13 Best Walkie Talkies with GPS

Two-way radios and walkie talkies are an invaluable piece of equipment for us outdoor enthusiasts, whether we’ve gone hunting, camping, or hiking. Just like handheld GPS devices, they are a reliable and direct means of staying connected, especially since we head out in areas where cell phone coverage is limited or absent altogether. They not only kept us safe but also allowed us to call for help in emergency situations for coordinating rescue efforts. In such cases, pinpointing one’s location is all the more important, which is why we invested in a walkie talkie with GPS. We did have a challenging time looking for such a product, but when we did, we found them to be of high-quality, equipped with tons of features, and extremely portable.

What we also love about walkie-talkies is that they promoted a sense of nostalgic fun and camaraderie among us — after all, there’s something about using them that makes us feel like kids again! From calling a backcountry drop to multi-pitch climbing commands, a good walkie-talkie can be the difference between a garbled transmission and a good one. Here’s a detailed guide to the best of the lot.

Retevis RT3S Dual Band Ham Radio

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We begin with the Retevis RT3S Dual Band Ham Radio, a dual-band ham radio walkie-talkie with the GPS functions we were looking for. Its GPS APRS function can send and receive GPS information in digtal mode, thus getting real-time location information for us during times of need. What’s more, it works in two modes, analog and digital, with the ability to manage up to 120,000 contacts and store up to 3000 channels. A long-lasting battery aside, it even has a VFo mode that allowed us to change parameters such as frequencies easily. Finally, we were thrilled with the clear and full numeric keyboard, making it very convenient to use on the trail.

NX Series TX60 4G LTE Walkie Talkie

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The NX Series TX60 4G LTE GPS Walkie Talkie worked wherever there was 4G LTE coverage from Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, providing us with always-on, instant communication. It wad a wider operational range of a whopping 5,000 mi across 128 channels and up to 2,000 users per channel. Moreover, it even provided GPS tracking with ping choices from 12-60 seconds and even played back our last 5 conversations.If that wasn’t enough, there was even an alert displayed for missed calls and we could retrieve the last 99 messages. Did we mention that they gave the airtime free for the first month of our use? Yes!

Garmin Rino 750

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We have our first Garmin product on this list, the Garmin Rino 750. This rugged handheld navigator boasted an extended range of connections for up to 20 mi. What’s more, it could track more complicated terrain and share our position within the same channel with other Rino users as well, thanks to the GPS and supported satellite reception by GLONASS. Hence, our other hiking peers and emergency personnel could immediately track us and send out emergency support were we to have any difficulties in secluded or remote areas. If that wasn’t enough, we can either communicate with text messages or via voice call, which is what we loved the flexibility of.

TYT MD-UV390 Dual-Band Walkie Talkie

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The TYT MD-UV390 Dual-Band Walkie Talkie is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the TYT MD-390, with the update being the GPS function. What’s more, this device is rated IP67 and is both dustproof and waterproof, making it rugged and durable for outdoor adventures. This device featured not only 3,000 channels but also two modes, analog and digital, along with multiple call and text message options in the digital mode. Did we mention that we could even make group calls with this device? Yep. The best bit? We could easily switch between both modes, and we could do so using the voice command, hands-free.

BAOFENG 5RM GPS Ham Radio

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We have another Baofeng product on this list; this time, it’s the BAOFENG 5RM GPS Ham Radio. There are two versions of this product, one with GPS (without flashlight) and one without GPS; this one is the former with a 1.77-inch large color screen that made operating it very easy. We loved the ergonomic design that was rugged and also allowed us to clutch it easily. With the GPS function, we could share, request, and view location information, making it a blessing when we went hiking on trails. Besides multiple charging methods, this device also allowed us to easily copy the frequency of our fellow peers’ walkie-talkies, thus avoiding complex frequency programming steps.

Ailunce HD1 DMR Handheld Two-Way Radio

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The Ailunce HD1 DMR Handheld Two-Way Radio is a dual band ham radio that helped us stay in touch with our hiking mates when we’re on outdoor adventures. With up to 2,00,000 contacts, 256 zones, and 3000 channels, this IP67 waterproof talkie allowed us to stay in touch even in remote environments. What’s more, it had two working modes, digital and analog, between which we could switch smoothly accroding to our needs. Thanks to the battery life of more than 15 hours, we didn’t have to worry about having to constantly recharge it. Finally, the 1.77-inch color LCD display was very easy to read.

BTECH UV-PRO Dual-Band Two-Way Radio

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Best setup kit. The BTECH UV-PRO Dual-Band Two-Way Radio was one of the best outdoor communication skits we’ve ever seen. Besides the UV-PRO Radio, it also came with type-C USB charging cable, a 2600mAh battery, a belt clip and antenna, screws and screwdriver, and, the best of all, a detailed user manual. We could easily sync this device with our smartphones via the Android/iOS apps, allowing for everything from GPS sharing to text messaging, GPS sharing, and streamlined device management. If that wasn’t enough, the device also had an in-built compass and NOAA weather alerts, making it the ultimate tool for our outdoor adventures.

BAOFENG UV-21 GPS Ham Radio

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The BAOFENG UV-21 GPS Ham Radio is one of the best options for a walkie-talkie with GPS. There are a lot of things we loved about this long-range professional walkie talkie, which had a range of three to five miles. It could withstand the harsh conditions of our hiking trails due to its anti-drop design and sturdy casing, thus ensuring durability and a longer lifespan. Moreover, it could quickly decipher the target radio’s frequency for communication, while the GPS function allowing us to get your real-time position accurately. So, we could quickly find our hiking mates when we were outdoors.

“We were wary of the low cost of this device — just USD 40 — but it impressed us to no end with its usefulness!”

