Best Walkie Talkies with Headsets: Complete 2021 Buyer’s Guide
Using a walkie talkie on a long cross country hike, a motorcycle ride with the buddies, or at the workplace can be convenient, but if you want a safer, easier way to communicate when you’re driving, hiking, or working, then you need the best walkie talkies with headsets. Using one of these systems will free up your hands, allowing you to communicate with friends, family, or coworkers without taking your hands off the handlebar, or struggling to juggle the walkie talkie as you’re hiking or working. These headsets are the perfect accessory and one that helps to ensure user safety.
Since there are so many different models of walkie talkie and headset systems on the market, I decided to create this buyer’s guide, which will go over the different features to look for, in order to help you choose the right set based on your needs, where you’ll be going, and whether the walkie talkies will be used indoors or outdoors. I’ve also tried out several of the best-selling sets, narrowing it down to the top three that are dominating the market. Below, you’ll find a buyer’s guide that includes each of the sets that made it onto my list, how they rated, and some of their best features.
Table of Contents
Walkie Talkie with Headsets Comparison Chart
Product | Handsets | Frequency Type | Channels | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retevis RT19 2 Way Radios Shop On Amazon! | 10 | VHF | 22 | |
Motorola Talkabout T265 Two-Way Radios Shop On Amazon! | 2 | VHF | 22 | |
HUNICOM Long Range Walkie Talkies Shop On Amazon! | 2 | UHF | 16 |
Retevis RT19 2 Way Radios
This set of ten walkie talkies comes with ten headsets and features fifteen to twenty-four hours of battery life. These models come equipped with twenty-two channels to choose from. The radios feature crystal clear reception and operate on VHF, which means the system provides excellent range and reception outdoors.
Pros
- Lightweight ultra-thin design
- Twenty-two channels
- Easy to use
- Reliable
Cons
- Difficult to set up
Conclusion
These lightweight, durable walkie talkies are designed to withstand heavy-duty use and come equipped with headsets that will allow you to enjoy hands-free operation. The longer than average battery life of twenty-four hours will make this set perfect for work use, camping, hiking adventures and more.
Motorola Talkabout T265 Rechargeable Two-Way Radios
This set includes two walkie talkies, two headsets, a Y-cable dual charger, and a carrying case. These walkie talkies come equipped with twenty-two channels, each with a total of 121 privacy codes. This set also comes with NOAA weather alerts and channels, so you’ll always stay ahead of the weather.
Pros
- 22 channels
- 121 privacy codes
- Durable
- Includes carrying case
Cons
- Poor quality belt clips
Conclusion
This set features a simple push to talk button design, includes a headset for hands-free use, and has an impressive twenty-five mile range. This is a system that’s designed specifically for hunting, which is why the handsets and the carrying case feature a vivid camouflage design. Dependable, durable, and equipped with weather alerts that will allow you to avoid heavy downpours and other types of inclement weather, this set is a must-have for the avid hunter.
HUNICOM Long Range Walkie Talkies
This set of two walkie talkies features sixteen channels each, offering long range communication that’s perfect for hiking, camping, or the workplace. Of course, while this set is labeled as long range it actually only offers a range of two and a half up to five miles, depending on terrain and your location at time of use. Since it operates via UHF, it’s a better choice for indoor use, although it can still offer a reliable performance outdoors, it just may not offer the type of range capability you’re looking for.
This set comes equipped with some great features including a built-in flashlight, and an emergency alarm, which is designed to alert other members in your party in the event of an emergency. The included headset allows users to communicate with coworkers, friends, or family, hands-free, making them a safer choice for hikers, construction workers, hunters and more.
Pros
- Includes emergency alarm
- Lightweight
- 16 channels
- Hands-free use with headset
Cons
- Short range
Conclusion
This set of walkie talkies features a shorter range compared to the other sets in my lineup. However, unlike the other two sets, these walkie talkies operate via UHF, which makes them a better choice for use indoors. Overall, this set offers a solid performance and is a great choice for urban environments, the workplace, or around the home.
