Although reception was OK, we did experience some quiet background static when using these and struggled to get a decent signal at the suggested maximum of 200m.

In industries such as construction, hospitality, security, retail and schools, where quick and clear instructions and communication is important, walkie-talkies can be extremely useful.

For even greater simplicity, you can choose a Walkie Talkie with accessories that is best suited to your line of work, depending on whether you work in security, on a construction site or outdoors, in retail, or in events, etc. Vox is built in, and a MURS-V1 edition (see glossary below) is available which might better suit local regulations. He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. Free and unlimited communication: all you have to do is set your devices to the PMR446 frequency band.

Included with the walkie talkies are NiMH rechargeable batteries, and you can use a micro USB to keep them charged through the built-in port on the main unit of the walkie talkie. These are the types that a lot people use for their camping trips and such just to keep in touch with each other. If you like Cobra radios and are looking for a set with more features then check out the AM655 and AM855 radios linked below.The radios also offer six preset channels and privacy codes, which makes it easy to separate your group in busy areas like national parks.

Extra functions include a powerful LED torch light for nighttime use (which I think all walkie talkies should have), a low battery alarm, and noise reduction. That said, there’s also a place for disposable batteries here, as they can be swapped out in mere seconds, so consider walkie talkies that operate using those—many model use both rechargeable and disposable batteries. Walkie talkies come into their own when playing secret agents, and these hands-free devices have lots of clever extras that our testers loved.

The landscape and physical obstructions in the surrounding area play a crucial role in determining the range of the radio. I have memories of getting a cheap kids version for Christmas when I was about eight or nine years old and playing with them non-stop with my brother and friends until the batteries ran out (which wasn’t long in those days). Two-way radios are relatively inexpensive, easy (and even fun) to use and much more durable and water-resistant than fragile cell phones. Robust and durable, the Motorola T82 boasts extreme features such as an IPx4 rating making the radio weatherproof, and a sleek hidden display that boosts battery life up to 18 hours as the screen only comes alive when being used.