2-way radios are generally similar to long-range walkie-talkies, yet not all walkie-talkies are two-way radios. One of the differences is that two-way radios are not always handheld. It can also be built into your car or in your house in the shape of a device box and handheld audio. Nevertheless, 2-way radios will help you to communicate with others using UHF or VHF frequency. Especially in a difficult location with no signal on your phone, you can definitely count on two-way radios to contact your peers. Hence, they are very effective for outdoor adventure lovers who spend most of their time hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, or pursuing rare areas. Thereafter, it will be much better to get 2-way radios with GPS also to enable location finder.
Obviously, you will encounter plenty of selections out there on 2-way radios. Some may offer you further range, some may provide a better life battery, and others may come at a better price for your pocket. In order to choose the best 2-way radios with GPS, you need to determine your needs and destination first. Afterward, you will have a picture of what will fit you well from the available selections. To help you decide, we have compiled lists of the best 2-way radios with GPS for you with details that may catch your attention. Let’s take a look at the list below.
Table of contents
- KSUN ZL50 Two-Way Radio
- Radtel RT-490
- Ailunce HD1 Ham Radio
- Retevis RT3S Dual Band DMR Radio
- Uniden Home Patrol
- Retevis RB21
- BTECH GMRS Two-Way Radio
- Garmin Rino 750
- Standard Horizon HX890
- Retevis RT68
- BTECH DMR 6X2 PRO
- Nextcom 4G-LTE Two-Way Radio
- Garmin Rino 755t
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best 2-Way Radios with GPS
- Do two-way radios have GPS?
- What Is The Best Two-Way Radio For Distance
- What Is The Best Two-Way Walkie Talkie?
KSUN ZL50 Two-Way Radio
13
KSUN ZL50 Two-Way Radio is a car radio that has several connection options, such as using the 3G network, Bluetooth, WiFi, as well as a SIM card. It is designed with a suction cup so that you can install it in your car in a steady position. KSUN ZL50 works with Zello App, which supports both personal and group calls. Through the Zello app, you can create a group where the members can efficiently communicate together at the same time.
Moreover, KSUN ZL50 is one of the options for 2-way radios with GPS that offers a 100 miles range of network. It is considered a long-range connection, with is quite impressive. This means you can hike far and still communicate with the outside world when necessary. And going back to KSUN ZL50, the GPS has an external antenna which helps to give more excellent positioning service as it creates a stronger GPS signal to be transmitted.
Pros
- It has a handheld mic with a PTT button for easier talk.
- Its built-in loudspeaker provides clear audio and you can raise the volume to the max.
- The mounting cup for installation is made of environmentally friendly silicone.
Cons
- It is quite tricky to set it up and be familiar with the buttons.
Buy on:
Radtel RT-490
12
If you need one of the 2-way radios with GPS that comes with a large LCD display, Radtel RT-490 should be taken into consideration. This radio has a colored display where you can check the channel and frequency you are in clearly. You can program Radtel RT-490 using a smartphone app using a Bluetooth connection which clearly an easy deal to set up.
Since it has built-in GPS, it is able to show position as well as send GPS information to other devices. Hence, it is highly convenient for outdoor activities, especially at places where there are signal difficulties. It has 256 channels also that you can use to communicate with one another. Now you have many secure line choices to keep your communication away from distraction.
Pros
- The large display shows battery voltage and gives you a warning when the battery is low.
- It comes with 3 modes of channel display according to the name, frequency, or channel number.
- It has 3 different methods of scanning by carrier, by search, and by time.
Cons
- The manual instruction has some missing radio details that may be confusing.
Buy on:
Ailunce HD1 Ham Radio
11
One of the 2-way radios with GPS that offers a combination of digital and analog modes in one radio is Ailunce HD1 Ham Radio. This radio can be manually switched from one method to another according to your needs. Moreover, it has a frequency receiver that is already on a dual-band to receive and transmit signals. Plenty of people also suggests that Ailunce HD1 is suitable for winter hike trip. It can stand the weather as a good boot is. And speaking of good boots, you may want to check a selection of the best boots for mountain hiking to protect from cold feet during hiking.
