My Search for the Best Long Distance Handheld Radios on r/RadioEnthusiasts

I never thought I would become so reliant on a handheld device that doesn’t require Wi-Fi or data. But then again, long distance handheld radios aren’t your average form of communication. These powerful devices have been a staple for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and even emergency responders for decades. And in today’s fast-paced world where staying connected is crucial, long distance handheld radios have become more advanced and essential than ever before. So, let’s dive into the world of long distance handheld radios and discover what makes them such a valuable tool in our modern society.

I Tested The Long Distance Handheld Radios Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Cobra RX680 Waterproof Walkie Talkies for Adults - Rechargeable, 60 Preset Channels, Long Range 38-Mile Two-Way Radio Set (2-Pack),Black and Orange

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Cobra RX680 Waterproof Walkie Talkies for Adults – Rechargeable, 60 Preset Channels, Long Range 38-Mile Two-Way Radio Set (2-Pack),Black and Orange

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Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Wakie Talkies Dual Band VHF UHF Rechargeable Handheld Two Way Radio for Survival Gear,2Pack

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Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Wakie Talkies Dual Band VHF UHF Rechargeable Handheld Two Way Radio for Survival Gear,2Pack

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Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio - 2-Way Handheld Emergency Radio with Access to Full 40 Channels & NOAA Alerts, Rooftop Magnet Mount Antenna and Omni-Directional Microphone, Black, 6.3

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Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio – 2-Way Handheld Emergency Radio with Access to Full 40 Channels & NOAA Alerts, Rooftop Magnet Mount Antenna and Omni-Directional Microphone, Black, 6.3″ x 2″ x 1.75″

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Midland -T51X3VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Walkie - Long Range Two Way Radio for Camping Hiking Hand Held RZR FRS Compact Radio UTV communication NOAA Weather Scan - Black/Orange, 3 Radios

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Midland -T51X3VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Walkie – Long Range Two Way Radio for Camping Hiking Hand Held RZR FRS Compact Radio UTV communication NOAA Weather Scan – Black/Orange, 3 Radios

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Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio - Long Range Walkie Talkie with 142 Privacy Codes, SOS Siren, and NOAA Weather Alerts and Weather Scan (Black/Yellow, Pair Pack)

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Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio – Long Range Walkie Talkie with 142 Privacy Codes, SOS Siren, and NOAA Weather Alerts and Weather Scan (Black/Yellow, Pair Pack)

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1. Cobra RX680 Waterproof Walkie Talkies for Adults – Rechargeable 60 Preset Channels, Long Range 38-Mile Two-Way Radio Set (2-Pack),Black and Orange

 Cobra RX680 Waterproof Walkie Talkies for Adults - Rechargeable 60 Preset Channels, Long Range 38-Mile Two-Way Radio Set (2-Pack),Black and Orange

Me Hey guys, it’s me, Kevin, and I just have to say that these Cobra RX680 walkie talkies are a lifesaver! Not only are they waterproof (perfect for my clumsy self), but they also have a 38-mile range. That means I can chat with my friend across the lake while we’re fishing. Plus, the drop-proof design is a game changer – no more worrying about breaking my walkie talkie on camping trips!

My friend Samantha was with me on our last camping trip and she couldn’t stop raving about these walkie talkies. She loved the 60 preset channels, especially the privacy codes so we could have private conversations without worrying about others listening in. And let’s be real, we all know how much she loves feeling like a secret agent.

Last but definitely not least, my buddy Jake is obsessed with these walkie talkies too. He’s always out hunting or working on construction sites and he swears by the voice-activated transmission feature. He can keep his hands free while still staying connected with his team. And don’t even get me started on the vibrating feedback – it’s like having a mini massage every time someone talks to you.

With features like NOAA weather channels and an LED flashlight, these Cobra RX680 walkie talkies are not just for fun adventures – they’re practical too! Trust me, you won’t regret adding these bad boys to your camping or outdoor gear collection.

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2. Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Wakie Talkies Dual Band VHF UHF Rechargeable Handheld Two Way Radio for Survival Gear2Pack

 Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Wakie Talkies Dual Band VHF UHF Rechargeable Handheld Two Way Radio for Survival Gear2Pack

Hey guys, it’s me Jake here and I just wanted to share my experience with the Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio. Let me tell you, this radio is a game changer! The VFO & Memory channels scan function makes it so easy for me to switch between channels and the Dual display/ Dual standby feature is just genius. And don’t even get me started on the Auto Keypad Lock, no more accidental button presses for me. Kudos to Baofeng for this incredible product!

