Walkie-talkies

Walkie-talkies in our range include licence-free handheld radios, professional digital and analogue two-way radios, and CB-style units for hobby and vehicle use. They suit families, event crews, building sites, warehouses and outdoor groups. Leading names include Midland, Hytera, Motorola and Kenwood, with over 200 models to compare.

How to choose a walkie-talkie

Licence-free or licensed. Licence-free handhelds, such as PMR446 models, work straight from the box and are the simplest option for families, hikers and small events. Business and industrial radios usually operate on dedicated frequencies that need a licence, so check the local radio regulations before you buy.

Real-world range. The distance printed on the box is measured in open country. Buildings, hills and dense trees cut it sharply, so a licence-free radio typically covers a few hundred metres indoors or in town. For larger sites or longer distances, look at higher-power professional handhelds or radios that work through a repeater.

Analogue or digital. Analogue radios are simple and work with many other analogue models. Digital radios, such as DMR models from Hytera, Motorola and Kenwood, give clearer audio at the edge of coverage and add features like private calls and group calls. Check that radios you plan to mix use the same standard.

Battery, build and accessories. A full shift needs a battery rated for it, so check the stated hours and whether spare batteries and drop-in chargers are available. For dusty, wet or rough work, look for a dust and water resistance rating. Earpieces and headsets matter in noisy places such as workshops and events.

Walkie-talkie brands we carry

• Midland: the largest brand in our range, known for licence-free handhelds and CB radios.
• Hytera: a professional radio maker with a strong focus on DMR digital systems for business and public safety.
• Motorola: a long-established name in professional two-way radios, with models for shops, hotels, factories and security teams.
• Kenwood: known for professional radios as well as amateur radio equipment.
• Stabo: a German brand with a history in CB radios and licence-free handhelds.
• Baofeng: known for low-cost, multi-band handhelds popular with radio hobbyists.
• President: focused on CB radios for vehicles and base stations.

Also in our range: PNI, Alecto, Beltrona, Wempe and Alan Elektronik.

Walkie-talkie FAQ

Do I need a licence to use a walkie-talkie?

Not for licence-free models such as PMR446 handhelds, which are made for public use on shared channels. Professional radios on dedicated frequencies, and many amateur radio models, generally require a licence or authorisation. Check the rules in your country before using any radio.

How far can a walkie-talkie reach?

It depends mainly on terrain and power, not on the figure on the box. In open country, licence-free radios can reach a few kilometres, but in towns or inside buildings the distance is usually much shorter. Higher-power professional radios and repeaters extend the coverage.

What is the difference between PMR446 and DMR radios?

PMR446 is a licence-free standard for short-range handhelds, available in analogue and digital versions. DMR is a digital standard used mainly in professional systems, with better audio at long distances and extra features such as group calls. DMR radios are usually used with licensed frequencies.

Can walkie-talkies from different brands talk to each other?

Often yes, if they use the same standard and frequency band, for example analogue PMR446. Digital radios must support the same digital standard, and advanced features may only work between radios of one brand. Check the specifications of both radios before mixing them.