Ailunce HD1 Ham Radio also supports text messages that you can edit on its front panel. It will be like going back to the old time before the qwerty keypad phone is available. You can type and send the SMS to multiple contacts as well as receive replies. Additionally, as one of the 2-way radios with GPS, Ailunce will allow you to do group calls where you can do it under one channel.
Pros
- It has a better quality for long-range calls.
- You can switch the channel to FM radio while not on contact.
- It is highly suitable for hiking activities which may require a long-range connection.
Cons
- The display may be too small and does not equip with dim light for nighttime.
Buy on:
Retevis RT3S Dual Band DMR Radio
10
Another choice of 2-way radios with GPS that comes with 3000 channels and will allow you to be able to conduct group calls in the same frequency at exactly the same time is Retevis RT3S Dual Band DMR Radio. It comes with dual-band on DMR, and it is also designed with two time slots, allowing you to manage different calls at one time. This is highly efficient, especially when you need to keep all the communication going with multiple contacts.
Are you bringing this radio on an outdoor activity? Not a problem! Retevis will support your hiking or camping trip even when you need to go somewhere with a minimal signal. Its lithium battery can provide a long-range communication frequency plus long stand-by hours of up to 16 hours. Moreover, it can also send information on your whereabouts through its GPS. In addition, you may need to get a good hiking tent for your camp, and if you are looking for options, you can check the best tents for hiking for your reference.
Pros
- It can be switched from digital to analog or vice versa, according to your needs.
- It is designed with an LCD screen that displays the setting info.
- You can also send text messages from this 2-way radios with GPS.
Cons
- The manual book is found to be challenging to understand as the English is not very clear.
Buy on:
Uniden Home Patrol
9
For those who are into public safety matters, you need to get Uniden Home Patrol as one of 2-way radios with GPS that will allow you to tune in to a public channel that gives general public information in your area. Uniden is one of the most famous digital scanners that you can find in the market. It allows you to connect with channels such as the police department, fire department, weather, and many more. It has various information channels that you can easily tune in to.
Uniden can also connect with a GPS receiver, making it easier for you to locate the information you need. The battery is rechargeable with a USB cable that you can plug into any adaptor from your phone or simply plug into the USB slot on your laptop. Thus, this radio will be easy to carry if you need to travel. Do you need more info? You can check out the Uniden HomePatrol-2 review here.
Pros
- It is equipped with a jack for a standard headset for more private listening.
- It has a digital display where you can pick the radio service you would like to listen to.
- It covers USA and Canada area.
Cons
- The price is quite high compared to others.
Buy on:
Retevis RB21
8
Now if you need 2-way radios with GPS that can connect through a phone network, Retevis RB21 is the right answer for you. It comes in the form of walkie talkie phone that provides a network with full features through 2G/3G/4G connections. Therefore, this choice of 2-way radios with GPS will give you options to connect through the phone network by installing a sim card or connect it through wifi or Bluetooth.
Retevis RB21 GPS function can connect with Zello software, allowing you to communicate with others while traveling. It sends and receives GPS information easily and will allow you to keep your position on the track. Retevis RB21 comes with a waterproof rating of IP54. Additionally, it is also dust and drop-proof.
Pros
- It comes with a 2800mAh Li-on battery that is long-lasting.
- It is equipped with 1GB memory with additional 8GB external memory.
- The touch screen is 2,4 inches which is very similar to a small phone.
Cons
- It may not work with all cellular providers.
Buy on:
BTECH GMRS Two-Way Radio
7
While traveling, maps are one thing that is quite essential, especially if we are traveling to new places that are not familiar. When we are unable to be online and browse through the maps, BTECH GMRS Two-Way Radio is offering the ability to download the necessary offline maps to accompany your trip. This is supported by the GMRS system that has a programmer app where you can store offline data as well as share location and test on the app.