Walkie Talkie with Headsets Buyer’s Guide
A walkie talkie headset is the most common accessory people will purchase for their walkie talkies. However, when you purchase this accessory separately, you’ll run the risk that it’s not compatible with your walkie talkie, or you may end up with a low-quality headset that will quit on you when you need it the most. Purchasing a walkie talkie and headset system is the best way to ensure you purchase a reliable communication system that you can use on your next outdoor adventure, around the home, or at work. Before I dive into the features you should look for in your next system, I’ll first go over the many benefits this type of walkie talkie set has to offer and why you’ll love using one.
Benefits of Walkie Talkie with Headsets
- If you’re using a walkie talkie for work purposes, then doing so will make your job significantly safer. You won’t have to stop what you’re doing to respond to a call, you won’t have to put down your tools, and you’ll be able to focus on the task at hand.
- If you’re using this type of walkie talkie system for hiking and climbing, you’ll also benefit from the type of safety this option offers.
- Purchasing a walkie talkie headset combo is more affordable than purchasing a headset separately.
- If the walkie talkie system you purchase is under warranty, then the headset may be as well, unlike some low-priced standalone walkie talkie headsets that are sold separately.
- Buying a headset and walkie talkie combo will also ensure you’re using a headset that’s compatible with your two-way radio.
Other Important Features
Now that you know why purchasing a walkie talkie and headset combo is so important, let’s learn more about the must-have features you need to look for to ensure the set you buy is reliable, offers a decent range, and will provide the type of solid performance you need whether you’re out on the trail or at work.
Radio Frequency
When you’re shopping for a new walkie talkie set, consider what type of radio frequency you need. This can impact range and reliability, depending on whether you’re using the walkie talkies indoors or outside. Basically, if you need walkie talkies for indoor use or for use in urban environments, such as apartment complexes or office buildings, then you’ll want to go with a model that operates on UHF.
If you want a new set of walkie talkies for your next camping or hiking trip, then choose VHF, which has a reputation for its longer range and solid outdoor functionality.
Channels
The more channels a walkie talkie has, the less interference you’ll have to deal with. If you want your entire camping group to stay on one channel, then you can tune all of the walkie talkies to the same channel and lock out the other channels. For the workplace, different departments can be assigned to different channels, which will cut down on confusion and allow coworkers to communicate with each other easily and more effectively.
Headset Quality
The included headset will consist of earphones and a mic. The headset is designed to allow users to speak and listen to other parties without using their hands. A set that offers this feature will allow you to switch the radio to the hands-free mode so you can focus on the job at hand and ensure your safety. Not all headsets are created equal. Some may be uncomfortable to use for an extended period of time. Others will offer the type of heavily padded headband and adjustability needed to allow you to comfortably wear the headset throughout the day. Pay close attention to how a headset rates in terms of adjustability, clarity, and comfort.
Set Size
If you’re looking for a set for work or recreational use, purchasing a bigger set can actually save you money. It can also allow you to keep an extra handset or two on hand, in the event one of your other models gives out. If you don’t purchase a set, make sure that the walkie talkie you do buy is compatible with the other models your coworkers, friends, or family members are using. You should also check if the set you buy is expandable so you can purchase more walkie talkies later down the road if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Walkie Talkie has the Longest Range?
VHF walkie talkies have a reputation for offering the longest range and are a better choice for outdoor use than UHF. VHF features a longer radio wave, which stretches significantly farther than the much shorter UHF signal.
Can Walkie Talkies Pick up Police?
The police aren’t on any channel that you’ll find on a walkie talkie. The police have their own frequencies that will vary from city to city and they’re on a band that only they are legally allowed to transmit on.
Are Walkie Talkies Safe?
Children will be at risk of being contacted by strangers since walkie talkie channels can be picked up by other walkie talkie systems in the area. Never allow small children to use walkie talkies without adult supervision. Additionally, a private conversation on a walkie talkie is never really private. Never discuss any sensitive information over a walkie talkie.
Final Thoughts
The best walkie talkies with headsets will allow you to communicate with family, friends, and coworkers, hands-free. These systems will be invaluable in the workplace, on the road, when you’re hiking, camping, or even preparing dinner. This guide and the products I’ve recommended here will help put you on the path to buying the perfect system for your next camping, hunting, or hiking trip, or they will make a great addition to your place of work.