A two-way radio can be a beneficial “hunting tool” when you’re out with your friends hunting for deer or other game animals. It can help you keep in touch, check on each other, and communicate.
It may only sometimes be possible to make a cellphone call while hunting. And shouting to attempt to get a response from your friend will likely scare away animals. For these reasons, this list of the seven best 2-way radios for hunting is something you should consider for the next time you’re out hunting:
Best Overall Two-Way Radios: Rocky Talkie
Best Budget Two-Way Radios: Midland T51 VP3 X-Talker Handheld 2-Way Radios
Best Weatherproof Two-Way Radios: Motorola Two-Way Radios, Pack of 2 T800
Best Long Range Two Way Radios: Midland Multi-Channel 36-Mile 2-Way GMRS Radios
Best Submersible Two-Way Radios: DEWALT DXFRS300 1 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie Talkie
Best Two-Way Radios for Survival: Arcshell Rechargeable Long-Range Two-Way Radios
Best Drop Proof Two Way Radios: Topsung Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Long Range for Adults
What Type of Two Way Radio Do You Need?
The type of two-way radio you’ll need will depend on various factors. This includes what kind of environment you’re going to be hunting in, your budget, and how long your hunting trips typically go on.
These factors will influence whether you opt for one radio over another. For example, you may want something weatherproof like the Motorola Two-Way Radios. Or you might need something submersible, such as the Cobra MR HH350W.
7 Best Two-Way Radios for Hunting
Read on to follow my list of the seven best two-way radios for hunting:
Best Overall Two-Way Radios: Rocky Talkie
What I love about it:
This is undoubtedly one of the best walkie-talkies and offers an outstanding balance of excellent battery life, decent range, and simplicity.
Specs:
Battery lifespan: 72 hours (but can be longer).
Range: 25 miles.
Waterproof: IP56 splash and snowproofing.
Headset compatibility: yes, although a headset is not included.
Key features: the radio features a scan mode, privacy codes, power modes, roger beeps, and channel locks.
Pros:
- Can handle extreme temperatures: this radio can cope with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 120°F.
- Lightweight: you’ll barely notice that you’re carrying it around.
- Durable: the rubberized case offers a lot of impact resistance. It also has a shatterproof screen.
Cons:
- Hard to clip on: unfortunately, it’s not very easy to clip this radio onto your person.
Rocky Talkie review:
Likely among the best 2-way radios for hunting in mountains, the Rocky Talkie has everything you need to cope with a hunting trip. While not initially designed for hunting, it’s nevertheless a great choice. This is because of its many great features, including:
- Being splash and snowproof,
- A decent communication range,
- An excellent battery life,
- And a two-year warranty.
These great overall radios are highly durable. They’re able to cope with rugged conditions and challenging weather. They can even survive heavy rain without malfunctioning.
In addition, and while this may appear anecdotal, it’s true that everyone who has these radios states how clear they are when used in their range. It’s well understood that using these radios is equivalent to talking to someone on a cellphone with a full signal.
And expanding on their excellent battery life, these two-way radios will last you a long time when out hunting. On testing, some people have even noted that these radios can last up to 12 days.
These two-way radios are well-worth their cost, and with the two-year warranty, I’ve felt a lot of comfort about the sense of security they offer.
Best Budget Two-Way Radios: Midland T51 VP3 X-Talker Handheld 2-Way Radios
What I love about it:
Among the best two-way radios for hunting, this radio has many features of the other options on our list without the price tag.
Specs:
Battery lifespan: 10 hours of talk time.
Range: 28 miles.
Waterproof: water resistant.
Headset compatibility: has a headphone jack and eVox.
Key features: silent operation, auto-squelch, and roger beep.
Pros:
- Affordable: this two-way radio is more than half the price of some of the other options on this list.
- Power options: this device has two different power options. You can use rechargeable NiMH batteries or three AAA batteries.
Cons:
- Not wholly waterproof: unfortunately, this radio is still affected by large amounts of water. It’s only mildly splash-proof.
Midland T51 VP3 X-Talker Handheld 2-Way Radios review:
These two-way radios may be cheap compared to the others on this list, but don’t let that fool you. They’re high-quality and have many features to offer. For example, each radio comes with 24-hour automatic forecast radio stations. These provide accurate in-the-moment data.
