best hunting radios

Best Hunting Radios To Buy In 2021

Two-way radios are not the same as the walkie talkies that you used to buy when you were a child. These are much more futuristic versions designed to provide extensive coverage, weather resistance, and clarity. More so, the best hunting radios are also designed to be rugged and provide useful features such as vibrate functionalities. Furthermore, some brands even have privacy codes, and eavesdrops are reduced, which you use to stop other broadcasts from affecting other users.

Well, the list below is some of the best hunting radios and a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Buying Guide for Best Hunting Radios

When you are out hunting with a partner, you are likely to travel a few miles apart, perhaps such as when stalking prey. Your ability to scout the correct ranges and to communicate with your partner on the range is indispensable. Relying on cellphones in such situations is a no go because cell coverage is sometimes weak. Some radio manufacturer brands even have radio bundles, which you can get in pairs or as many a six at the same time. 

Plus, having a convenient way on hand to communicate when out provides you with the additional feeling of security – in that, you can easily call out for help or share crucial information with a press of a button. Most of these radios today are compact and are easy to move around outdoors.

Best Hunting Radios from A Glance

[amazon table=”3263″]
Best Overall

Best Overall-Midland GXT1050VP4 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio

Two-Way Communication – Stay connected to family and friends or coordinate group outings with the push of a button – Know where everybody

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Best Long Range -Midland T51VP3 22 Channel FRS Walkie Talkie – Up to 28 Mile Range Two-Way Radio

The Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System gives you up to 836 channel options to block other conversations.Use silent operation to turn

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Best Two-Way Hunting Radio -Professional Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Long Range for Adults Two Way Radios

– These walkie-talkies feature 22 (Family Radio Service) channels, along with channel scan to check for activity. The bold yellow faceplate

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Best Durable Radio-Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios with Earpiece 4 Pack Walkie Talkies

Small and convenient size;it easily fits on your hand;it measures 4.3 inches in height ;1 inch thick;2 inches in width;5.5 oz light-weighted;solid

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Best for Battery Life-Retevis RT29 2 Way Radios Long Range UHF Radios 3200mAh 16 CH VOX Encryption

High-power and high-gain antenna; RT29 two way radio has strong penetrability; can successive penetrate buildings; metal obstacles; ensure clear

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Consider the following factors when buying hunting radios:

Go for The Same Brand

When buying two-way radios for hunting with friends, you want to go for the same brands to make things easy. Furthermore, most privacy codes don’t always work well between different CB radio brands. Other than that, using these radios in a group is often straightforward. Choose a specific channel you will connect to, and then set your radio that the particular channel and all is well.

Perhaps the most common two-way radios used for hunting work in the General Mobile Radio Service and Family Radio Service Bands. Both of these bands are similar and are often classified in the same category.

Range

The range is also another crucial factor when buying a hunting radio. You want a radio that lets you communicate from the farthest distance possible, without any interference issues. Most modern radios have ranges that average from 2 to 35 miles, depending on the specific radio model. The last thing you want when outdoors is a radio that can’t power through the interference when working.

Battery Life

The second factor to consider when buying two-way radios is power consumption. You are not always going to be close to a charger. Thus, going for radios that can use AA or AAA batteries is an excellent recommendation. Even more, radios that have a signal booster will also provide an exceptional range but might consume a large amount of battery power.

Other Features

  • Wireless ability – Another useful factor to consider is your ability to use the headset. The last thing you want is a transmission from your radio, that will scare prey away. Whether it’s a wired or Bluetooth unit, you are going to benefit highly by owning a radio that has a headset. 
  • Weather alerts – Some other brands of hunting radios are also capable of delivering NOAA weather alerts. These will lock into the closest weather channel automatically, and most units can scan for channels that are closeby. Also, consider waterproof radios, especially if you know you will be hunting in temperate areas. 
  • Range – if you plan on using the radio in thick vegetation, then you need a radio with a long-range level. Any obstructions such as these can easily compromise the quality of the signal, and lead to dead spots. Furthermore, the high-powered brands can provide more mile or more of range, when used in tough settings
  • Camo coloring – obviously, this might not be a requirement, but radios with camouflage are perfect for hunters

Privacy Codes: What are They and How do They Function?

These are special CB radio codes that let you find frequencies without noise, especially when hunting involves a lot of hassle. You just have to select a specific channel and privacy code, and this will let you communicate with another user on the same line. Thus, if someone is tuned to the channel you have chosen, and privacy code turned off, they will still hear you. Furthermore, anyone who has adopted the same channel and privacy code you are using will be able to communicate with you. 