Thereafter, BTECH gives protection against all potential harm, such as water or dust, by including IP67 in its design. Hence, there is no need to worry about bringing this radio for challenging outdoor activities in nature as it has a good waterproof rating. Their battery comes in 2600mAh providing longer stand-by hours for your adventure. Let’s check out this YouTube review by Ham Radio 2.0 about this product.
Pros
- It is designed with a built-in compass.
- It comes at an affordable price!
- Their USA local support is at their service to give you support for any problems that arise.
Cons
- It does not have an extended battery.
Buy on:
Garmin Rino 750
6
Speaking of the name of Garmin, they guarantee to offer high-quality outdoor adventure products, including this Garmin Rino 750. As one of the suggested selections of 2-way radios with GPS, Garmin Rino 750 serves you an extended range of connections up to 20 miles. You can either communicate with text messages as well as by voice call.
Garmin Rinno 750 GPS has high sensitivity and is supported with satellite reception by GLONASS. Therefore, this 2-way radio with GPS can track more complicated terrain and share your position with other RINO users within the same channel. Thus, other users may track you and send emergency support immediately if you are having difficulties in a secluded area.
Pros
- The design comes with a 3 inches display that is sunlight readable.
- It has two battery system, which is Li-ion and optional AA batteries.
- You can use the screen in portrait and landscape orientation.
Cons
- The battery sometimes encounters an issue that is unable to charge.
Buy on:
Standard Horizon HX890
5
Standard Horizon HX890 is claimed to be the next popular radio among those 2-way radios with GPS after its predecessor HX870. The HX890 comes with more exciting features completing the old unit and making it more appealing. It now has the daytime and nighttime mode that you can select from the display, making it more comfortable for your eyes to read the information on the display.
The design of Standard Horizon HX890 has also been upgraded with a new case that comes in an ergonomic design. It still comes with IPX8 construction that is submersible and allows it to float on water. This design is already compatible with military standards with high safety. After that, Water Activated Emergency is still equipped in the unit, so when it is on the water, the strobe light will be on to support you during an emergency.
Pros
- It now has a broadcast band that is a built-in FM receiver.
- The design has noise cancellation up to 700mW for loud sounds.
- It comes with a USB jack to connect the radio to PC.
Cons
- It may take some time to get familiar with the handheld menu.
Buy on:
Retevis RT68
4
Best Price. For a value pack of 2 way radios with GPS that suit best for groups, Retevis RT68 will be the best choice. They offer a highly affordable price for 6 pcs two-way radios with GPS that come with a charger station that handles all at one time. This will definitely save more of your time and your space. The charger station itself occupies protection from overcharge, voltage, and short circuit danger to give you more safety for indoor usage.
Retevis RT68 comes in a package with a comfortable earpiece for clearer communication as well. Their earpiece is designed to fit your ears so you can use it comfortably for a rather long time. Furthermore, their antenna has a sturdy fixed sealed cover with a more stable transmission resulting in clear sound on your connection.
Pros
- The body is constructed out of durable materials with vibration and shock resistance.
- It saves costs for group usage communication.
- It has 16 channels that are compatible with FRS radios.
Cons
- It is less suitable for outdoor activities.
Buy on:
BTECH DMR 6X2 PRO
3
Most Versatile. One of the 2-way radios with GPS that everyone can use for personal use to commercial needs is BTECH DMR 6X2 PRO. The design provides a comfortable large TFT color display where you can easily assign a channel or change its functions from analog to digital. In addition, It will give you extra convenience to connect with your group while keeping up to 50.000 contacts in it.
BTECH DMR 6X2 PRO also has a built-in GPS which will convey information and your current location by both analog and digital through APRS packets. All data received can also be kept on your personal computer using downloadable software that you can upgrade from time to time. it also has a programming cable that connects your 2-way radios to your PC.
Pros
- It can connect to headsets or earbuds using Bluetooth.
- The display allows you to choose between day, night, or custom display exclusively.
- It can store up to 4000 channels, and you can still add more without saving it if you want to do group talk.
Cons
- It is only suitable for Windows PC.