You can also operate these radios hands-free using voice operation. Once they recognize your voice, they’ll begin transmission. There’s also a silent operation mode, perfect when you’re out hunting or find yourself in a situation where noise will be a problem.
Although not as significant as other options, such as the Midland multi-channel radios, this radio still boasts a decent range of 28 miles. Although, it’s likely only to work well if there are obstructions.
And finally (and while this may not seem like such a big deal), this radio has a feature that locks the keypad. This comes in handy as you don’t have to worry about configurations changing while it’s in your pocket.
The Midland handheld radio is both excellent and affordable. You should consider it if you still want a high-quality radio, would appreciate the silent operation mode, and don’t want to spend oodles of money.
Best Weatherproof Two-Way Radios: Motorola Two-Way Radios, Pack of 2 T800
What I love about it:
This walkie-talkie for hunting gives you the confidence to walk around without fear of it getting damaged by the rain or snow.
Specs:
Battery lifespan: 14 hours.
Range: 35 miles.
Waterproof: It has an IPX4 rating, meaning it’s resistant to water splashes in any direction.
Headset compatibility: 2.5mm headphone jack.
Key features: Bluetooth, offline map, and an NOAA weather alert feature.
Pros:
- Easy to use: setup is quick, and it doesn’t take very long to understand how to use it.
- Weatherproof: these radios can easily cope with the elements.
- Great design: the design not only looks good but is highly functional.
Cons:
- Long charging time: the NiMH batteries take about 11 hours to charge.
Motorola Two-Way Radios, Pack of 2 T800 review:
I found this radio to be right up there with the Rocky Talkie: it’s got a lot going for it. Primarily, I’m impressed with how easy it is to set up and start using.
But I’ve also been impressed by its practical yet good-looking design and by the fact that it is well able to cope with challenging weather conditions.
In addition, it appears to boast excellent sound, with (mostly) static-free quality. Overall, it’s very high-quality. It also seems to have a fantastic range, just 1 mile shy of the long-range option on this list (which I’ll cover after this). It boasts a 35-mile maximum range.
You can also clip the walkie-talkie to your belt if you’re doing extreme activities, such as climbing while hunting. Overall, I’d recommend it if you need something durable and are okay with the long charging times.
Best Long Range Two Way Radios: Midland Multi-Channel 36-Mile 2-Way GMRS Radios
What I love about it:
These long-range walkie-talkies for hunting boast a very high range, perfect for larger hunting areas.
Specs:
Battery lifespan: Midland radios have up to a 15-hour battery lifespan.
Range: 36 miles.
Waterproof: JIS4-standard waterproof.
Headset compatibility: has a headphone jack.
Key features: rechargeable batteries, headsets, and a car adapter.
Pros:
- Long range: at 36 miles, these radios boast a very long range in ideal conditions.
- Comes with headsets: Unlike other radio options, each walkie-talkie comes with a headset for easy talking and listening.
- It has dual power sources: this can come in handy when you need extra power during those long trips without a charging source.
Cons:
- None worth mentioning.
Midland Multi-Channel 36-Mile 2-Way GMRS Radios review:
This long-range walkie-talkie is worth the buy if you need something that’s cross-compatible with other Midland GMRS and FRS two-way radios.
It also comes with other great features, such as:
- An NOAA weather alert feature.
- Whisper mode so that you can speak quietly while still being heard by others.
- And sound alerts and vibrations to notify you of upcoming calls.
On top of all these excellent features, these two-way radios boast the maximum amount of power allowed by law for radios. Now that’s an impressive feat!
Honestly, this radio was a close second to the Rocky Talkie; however, it falls short on some features. And it doesn’t have the two-year warranty offered when you purchase a Rocky Talkie.
In addition, while it does have a long range, this range will be shortened dramatically depending on the presence of obstacles in the area. This range can only be achieved in ideal settings.
Best Submersible Two-Way Radios: DeWalt DXFRS300 1 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie-Talkies
What I love about it:
I love these two-way radios their durability and because they can be fully submersed in water while remaining functional.
Specs:
Battery lifespan: 8 hours at 6 watts or 16 hours at 1 watts.
Range: 25 miles.
Waterproof: meets IP67 standards (can be fully submerged in water up to a meter deep for 30 minutes).
Headset compatibility: 2.5mm headset jack.
Key features: noise-canceling microphone, BURP, and a memory scan.
Pros:
- Durable: these walkie-talkies for hunting can withstand brute force and total immersion in water.
