Choosing the best walkie talkies to stay in touch could mean the difference between sporadic reception and crisp and clear audio out in the wilderness. Range, battery life, run to charge time ratio, build quality, and design/size were all factors in our evaluation. We also looked into extra features like flashlights and weather alerts. Below are the top 5 brands of walkie talkies.

Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios

We like the five-mile range of this two-way radio in open areas with few obstructions. It also operates in the UHF 400 to 470 MHz frequency range, which provides better penetration and less interference in enclosed areas than VHF. A built-in speaker delivers crisp and loud audio with little static, and 16 pre-programmed channels are more than enough to find clear reception. This pair of two-way radios is very small, measuring only 4.5" tall and weighing only 5.5 ounces. Despite its small size, it is made of hard plastic and rubber and is strong enough to withstand repeated drops on the trails without breaking. For this price range, a 1500 mAh rechargeable battery provides enough power for a 2.5-hour charge and up to 8 hours of continuous talk time and communication.

Advantages:

• Best for a limited budget
• A healthy five-mile range and excellent indoor reception
• Excellent run to charge time ratio with recharging dock included

Disadvantages: 

• Not waterproof
• Removable flimsy belt clip
• In busy places, use the lower range.

eSynic Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Earpieces

This walkie talkie has 16 channels, allowing users to pick the best reception quickly. However, the range is only 3 miles long. Even in a heavily packed parking lot with lamp poles and other higher structures, the reception was rather clear with low static during testing. A solid run to charge time ratio (2 to 3 hours for up to 9 hours of continuous use) and a sturdy build (hard rubber) make them suitable for an overnight security guard shift. We enjoy these walkie talkies since they include a night mode. Construction sites and other situations where visibility is required benefit from a built-in LED torch and emergency alarm. Though it provides a good deal, it is a little larger (6.69′′ height), making it more suitable for adults than youngsters. Want to keep tabs on your children? Check out our guide to the best GPS trackers for children. 

Advantages:

• Outstanding battery life
• Charging stands are included.
• Excellent charge-to-run time ratio (2-3 hours for up to 9 hours of use).

Disadvantages:

• Some people may find it too bulky.
• In open areas, the range is less than three miles.

Midland – X-TALKER T61VP3

This Midland walkie talkie has one of the longest ranges on our list for maintaining a signal (32 miles). On a three to four hour charge time, a single charge can provide up to ten hours of continuous use. Unlike our first two picks, this walkie talkie is powered by three AAA batteries or rechargeable battery packs, with a separate Rapid Recharge feature that allows it to charge up to three times faster than the average. This provides users with additional options if a USB wall charger is not available. The audio quality of this walkie talkie is outstanding, with auto-squelch and Clearband technology providing crisper reception and reducing background noise. It's also tough and waterproof, made of rubber and strong plastic that can withstand normal wear and tear. We have no reservations about using this on hikes for communication with excellent voice quality. The greatest spy camera will round out your espionage gear arsenal. 

Advantages:

• Hands-free operation with the eVox feature
• Exceptional 32-mile range
• Comfortable and ergonomic grip

Disadvantages:

• Overheating batteries were reported by some users.
• In thickly wooded locations, the range is lower.

Motorola T100TP Talkabout Radio

The range of this Motorola walkie talkie is impressive, at 16 miles. With 22 channels, any family can easily find the one with the least amount of interference. It also has one of the highest batteries run periods on our list, up to 18 hours with continuous use, avoiding the frustration of having to replace three AA batteries every week. We like how long this walkie talkie lasts. Although it is not waterproof, it has a robust exterior casing and small rubberized buttons, as well as a lock mechanism that prevents channels from being accidently altered. These walkie talkies are also quite small, measuring only 1.1 inches by 1.91 inches by 5.22 inches. All of these extra functions make it excellent for youngsters to use at home or on a fun excursion like a camping trip.

Advantages:

• Profile is slim and light.
• Small buttons and a tough outer shell
• It comes in a three-pack and is great for around-the-house use.

Disadvantages:

• The menu system could be more user-friendly.
• AAA batteries are required.
• In busy or high-obstruction areas, it is less effective (e.g. woods)

Rivins RV-7 Walkie Talkies

The maximum range of this walkie talkie is five miles in open areas and two miles in heavily populated/high obstruction areas (e.g. buildings and wooded areas). It also works well at night thanks to its backlit LCD screen and built-in flashlight. The fact that it works with both conventional alkaline batteries and rechargeable AAA cells is a plus, since it gives you additional options if one isn't accessible. Our favourite feature of these walkie talkies is their 99 privacy codes, which allow users to create "special channels" by inputting a privacy code that only other participants in the chat can see. When utilised in a group, this is quite effective. You'll also need the greatest GPS tracker if you really want to snoop on someone.

Advantages:

• To eliminate static interference, there are 99 privacy codes.
• The LCD screen display is ideal for use at night.
• Ample five-mile range

Disadvantages:

• Not waterproof
• A flashlight can quickly deplete the battery.