Buy on:
Nextcom 4G-LTE Two-Way Radio
2
Most Comprehensive. Meet one of the 2-way radios with GPS that offers you a thorough connection system from a SIM card, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, Nextcom 4G-LTE Two Way Radio! The design will effortlessly allow you to talk through cellular service for either private or group calls. Nextcom also constructs it with NFC, which will definitely enhance your mobile ability, especially with banking services.
Nextcom is intending to make this radio one of the 2-way radios with GPS, the most flexible radio that can give instant communication for you for daily operations or users. Hence, it has dispatch software that can gather up to 200 users at a time. This software will help manage large radio connections and ensure it runs smoothly.
Pros
- It has a 3600 mAh Li-ion battery.
- The body is bulky with the proper size in hand.
- It has a simple interface and crystal-clear audio.
Cons
- It can only record a maximum of 5 messages and not more.
Buy on:
Garmin Rino 755t
1
Best Connection. As the brand name speaks for itself, Garmin Rino 755t will be the 2-way radio with GPS that will provide you with an extensive range of abilities. It offers a long range of connections up to 20 miles through messaging or voice. With this ability, you can use Garmin Rino while having outdoor activities to further areas with no hesitation needed. Check out more of this product on YouTube review by My Minimalist, Adventurous, Survivalist, Life!
Garmin Rino 755t is equipped with GPS and a satellite connection of GLONASS reception. In a difficult environment, the satellite reception can help to keep the connection available and stable to share location details or other information with fellow Rino users that stand by on the same channel. Herewith, hiking in a challenging environment won’t be a problem anymore.
Pros
- It has a dual battery of Li-ion and AA battery pack.
- It has a large display with dual orientation, both portrait and landscape perspective
- The display also features a touch screen with sunlight-readable mode.
Cons
- The price is quite high.
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
After going through the list provided above on the best 2-way radios with GPS, we are certain that you already have an eye on some products that are interesting. Nevertheless, before you choose, we would like to provide you with a narrowed-down list of four products we think will suit you best with their amazing features. Let’s have a look below.
- Best Price: Retevis RT68
- Most Versatile: BTECH DMR 6X2 PRO
- Most Comprehensive: Nextcom 4G-LTE Two-Way Radio
- Best Connection: Garmin Rino 755t
How To Choose The Best 2-Way Radios with GPS
There are several features and abilities that you need to check before deciding which 2-way radios with GPS to buy. Most 2-way radios with GPS are expected to function well, especially when brought out for outdoor activities. However, there are other considerations also that come up in relation to the radio function. Here are some of the key features that we think are important for you to check before buying.
Connection Range
We are aware that most 2 way radios with GPS should be able to give you a long range of connections to communicate even when you are further away. Although you will mostly need this when you are an outdoor adventure type of person, you can also use it for commercial activities that include multiple venues.
Connectivity System
Although most 2-way radios with GPS works on UHV or VHF channel, some radios are offering a more advanced connectivity system through cellular data. There are also 2-way radios with GPS that can connect to Wi-Fi to simplify communication. Moreover, a more enhanced radio is equipped with satellite reception, giving a more comprehensive connection in a challenging environment.
Easy to Use
Eventually, when we are looking for 2-way radios with GPS, we would expect a sturdy and good connection radio with a simple system to use. It will be best to have a clear display to adjust the channel or to choose whether we want it in the digital or analog arrangement. Additionally, having a simple side or front panel button with a clear taskbar on the menu will be great. Hence, it will be easy to operate the radio on day to day basis.
Do two-way radios have GPS?
Not all two-way radios equip with built-in GPS on their system. However, most 2 way radios nowadays are already designed with GPS integrated to enhance the feature with the ability of location sharing with good accuracy.
What Is The Best Two-Way Radio For Distance
From the list above, we can say that you can count on Garmin Rino 755t for a stable connection and GPS within 20 miles range.
What Is The Best Two-Way Walkie Talkie?
It would really depend on what kind of feature you are looking for. You can check from the list of 2-way radios with GPS we provide above the feature that suits you and choose the best one for your needs.