly, while the main and sub buttons on the microphone allow for basic operations.

Pros

• Compatible with RB17P two-way radio; when an emergency happens; more convenient to command and get out of trouble through communication through RA87 mobile radio and RB17P handheld radio

• Long-distance GMRS mobile radio; high-power two-way radio; 8 base station channels can be connected to nearby relay stations to extend the distance; a powerful assistant for outdoor hunting

• Long battery life and easy to charge; RB17P with 2200mAh battery; you can talk continuously for 24 hours on a single charge; and support for 7 days standby time; desktop charger provides you fast and reliable charge

Cons

• The radio is a bit bulky and may not be suitable for those looking for a compact option

• The price may be a bit high for some users

• The setup process can be a bit confusing for those who are not familiar with GMRS radios

In my experience, the Retevis RA87 and RB17P are essential outdoor tools for hunting trips. The NOAA weather channel and alert keep you informed of the latest weather conditions, while the SOS function helps you quickly deal with unexpected situations. The clear sound quality, squelch, voice companding, and mic gain ensure smooth and clear communication.

Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and powerful GMRS communication kit for hunting, the Retevis RA87 and RB17P are definitely worth considering.

Radioddity GM-30 GMRS Radio Handheld 2 Pack 5W Long Range Two Way Radio, with 4 Batteries, 2 Waterproof Speaker Mic, 1 Programming Cable

If you're looking for a professional GMRS handheld radio with dual-band scanning and receiving, the Radioddity GM-30 is a great choice. It offers long-range communication, and it's easy to program and use.

Pros

• The GM-30 comes with 30 default channels, including 22 CHs for communicating with other GMRS radios and 8 for GMRS repeaters. You can easily add new channels and change settings on the go with PC and keypad menu programming.

• The dual-band scanning and receiving feature allows you to receive and scan on UHF & VHF channels in either CH/VFO mode, not just limited to GMRS channels. Scanning options include precise frequency range scanning, channels scanning and CTCSS/DCS scanning. Scan list can also be easily edited through the menu.

• The GM-30 has two display and standby options. You can choose to show the name or frequency of the monitoring channels on its large LCD display screen. It also features the Display Sync function that shows you both channel name and frequency in the single watch mode.

Cons

• The GM-30 is a bit bulkier than other handheld radios, which may make it less comfortable to hold for long periods of time.

• The included earpiece with mic is not the most comfortable to wear, especially for extended periods of time.

• The user manual is a bit confusing, which may make it difficult for beginners to program and use the radio.

Overall, the Radioddity GM-30 is a solid choice for those looking for a professional GMRS handheld radio with dual-band scanning and receiving. It offers long-range communication, and it's easy to program and use. If you're willing to overlook its bulkiness and the included earpiece with mic, the GM-30 is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best handheld GMRS radio, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Range

The range of a GMRS radio is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan on using it in areas with limited cell phone coverage. Look for a radio with a range that meets your needs. Keep in mind that the range can vary depending on the terrain and other factors.

Channels

GMRS radios typically offer multiple channels, which can be useful if you need to communicate with different groups or individuals. Look for a radio with enough channels to meet your needs.

Privacy Codes

Privacy codes, also known as sub-channels or CTCSS/DCS codes, allow you to filter out unwanted transmissions and ensure that only those with the same code can hear your conversation. Look for a radio with privacy codes if you need to keep your conversations private.

Durability

Handheld GMRS radios are often used in outdoor environments, so durability is an important factor to consider. Look for a radio that is built to withstand drops, water, and other hazards.

Battery Life

Battery life is another important factor to consider, especially if you plan on using your radio for extended periods of time. Look for a radio with a long battery life or one that can be easily recharged.

Other Features

Some other features to consider include weather alerts, emergency channels, and hands-free operation. Determine which features are important to you and look for a radio that meets your needs.

In summary, when choosing a handheld GMRS radio, consider the range, channels, privacy codes, durability, battery life, and other features that are important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best GMRS radios for the money?

When it comes to the best GMRS radios for the money, the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Motorola T600 H2O are two great options to consider. Both radios offer a lot of features for their price, including long-range communication, waterproofing, and NOAA weather alerts.

What is the highest power handheld GMRS radio?

The highest power handheld GMRS radio currently available is the Midland MXT400. This radio offers up to 40 watts of power, which allows for long-range communication in even the most challenging environments.

Who makes good GMRS radios?

There are several companies that make good GMRS radios, including Midland, Motorola, and Uniden. Each of these companies offers a range of radios with different features and price points, so it's important to do your research and find the radio that best fits your needs.

What are the most powerful GMRS handheld radios?

The most powerful GMRS handheld radios currently available are the Midland MXT400 and the Motorola T800. Both of these radios offer high power output and long-range communication capabilities, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

What are the best GMRS radios for Jeep owners?

For Jeep owners, the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Motorola T600 H2O are both great options. These radios are compact, waterproof, and offer long-range communication, making them perfect for off-road adventures.

What frequency do truckers use for GMRS radios?

Truckers typically use the GMRS frequency range of 462.550 - 467.725 MHz for their radios. This frequency range offers long-range communication capabilities and is widely used by truckers and other outdoor enthusiasts.