  • Voice-activated talking – this is a useful function that you don’t have to use the push to talk function when communication. In some radios, you might also have to perform some adjustments, such that you set the ideal VOX activation volume. 
  • Call alerts – these are features that let you choose specific tones that will inform you of incoming calls for your group. The best call alert function would be the vibrate, and the last thing you need is buzzing when you are close to hitting the target. 
  • All hazard alerts – this means that the radio can receive emergency alerts, such as landslide and fire warnings. Also important would be your ability to send SOS messages such as sirens or locator signals. Such a feature is beneficial, especially when moving outdoors.
  • Direct and group calling modes – these are ideal for when you want to hunt in teams. The direct calling feature lets you contact a member of your party without informing others. Furthermore, group calling also lets you communicate with two or members of the group without alerting other people.

6 Best Hunting Radios Reviews

Midland GXT1050VP4 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio

Best Overall

midland gxt1050vp4

Discover the excellence of using the Midland GXT1050VP4 50 Channel Two Radio, which is both powerful and durable at the same time. This walkie talkie even comes with many unique features to make communication a breeze each time.

For instance, it features a channel scan, to check for activity, as you move around the outdoors. Even more, the JIS4 waterproof protection does well to prevent issues such as splashing water from compromising the machine performance.

To make things better, this unit comes with as many as five animal call alerts and a vibrate feature that you can use to silence all tones. More so, the radio even features a Mossy Oak Camouflage pattern that makes it ideal for hunters. The privacy code on this unit also provides well over 3,000 channel options, which can block most conversations.

With an exceptional 36-mile range, you are sure of a radio with an outstanding communication range, even when used in open areas. The NOAA weather scan will automatically scan through as many as ten available channels and will lock onto the most robust channel. It even features a weather alert that will trigger an alarm to indicate any risk of severe weather in your area.

PROS

  • 2-way radio with JIS2 waterproof protection
  • Five animal call alerts
  • 36-mile range for long-range communication
  • NOAA weather scan and ten band channels

CONS

  • The speaker is not loud enough
  • Could use improved ergonomics

Midland T51VP3 22 Channel FRS Walkie Talkie – Up to 28 Mile Range Two-Way Radio

Best Long Range

midland t51vp3

With the Midland T51VP3 22 Channel Walkie Talkie, you are sure of a robust and reliable addition to your hunting regimen. Why? Well, because this powerful 22 channel radio can scan for activity, and provide real time insight on other close connections.

Even more, the radio can provide an exceptional 28-mile range, which ensures you can communicate with little or no obstruction. 

The Midland X talker is easy to use and an excellent long-range communication tool. Furthermore, it is also water-resistant and suitable for use in wet conditions. Thus, with such a unique combination of features, you will enjoy clear point to point communication results. You can even connect to other FRS/GMRS two radios, as long as you are on the same channel as this unit. Thanks to the unique NOAA, weather alert, you get to stay in the know when the weather is about to go bad. 

Equipped with as many as 38 privacy codes and 22 scannable channels, this hunting radio is perfect for your unique communication needs. It even provides hands-free operation and easy button access for its users. Unlike most FRS walkie talkies on the market that use lithium-ion batteries, this unit is both durable and reliable for days. The rechargeable battery packs also take an average of 12 hours to charge and can last for days.

PROS

  • 2-way radio with activity scanning functions
  • 28-mile range is suitable for use in open areas
  • NOAA weather alert will sound an alarm
  • Hands-free and easy voice or sound activation

CONS

  • Produces noise when used in remote areas
  • It takes time to get used to the radio settings

Professional Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Long Range for Adults Two Way Radios

Best Two-Way Hunting Radio

professional rechargeable walkie talkies

The Professional Rechargeable Walkie Talkie is an excellent recommendation for your needs. This unit features a bold yellow faceplate, which provides high visibility benefits.

Furthermore, the walkie talkie is also rechargeable, and you can also charge it through USB. Plus, the radio even has an exceptional 10KM range, which offers excellent long-range communication in open areas, with minimal obstruction. 

The 121 CTCSS privacy codes also mean that you can conveniently and easily communicate in areas with obstacles. To be specific, the Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System offers access to as many as 2,000 channel options, which can block most conversations. The distance may also vary in many environments.

For easy voice and sound activation transmission, this radio has as many as three sensitivity levels for hands-free operation. It is a license-free radio that provides clear communication, excellent reception, and sound quality results. You can even connect to other FRS and GMRS two radios with optimal convenience, as long as you connect to the same channels.