- Ergonomic design: the radios are comfortable to hold and boast rubber grips that keep users from dropping them.
- Great volume control: the radio has a knob that lets users easily adjust the volume.
Cons:
- The audio quality may be behind its class: unfortunately, the audio quality of these radios is not that clear. This is when compared to other devices within the same range.
DeWalt DXFRS300 1 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie-Talkies review:
While this radio has many brilliant features, its primary feature is dustproof and waterproof to an IP67 standard. As promised, if you drop this radio in the water for 30 minutes within 1-meter deep water, it’ll still work without issue.
But these two-way radios are called heavy duty for more than just their water resistance. They boast exceptional shock resistance and can cope with a two-meter drop. In any case, they also have an anti-slip design that should prevent these types of accidents.
You’ll also likely find the audio quality to be excellent. The radios boast clear and almost flawless communication (if you don’t go too far beyond their range).
I’d recommend these radios to anyone looking for something that’ll last them a very long time and which can cope with a little bit of clumsiness without going out of service.
Best Two-Way Radios for Survival: Arcshell Rechargeable Long-Range Two-Way Radios
What I love about it:
These compact two-way radios boast many features that make them perfect for survival.
Specs:
Battery lifespan: lasts around 8 to 96 hours.
Range: up to 5 miles without obstructions.
Waterproof: water resistant.
Headset compatibility: a single earpiece for each radio: comes with a 3.5mm and 2.5mm plug.
Key features: rechargeable batteries, charging dock, and high-quality built-in speaker.
Pros:
- Lightweight: this means that while carrying it around, you’ll barely even notice it’s there.
- Excellent battery life: the battery can last up to 96 hours.
- Affordable: These radios are priced at just $50 for four radios.
Cons:
- Only available as a pack of 4: while still cheap, these radios unfortunately only come in packs of 4.
Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two Way Radios review:
While these seem like they should be the best budget radios, they fall short of the Midland T51 VP3 X-talker. They are still, however, high-quality two-way radios and are well worth considering.
One thing that stands out for me is their excellent battery, which can last 96 hours. Another is how high-quality the radio is, especially considering how cheap these are. These two factors, paired with how affordable they are, make me think that these radios would be excellent in survival situations where you’ll need several radios.
I’m also a big fan of the voice-operated transmission (VOX). As you may have already guessed, this eliminates the need to manually change to transmission mode. In addition, the radios boast an emergency alarm, which can be a savior in challenging survival situations.
However, my peeve with this radio is that it only has a range of 5 miles. However, this is balanced by the fact that it makes use of UHF waves. These provide a clearer signal when faced with obstructions as they’re better able to penetrate obstructions such as steel and wood.
Finally, I found the amount of time it takes to charge this radio quite impressive. It should only take about three hours to fully charge this device.
Overall, I’d recommend these radios if you’re not too concerned about range and want a radio with rechargeable batteries. I’d also suggest this option if you want an affordable product with more than two radios.
Best Drop Proof Two Way Radios: Topsung Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Long Range for Adults
What I love about it:
I chose these durable two-way radios for their ABS drop protection. A walkie-talkie that can withstand some trauma is essential, particularly when moving outdoors.
Specs:
Battery lifespan: not specified, but batteries are rechargeable.
Range: long-range, not specified.
Waterproof: yes
Headset compatibility: Comes with headsets.
Key features: NOAA weather alerts, voice activation, drop protection, and keypad lock.
Pros:
- Drop proof: with ABS drop protection, you can rest assured that these radios won’t break easily.
- Affordable: these radios are a great deal at just $50, considering what they offer.
- Outstanding features: with so many great features, such as weather alerts, voice activation, auto power saving, and auto scan, these radios are a great choice.
Cons:
- The range not specified: unfortunately, it’s hard to know how good (or not so great) the range is on these radios.
Topsung Rechargeable Walkie-Talkies for hunting Long Range for Adults review
Last but undoubtedly not least, I’ll be remiss not to talk about the Topsung rechargeable radios. These radios use advanced technology such as voice activation, auto power saving, and ABS drop protection at a fraction of the price.
They’re incredibly durable and will last long with the right person. They’re also, like the DeWalt DXFRS300, clumsy-proof. But there are other reasons why I mentioned this product.