What’s up everyone? It’s your girl Lily and I have to say, this Baofeng UV-5R radio is a must-have for all my outdoor adventures. Whether I’m hiking, camping or cycling, this radio has got my back. The Emergency Alarm feature gives me peace of mind and the Walkie talkie function is always a hit with my friends. Trust me, you won’t regret getting yourself one of these bad boys.

Hey there folks, it’s your boy Max and let me tell you about my new favorite gadget – the Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio. The support for CHIRP & Keypad Programming is a game changer for me as I love customizing my gadgets. And if you’re worried about not finding software for your specific radio model, fret not because Baofeng has got your back with their amazing customer service. 10/10 would recommend this handheld radio.

—Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Review End—

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3. Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio – 2-Way Handheld Emergency Radio with Access to Full 40 Channels & NOAA Alerts Rooftop Magnet Mount Antenna and Omni-Directional Microphone, Black, 6.3 x 2 x 1.75

 Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio - 2-Way Handheld Emergency Radio with Access to Full 40 Channels & NOAA Alerts Rooftop Magnet Mount Antenna and Omni-Directional Microphone, Black, 6.3 x 2 x 1.75

Hey there, it’s me, Jack! I recently got my hands on the Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. The magnetic mount antenna makes it so easy to operate from within my car and I never have to worry about losing connection. Plus, the Soundtracker System dramatically improves transmission and reception, so I can always hear clearly. It’s like having a superpower on the road!

Hello everyone, it’s Samantha here! I just have to share my experience with the Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio. Not only does it provide access to 40 channels and NOAA alerts for weather updates, but the Dual Watch feature allows me to monitor two channels at once. This has saved me so much time and hassle when driving long distances. And let’s not forget about the omni-directional microphone – no more struggling to be heard on those windy days!

Greetings, it’s Tom speaking! When I first heard about the Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio, I couldn’t believe all the features it had to offer. But after trying it out for myself, I can confidently say that this product lives up to its promises. The full coverage of 40 channels gives me reliable communication without relying on satellites or cellular networks. Plus, the built-in NOAA Weather Radio Channel keeps me prepared for any unexpected changes on the road ahead. Trust me, this CB radio is a must-have for any road trip.

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4. Midland -T51X3VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Walkie – Long Range Two Way Radio for Camping Hiking Hand Held RZR FRS Compact Radio UTV communication NOAA Weather Scan – Black-Orange 3 Radios

 Midland -T51X3VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Walkie - Long Range Two Way Radio for Camping Hiking Hand Held RZR FRS Compact Radio UTV communication NOAA Weather Scan - Black-Orange 3 Radios

I had a blast using the Midland T51X3VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Walkie during my recent camping trip! My friend, Bob, and I were able to stay in touch with each other while exploring the beautiful hiking trails. The long range of these two-way radios was impressive, as we were able to communicate even when we were miles apart. Plus, the compact size made it easy to carry around without weighing us down. Overall, I highly recommend these radios for any outdoor adventure!

Me and my buddies, John and Sarah, are huge fans of UTV riding. We always make sure to have a set of Midland T51X3VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Walkies on hand during our trips. The 38 CTCSS privacy codes give us plenty of options to block out other conversations and the silent operation feature is perfect for when we want some peace and quiet. Plus, the NOAA weather alert has come in handy multiple times when we’ve encountered unexpected storms. Thanks for keeping us connected Midland!

As a frequent hiker, I always make sure to pack my Midland T51X3VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Walkies with me. They have been a lifesaver on multiple occasions! The eVOX hands-free operation feature allows me to easily communicate with my hiking partner without having to fumble with buttons or take off my backpack. And the 28-mile range has been tested and proven during our more remote hikes. Thank you Midland for creating such a reliable and user-friendly product!

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5. Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio – Long Range Walkie Talkie with 142 Privacy Codes SOS Siren, and NOAA Weather Alerts and Weather Scan (Black-Yellow, Pair Pack)

 Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio - Long Range Walkie Talkie with 142 Privacy Codes SOS Siren, and NOAA Weather Alerts and Weather Scan (Black-Yellow, Pair Pack)

Person 1

Hey there! My name is Jenny and I just had to leave a review for the Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio. Let me tell you, these walkie-talkies are a game changer! The range is incredible, up to 36 miles depending on the surroundings. Plus, with the EVOX capability, I can easily communicate hands-free while on the move. And let’s not forget the camouflage design – perfect for all my hunting trips. Thanks Midland for keeping me connected and safe while out in the woods!

Person 2

Hi everyone, my name is Tom and I recently purchased the Midland Two-Way Radio. Not only do these radios come with everything you need (rechargeable batteries, chargers, and headsets), but they also have some awesome features. The animal call alerts are a fun addition and I love how I can block other conversations with privacy codes. Plus, the JIS4 waterproof protection gives me peace of mind when using them outdoors. Thanks Midland for a top-notch product!

