Technology

Fact-checked

How do I Choose the Best 10-Mile Walkie Talkies?

J.M. Densing

Last Modified Date: January 29, 2024

Walkie talkies, also known as two-way radios, are useful devices to own. In order to choose the best 10-mile (about 16-km) walkie talkies, there are many factors to consider. You should think carefully about the intended use of the 10-mile walkie talkies, as this may have an effect on the features you want the devices to have. A few things to consider are the number of available channels, privacy codes, the ability to recharge, radio frequencies on which the units operate, and if you would like hands-free operation. It's also a good idea to purchase a reputable brand and to read user reviews of the specific model in which you're interested before buying.

An important factor to consider when choosing the best 10-mile walkie talkies is the intended use for the units. You should consider who the primary operators of the walkie talkies will be, and for what they will use them. For example, if the devices will be used by kids, you may want to look for rugged casings or water resistance, so the 10-mile walkie talkies can survive some abuse. If they will be used for a business, perhaps privacy codes and multiple channels would be advisable. It the walkie talkies are only used once in a while, you may prefer the convenience of disposable batteries, but if you plan to utilize them frequently, rechargeable units might be your best bet.

Another thing to consider when selecting the best 10-mile walkie talkies is the desired actual range. It's important to remember that the ratings assigned by the manufacturer represent the potential performance under optimal conditions. Walkie talkies operate best without any obstructions, such as buildings, hills or trees, to get in the way of the signal.

The intended use of a walkie talkie is an important factor in choosing one.

If you desire a true 10-mile (about 16-km) range, you may want to select units that are rated for further distances. Another way to transmit over longer distances is to select a unit that can generate a more powerful signal, such as one that can operate on both Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies. The channels assigned to GMRS operation will be much more powerful, but they require a license for operation in some places, such as the United States.

Other features you may want to consider when selecting the best 10-mile walkie talkies include hands-free operation and low battery indicators. These can be useful options in many situations. It's a good idea to choose a brand with a proven history of manufacturing reliable walkie talkies. Once you've narrowed down your options, it's usually a good idea to read some expert and user reviews online to learn more about the reliability of the units in real-world conditions.

AS FEATURED ON:

Discussion Comments

Vincenzo

November 30, 2014

@Markerrag -- Good point. It is also worth mentioning that most people who use these things won't be relying on such long distances. You might get some 10 mile walkie talkies and only plan on using them to communicate across five miles.

Still, when it comes to walkie talkies it is best to get those with the longest range you can afford. That, of course, is because manufacturers tend to fudge the numbers a bit.

Markerrag

November 29, 2014

Research is really important here. Think about it for a minute. Kudos to the author of this article for pointing out that manufacturers base the range of their walkie talkies on optimal conditions. Unless you intend to use one to communicate across a flat, barren wasteland like a desert, the chances are you are going to have to deal with some obstructions.

And, in that regard, all walkie talkies are not created equal. Research will tell you which walkie talkie can reach, say, nine miles and which ones only average eight during "real world" use.