It’s more that this two-way radio doesn’t fail in terms of its features. And like many others on this list, it’s an overall excellent product. This two-way radio also comes with NOAA weather alerts, informing you about incoming bad weather.
You can also charge this two-way radio almost anywhere. Because it has USB support, you can charge it using your computer, a power bank, or even in your car.
If you’re looking for something affordable that offers many (if not all) of the features of the more expensive two-way radio on our list that can withstand a drop or two, then consider these rechargeable hunting walkie-talkies.
Considerations When Buying A Two-Way Radio for Hunting
There are several things that you should consider when buying yourself a two-way radio; this includes the following:
Strength
No, I’m not talking about the general signal strength here (although that should be a considered variable); I’m referring to how well your walkie-talkie can endure being dropped, knocked, or scratched and continue to function without too much issue.
While out hunting, you’ll often encounter environmental hazards that could cause damage to your radio. Its ability to cope with these is vital to consider. For this reason, I added the best drop-proof two-way radio (Arcshell TwoWay Radios).
Range
A two-way radio should effectively cover a decent range, so communication isn’t cut off just because you moved a short distance away. Although if you’re going to be hunting in a relatively small area, you don’t have to worry about this too much.
Bear in mind that while some radios will say that they have a high range of 30 miles or more, they’ll generally only work well if there are a lot of obstacles, such as in the woods.
Battery Life
If you’re going to be hunting for long periods, you’d want something other than a walkie-talkie that only lasts a couple of hours. A two-way radio that only lasts for a short time can be a very frustrating experience.
It’s best to purchase one with a decent battery paired with a rechargeable battery pack or one that works with AAA batteries that can be replaced when they’re used up.
Water Resistance
This is important to think about, specifically if you’re going to hunt in a rainy or particularly damp area. Buying a two-way radio with little to no water resistance can be costly if you’re going to be likely exposed to rain and such.
How I Chose the Best Two-Way Radio for Hunting
I chose the best two-way radios for hunting through careful consideration and the weighing of different variables such as:
Price
This was a significant variable as most people have the internal conundrum of price vs. quality. I’ve made sure only to include quality products that are reasonably priced, considering what they can do for you.
Ease of Use
How easy the two-way radio is to use was something I considered while compiling my list of the best two-way radios for hunting. Having a highly complex radio setup can be off-putting for most of us.
Functionality
I considered the following when contemplating the functionality of two-way radios:
- How well the radio works,
- What kind of range it has,
- How well it’s able to handle obstructions,
- What its’ battery is like,
- And how well it’s able to weather the elements.
Reliability
The reliability of your two-way radio is essential: you want it to continue working during a hunt, after all. That’s why I’ve included only high-quality radios on my list.
Who Is A Two-Way Radio For?
A two-way radio is for hunters who want to keep in contact with each other, particularly about how they’re doing and other general concerns. This gear for hunting provides a sense of security. They also offer a more discrete way of communicating with hunters. This is, other than shouting, which will likely scare off whatever they’re hunting.
FAQs
What is the strongest two-way radio?
It’s hard to say, specifically, what the “strongest” two-way radio is. Strength depends on several variables, such as its ability to retain signal in lousy weather. It also considers the length of space the radio can carry signal and how well it resists the elements. I would still, considering all these criteria, recommend the Rocky Talkie.
What radios do hunters use?
The best walkie-talkie for hunters will vary depending on their hunting area. If they hunt in areas with dense woods, they’d need radios that are better designed for that, like UHF radios. They’ll need waterproof radios if they’re likely to get the walkie-talkie submerged or wet at one point.
What is the longest distance for a two-way radio?
Some hunting walkie-talkies boast a range of 30 miles or even more. For example, our Midland Multi-Channel Two Way Radios boast a range of up to 36 miles.
Is VHF or UHF better in the woods?
UHF is a better choice in the woods because its signal can better navigate obstacles. VHF can work too. However, it works much better outdoors in hilly areas without many obstructions.
Can you use two-way radio while deer hunting?
You can use a walkie-talkie while deer hunting, but in some states, it may be illegal to broadcast the location of game animals. Otherwise, it’s perfectly legal to communicate generally over two-way radios.
Last Tips on Two-Way Radios for Hunting
Two-way radios are typically a good idea when hunting. They help you keep in touch with your hunting group and give updates about your progress and well-being. The best walkie-talkie for hunting overall is the Rocky Talkie. It’s well suited for the often rugged conditions associated with hunting.