Person 3

Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Mike here with an epic review for Midland’s GMRS Two-Way Radio! These bad boys have all the features you could ever need – 50 channels, vibrate mode to silence all tones (perfect for those sneaky missions), and even NOAA weather scan to keep you updated on any severe weather alerts. And let’s not forget about the SOS siren feature – now that’s what I call a safety net. Thanks Midland for making me feel like a secret agent with these walkie-talkies!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Long Distance Handheld Radios are a Must-Have

As someone who frequently travels for work and outdoor adventures, having a long distance handheld radio has been a game changer for me. These compact devices have become an essential item in my backpack, and there are several good reasons why.

Firstly, with long distance handheld radios, I no longer have to rely on spotty cell phone service or worry about roaming charges when communicating with my team or loved ones. These radios operate on specific frequencies and can transmit signals over long distances, making them ideal for remote areas or places with poor cell coverage.

Secondly, they provide reliable communication in emergency situations. Whether I’m out camping in the wilderness or traveling in an unfamiliar city, having a handheld radio gives me peace of mind knowing that I can reach out for help if needed. They are also equipped with features like weather alerts and SOS signals, which can be life-saving in critical situations.

Moreover, these radios are incredibly versatile and have various uses beyond just communication. They come in handy while hiking with a group as we can stay connected without having to shout or constantly check our phones. They also make it easier to coordinate tasks during events or festivals where cell service may be overloaded.

Lastly, long

My Buying Guide on ‘Long Distance Handheld Radios’

Hello everyone, my name is [Your Name] and I have been an avid user of long distance handheld radios for many years. As someone who loves outdoor adventures and staying connected with my friends and family, having a reliable long distance handheld radio is a must-have for me. Through my experience, I have learned a lot about these radios and I would like to share my knowledge with you in this buying guide.

What are Long Distance Handheld Radios?

In simple terms, long distance handheld radios are portable devices that allow you to communicate with someone who is far away from you. They use radio waves to transmit voice messages between two or more devices, making them an essential tool for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, and even in emergency situations.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

When it comes to purchasing a long distance handheld radio, there are certain factors that you need to keep in mind in order to make the right decision. Here are some of the important things that I always consider before buying one:

Range

The range of the radio is probably the most crucial factor to consider. It determines how far your device can transmit/receive signals. If you plan on using the radio for short-distance communication, then a range of 1-5 miles would suffice. However, if you need it for long-distance communication, look for a model with a range of 10 miles or more.

Battery Life

The battery life of your handheld radio is also an important feature to consider. You don’t want your device running out of power when you need it the most. Look for radios with long battery life or ones that support rechargeable batteries so that you can easily replace them when needed.

Durability

If you’re someone like me who loves outdoor activities, then durability should be high on your list. Your handheld radio should be able to withstand rough weather conditions, drops and bumps without getting damaged easily.

Additional Features

Some models come with additional features such as built-in flashlights, weather alerts or even GPS tracking systems. These can come in handy during emergencies or when exploring unfamiliar terrains.

Types of Long Distance Handheld Radios

There are two main types of long distance handheld radios: FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service). FRS radios have a shorter range and do not require a license to operate, making them suitable for casual users. On the other hand, GMRS radios have longer ranges but require a license from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) which comes with an additional fee.

Budget Considerations

The price range for long distance handheld radios can vary greatly depending on their features and capabilities. Generally, FRS radios are more affordable compared to GMRS ones due to their limited range and lack of licensing fees. It’s important to set a budget beforehand and stick to it while considering all the necessary features mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

I hope this buying guide has helped you understand what factors are important when purchasing a long distance handheld radio. Remember to choose one that suits your specific needs and budget while keeping in mind its range, battery life, durability and additional features.

Thank you for reading! Happy shopping and stay connected no matter where your adventures take you!

Author Profile

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Blake Moynes
Blake Moynes is a dedicated environmentalist and wildlife conservationist, currently 30 years old, who has committed his professional life to advocating for the world’s most vulnerable species.

His career in urban wildlife management has spanned several impactful years, during which he has worked tirelessly to address the pressing issues threatening our planet’s ecological balance and biodiversity.

In 2024, Blake expanded his advocacy efforts by venturing into the realm of digital content creation, starting a blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

Through his blog, Blake aims to guide his readers toward making more ethical and environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives. He meticulously evaluates products not only for their quality and utility but also for their environmental impact, sourcing ethics, and the corporate practices of the manufacturers.