The use of walkie-talkies today does not seem as relevant as a couple of decades ago. With the advent of the era of smartphones, these devices are less in demand. They are indispensable where satellite communications cannot be caught, helping to quickly negotiate between employees in an open spacious area. We have selected the 6 best walkie-talkies from Aliexpress, we will analyze their features and advantages.
How radios are used today
The devices offered by sellers on Aliexpress are easy to use, no operating permit is required for them. They are used in economic activities, when several employees work in large areas, in shopping centers and industrial premises. It is also convenient to take the devices with you for hunting or fishing, to talk during team games in an open area. Often, simple walkie-talkies are bought for children to communicate with friends or neighbors.
What is important when choosing walkie-talkies
Devices with Aliexpress differ from professional ones in connection quality and range. They are not suitable for business use (by the military, truckers and others who use high-frequency signals), more useful for personal use and communications.
What is the difference between radios:
- The number of channels. Simple devices work with LPD and PMR bands. Some of them have the ability to connect on two frequencies. As a result, the number of channels increases and reaches from 16 to 128. The communication capabilities of such devices are wider. For example, one of the most popular manufacturers from China BAOFENG makes it possible, for the convenience of users, with the help of special software, to program the radio to a certain frequency. This also does not require a license.
- The only walkie-talkie or kit. As a rule, devices are sold in pairs, which is logical, since there should be at least two users. Single copies are made of more durable materials and have additional functions. As a rule, such models are also purchased in pairs, but the overall price tag for them turns out to be more expensive.
- The radius of action. Depending on the purposes for which the radio is purchased, information about the range of the device is required. The most powerful models with Aliexpress keep a clear signal up to 10 km. Simple devices support communication up to 5 km. It must be understood that the device will pick up the signal without interference only in an open area. In a building where concrete floors and other obstacles are located, the quality will deteriorate, the distance without interference will be reduced several times (up to about 1.5-2 km).
- Additional functions. Most of the models from China are equipped with an FM radio and a flashlight. It is extremely convenient to use such devices in field conditions; a cellular connection is not required for radio waves to work. A flashlight is always useful for work or travel.
Walkie-talkies from Aliexpress differ little in quality from what we are used to seeing in chain stores. Thanks to direct communication with suppliers, you can buy a kit with the best functionality for affordable money, without overpaying a margin to an intermediary store. Of course, these radios are different from professional ones, more suitable for personal use or simple business matters. They will perfectly cope with their task in regions where cellular communication is poor. It is relevant to use such models for the work of security structures, when observing objects. Information is transmitted quickly, no need to look for a network or phone to communicate.
We have selected the 6 best walkie-talkies from Aliexpress, among which are paired and single options for use outdoors or indoors.
Walkie-talkies in a single copy
These devices are characterized by a dense body that is resistant to mechanical damage, drops, dust and moisture. They work in all weather conditions, from -30 to +60 degrees. They have high power and range.
BAOFENG UV-5R
Walkie-talkie with a range of 3-5 km without obstacles. The battery capacity is 1800 mAh, the body is made of plastic. Catches 128 radio channels, built-in radio. The frequency is 136-174 MHz and 400-540 MHz, the size is very compact, it easily fits into a woman’s palm, you can give it to a child. The set includes 1 piece, it does not catch extraneous waves, only standard civilians. Additionally, a clip and a headset are attached, charged from the mains. There is a flashlight, all functions work well, the sound is clear. At a long distance, noises may appear, up to 4 km, it catches perfectly in open areas. Very lightweight, convenient to take with you on a trip, hike, or game. Price from 20$.
Benefits:
- compact size, lightweight;
- 128 channels catch;
- there is a radio, a flashlight;
- good equipment;
- battery 1800 mAh;
- catches 4-5 km, no interference, clear sound.
Disadvantages:
- the instruction is in Chinese, you need to figure out the functionality yourself.