WOW Travel

GlobalPTT 2-Pack Sim Card Walkie-Talkies

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Best push-to-talk walkie-talkie. If you’re looking for a push-to-talk walkie-talkie, then look no further than the GlobalPTT 2-Pack Sim Card Walkie-Talkies. This device uses PoC (push-to-talk over cellular) technology for clear and instant voice transmission and communication anywhere, thanks to the cellular 4G LTE data network. What’s more, we didn’t have to pay any subscription or monthly fees; all we did was simply renew our service through the brand to stay connected. The rugged design helped us take this device on challenging walking trails, as it could easily withstand harsh environments. Finally, the bright and clear display and intuitive button layout won us over, allowing us to quickly access essential functions.

BTECH GMRS-PRO 5W Long-Range GMRS Radio

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The BTECH GMRS-PRO 5W Long-Range GMRS Radio is one of the most advanced GMRS handheld walkie-talkies we’ve ever seen. It included a bundle of cutting-edge features, including app programmability, onboard compass, real-time GPS, and even complete Bluetooth audio support. Whether we were coordinating with a group, hiking, or off-roading, it kept us connected in all environments. What’s more, we could fully program and use it manually or via an app, access online maps, update firmware, and customize channels without internet. We especially appreciated its in-built location-based features, including location sharing and compass, allowing us to navigate off-the-grid with precision.

Garmin inReach Mini 2

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Garmin seems to have cemented its position at the top of the heap for two-way GPS communication devices, and the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is one of their best updated products. Using the Iridium satellite network for global coverage, it allowed us to stay connected even in remote areas via interactive SOS and two-way messaging and emailing. In fact, we could even communicate directly between two inReach devices in the outdoors. We loved the rugged and compact design, which was rated IPX7 and could withstand the elements. Thanks to the 14-day of battery life in its default 10-minute tracking mode, we didn’t have to constantly check during even 2-day long hiking periods. Finally, we could access detailed weather updates directly on our paired devices.

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Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radio

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Most versatile. Go beyond push-to-talk with the Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radio. This pair worked just like every other two-way radio — using radio frequencies to send information and keep us connected when we were off-grid. All we had to do was download the Motorola Talkabout app and we could connect the T800 to our smartphone over Bluetooth. What’s more, the radios also had offline location sharing and easy tracking, easy group communication, and even emergency location features. Thanks to 121 privacy codes and 22 Channels, it was hassle-free for us to find a secure channel for our group. Rounding things up was the 20-mile data range and 35-mile voice range.

Garmin Rino 700

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Best value-for-money. Entry-level outdoor enthusiasts, take note: the Garmin Rino 700, which costs just USD 250, is the “recreational” version of the brand’s series of GPS navigators. Even though we needed two of these to make using them effective, we still found it to be cheaper than most other Garmin products. This 2-way GMRS radio offered an extended range of up to 20 miles as well as options to communicate by texts (to only Rino devices) or voice messages. What’s more, it also has Bluetooth, with the rechargeable battery providing up to 13 hours of battery life.

Aside from being easy to use, we found the high-sensitivity GLONASS and GPS satellite reception feature useful, as it was able to track us in more challenging environments. Moreover, the position reporting feature on the worldwide base map showed us the locations of other Rino users on the same channel, allowing the group to see where the others were.

Check out the best 2-Way radios with GPS, which has other Garmin products on it.

Here’s a detailed YouTube review from Equip 2 Endure that talks about the top 2 products on this list, the Garmin Rino 700 and the Motorola Talkabout T800.

Our Verdict!

Here’s a smaller, whittled-down list of devices that will help you decide which one to buy.

• Best value for money: Garmin Rino 700
• Most versatile: Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radio
• Best push-to-talk walkie-talkie: GlobalPTT 2-Pack Sim Card Walkie-Talkies
• Best setup kit: BTECH UV-PRO Dual-Band Two-Way Radio

How To Choose The Best Walkie-Talkie with GPS?

Range

One of the first things we considered when looking for a walkie-talkie was taking into account the terrain. Most walkie-talkie manufacturers offer a maximum range based on “line of sight” distance projections. So, clearly, the products were tested without any obstructions in optimum conditions with a clear line of sight at a particular distance, after which they worked effectively.

However, terrains will include elevation change and thus, affect the range as well. Adding denser coverage, like hills, forests, and mountains will cuse the range to shrink further. So, the backcountry walkie-talkie won’t work the same as it did in urban areas. Hence, you need to check the range before you buy.

Channels and Frequencies

When it comes to privacy codes, channel options, and radio frequencies, there are so many things we could nerd out on. There are designated channels for walkie-talkies on which two-way radios operate. So, we could choose a specific channel to communicate on, adding privacy codes further for reduced interference and additional security.

Satellite communication

Finally, we looked for walkie-talkies with satellite communication technology that were also user-friendly and portable. It allowed us to access essential communication services and stay connected in challenging environments. We could transmit data, send two-way text messages, and make calls from virtually every corner of the world, including off-grid and remote locations with no cellular networks.

Do cheap walkie talkies work well?

While they’re suitable for standard outdoor use, we highly recommend not getting them when you’re going into the outdoors as they have fewer features and less customization options as compared to the better, more expensive ones.

Are walkie talkies waterproof?

While some walkie-talkies are waterproof, others are merely water-resistant. So, you’ll need to check their IPX ratings. For instance, an IPX2 rating only allows for dripping water or vertical sprays, while IPX7 or IPX8 ratings allow for them to be submergible as well.

What is the best walkie-talkie for the mountains?

That would be the Garmin Rino 750, whose GPS and GLONASS features allowed us to track our peers even in complicated hilly terrain.