PROS

  • Two-way radio with bold yellow faceplate
  • Rechargeable via USB port
  • 10 km range with 121 CTCSS privacy codes
  • Easy voice and sound activation transmission

CONS

  • Battery warms up significantly when in use
  • Could use an improved user interface

Retevis RT29 2 Way Radios Long Range UHF Radios 3200mAh 16 CH VOX Encryption

Best for Battery Life

retevis rt29

Get equipped with the Retevis RT29 2-way radio, which is perfect for long-range communication. As one of the best radios on the market, this unit features high power and long antenna, which improves the communication range to more than you would typically expect.

For instance, this unit offers strong and penetrating power to ensure you can easily communicate between buildings that have obstacles. 

The RT29 is a long-range radio, with an exceptional 3200mAh battery capacity, such that you have well over 200 hours of standby time. Furthermore, you can even add a private or encryption code to each channel, such that you never get any irrelevant signals. Plus, the stable build of this unit surpasses most standards and can withstand long run friction and use. It’s a thoroughly water-resistant and high-quality speaker microphone that ensures you can enjoy a loud and clear voice from the beginning to the end.

With a thoroughly water-resistant and high-quality speaker microphone, this unit ensures that you can enjoy loud and clear voices each time. Whatever your needs, this unit makes up for a reliable and straightforward way to communicate in small places.

PROS

  • High power and long antenna enhances radio range
  • Long-range radio with 3200mAh capacity
  • Can provide up to 200 hours of standby time
  • Use private codes for each channel to stop interference

CONS

  • The battery is large in size
  • The screen could be much brighter

Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios with Earpiece 4 Pack Walkie Talkies

Best Durable Radio

arcshell rechargeable long range

Realize what you have been missing in communication when you have the Arcshell Rechargeable Long-Range Two-Way Radio. This unit can easily fit in your hand, and it measures 4.3 inches even without an antenna.

Furthermore, the radio features a removable belt clip, which makes it convenient when you want to move with a massive haul. It even features a high-quality in-built speaker that will deliver loud and crystal-clear sound results each time. The unique push to talk button and in-built mic on the radio enhance your ability to communicate.

The earpiece plug is K-type of 3.5 mm and 2.5mm when you plug in the earpiece. Also, all the sound goes to the earpiece, and the radio speaker makes things better thanks to the VOX function. With an exceptional frequency range of UHF 400-470MHz, you have access to all the dynamic channel range for your needs. It even comes with 16 pre-programmed channels, which make it highly convenient when you want to communicate in new places. Selecting the channels on this unit is also easy, all thanks to the unique rotary switch channel selector.

The makers of this unit also seemed to understand the importance of installing useful additional features on this radio. For instance, this unit features a synthesized voice, that will tell you the channel number and frequency, with a specific range.

PROS

  • Small and convenient fits in the user’s hands easily
  • Lightweight and water-resistant radio structure
  • 16 preprogrammed channels with rotary selector
  • Each radio comes with 1500mAh battery

CONS

  • Some users prefer over 3,000 mAh batteries
  • The radio takes some time to program correctly

Rivins RV-7 Walkie Talkies for Adults Long Range 4 Pack 2-Way Radios

rivins rv-7

The Rivins RV-7 Walkie talkie is also an excellent recommendation for your needs. It’s an ultra-portable 2-way radio, with as many as 22 channels and 99 tones for ease of communication.

With such a diverse range of sounds and channels, you are sure of an extensive frequency usage level. Furthermore, the long-range and easy operation design makes this unit highly convenient for your needs. The UHF radios on this unit can provide an exceptional 5-mile communication range, even in open fields.

Furthermore, the walkie talkie even has a robust LCD that shows the battery status, channel number, sub tones, and more. You will also appreciate unique features such as the inbuilt flashlight, which makes the walkie talkie ideal for night use or emergency purposes.

The Voice Operated Transmit supports hands free operation, and makes this unit convenient for hunting purposes. With call tones included, you can signal other radios before communicating, and it even comes with channel scan feature included. The best part about using this walkie talkie is that it’s easy to power through the use of Lithium-Ion batteries. The radio users AAA alkaline rechargeable batteries, which can last for a long time.

PROS

  • Ultra-portable two-way radio suitable for hunting applications
  • Long-range and easy operation with 5 miles range
  • Inbuilt backlit LCD with speaker and Mic
  • Battery operated and VOX with handsfree

CONS

  • The LCD could be brighter
  • Produces some noise when used in some channels

Overall

When you are outdoors hunting, you will know that various small details increase the likelihood of your getting good results. With the best hunting radios, communications are both comfortable and convenient. Why? Well, these types of radios are highly convenient to use and suitable for fast communication purposes. More so, most of these radios are designed to fit comfortably on your hands and have essential functions to make things easy.

Thus, take the results of your next hunting session outdoors to the next level, when you have one of these radios for communication.

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