BAOFENG UV-9R PLUS Radio
Hiking waterproof walkie-talkie, high-quality plastic case. Protected from dust and dirt, catches up to 128 channels, good signal. Built-in VOX function – voice-controlled transmission, you can use the device hands-free (driving or cycling). Equipped with FM transmitter and LED flashlight, SOS alarm. You can program, remember the channel. Frequencies of truckers are not caught. According to reviews, the belt clip is very weak. Chargeable from the docking station, range 136-174 MHz to 400-540 MHz. Operating range up to 10 km without interference, user-tested. Price from 25$.
Benefits:
- high power, excellent signal;
- keeps the battery for a long time;
- at 10 km distance it catches perfectly;
- the sound is clear;
- there is a radio, a flashlight;
- can be used without hands.
Disadvantages:
- weak clip.
BAOFENG BF-888S
A universal walkie-talkie can be used in all weather conditions. Withstands temperatures from -30 to +60 degrees. The range is up to 5 km, it catches well, the sound is clear, interference appears only after a distance of more than 5 km. Built-in 1500 mAh battery, charged from the mains. The frequency is from 400 to 470 MHz, there are no instructions in Russian or English, you need to figure out the settings yourself. Suitable for traveling, hiking, hunting. If there are obstacles, for example, buildings, concrete structures, catches for 1.5 km. The set includes a headset, built-in LED torch. Price from 20$.
Benefits:
- very compact, lightweight;
- built-in long-playing battery;
- catches well, range 5 km;
- in buildings it catches up to 1.5 km;
- performance does not depend on weather conditions;
- nice price.
Disadvantages:
- instructions in Chinese;
- the flashlight is weak.
Kits
Sets for pair use, used for hunting, for communication between machines or between workers. They have a lightweight design, can be used without hands, the conversation will be supported by a wired headset. There are options for charging from a docking station, batteries, or rechargeable batteries.
BAOFENG UV5R (pair)
A set of radios with a bandwidth of 128 channels. Two frequencies from 136-174 MHz, 400-520 MHz. The range is up to 5 km, works in wooded areas, you can take it with you on a fishing or hunting trip. Suitable for a gift for children, light in weight, very compact, plastic case. Interference appears only at a great distance from each other. Built-in battery, rechargeable from the docking station. Durable, not afraid of dirt and mechanical damage. There is a radio and LED flashlight, several body colors to choose from. Price from 25$.
Benefits:
- small, easily fit into a pocket;
- suitable for hunting, fishing;
- there is a radio. Lantern;
- the sound is clear;
- catch without interference up to 5 km;
- keeps the battery for a long time.
Disadvantages:
- setup required, instructions in Chinese.
BAOFENG BF-C9
A set of compact radios that are easy to carry due to their low weight. Equipped with VOX function, you can use the device without hands, which is especially convenient when driving or while working. Built-in 1500 mAh battery, lasts a long time, up to 7 days without recharging. To replenish energy, you can use the SZU, car chargers, power bank. Suitable for use in shopping centers, office premises, can be used for hunting, fishing, hiking, or traveling. It catches up to 5 km without interference, if you go further there will be extraneous noises. In buildings up to 1.5 km of pure sound. Price from 20$.
Benefits:
- universal, for houses and open-air;
- keeps the battery for a long time;
- works indoors, range up to 1.5 km;
- compact size;
- a lightweight;
- can be used without hands.
Disadvantages:
- plastic is flimsy.
RETEVIS RT388
Small walkie-talkies in a light plastic case. The set includes 2 pcs, charged from 4 AAA batteries (it is preferable to purchase a rechargeable battery). The radius of action is up to 1.5 km. Suitable for personal use, can be used for children’s games or communication between cars in a column. There is a built-in flashlight that will be useful for a child in the game. You can put the radio in your pocket and use a wired headset for conversation. It is convenient when cycling or driving, no need to be distracted by the press of a button. The controls are very simple, easy to handle at any age. Price from 15$.
Benefits:
- compact size, lightweight;
- does not need electricity to charge (AAA batteries are used);
- there is a radio;
- can be used without hands;
- 10 ring tones;
- the call quality is good.
Disadvantages:
- few channels;
- short-range.
