10 Best Emergency Two Way Radios 2025 in the United States

The Retevis RT22 walkie talkies come in a convenient 6-pack with a multi-gang charger, making them ideal for teams or families needing easy group communication during emergencies. They offer 16 channels and key lock features to prevent accidental changes, helping keep communication clear and consistent. With a modest range of up to 2 kilometers, these radios work well for close to medium distances, which suits many emergency or small group scenarios but might fall short for larger outdoor areas. They are lightweight and compact, fitting comfortably in your hand or clipped to a belt, which is handy for carrying around during active situations.

Durability is decent with anti-fall ABS material and a fixed short antenna designed to reduce damage if dropped, though they are not water resistant, so caution is needed in wet conditions. Battery life is supported by included rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and the 6-way charger protects against overcharging, which adds convenience and safety for frequent use. The voice-activated transmit function allows hands-free operation, useful when your hands are busy. However, these radios do not have weather alerts or advanced privacy codes that some higher-end models offer, which might be a drawback if you need those specific features.

In conclusion, the Retevis RT22 radios are user-friendly and reliable for short-range communication, making them well suited for business or personal emergency preparedness where ease of use and group charging are priorities. They balance portability and durability but lack some advanced features like water resistance and weather alerts that could be important depending on your environment.

The Uniden Atlantis 275 is a robust emergency two-way radio designed for marine use. Its most notable strength is its waterproof and floating capability, adhering to the IPX8 submersible standard, making it highly reliable in wet environments. The radio offers a powerful 6-watt output, with adjustable settings for 6W, 2.5W, or 1W, ensuring strong communication over long distances, up to 36 miles under optimal conditions.

The inclusion of an emergency strobe light and built-in flashlight adds to its safety features, making it an excellent choice for emergencies at sea. The large dual-color LCD screen enhances visibility, with a paper white backlight for daytime and a red backlight for nighttime use, ensuring readability in varying light conditions. It covers all USA, International, and Canadian marine VHF channels, including NOAA Weather Channels and alerts, keeping users informed of weather changes. The built-in lithium-ion battery pack, along with AC and DC charging options, ensures long battery life and flexibility in recharging.

However, its compact size and weight of 1.5 pounds make it portable, though it may still feel slightly bulky for some users. Another strength is the 3-year warranty, including a full waterproof warranty, providing peace of mind regarding its durability. On the downside, some users may find the number of channels (25) limiting compared to other models offering more variety. Potential buyers should consider whether the specific marine-focused features align with their needs. The Uniden Atlantis 275 is particularly well-suited for marine enthusiasts and professionals who require a reliable and durable communication tool for emergency situations on the water.

The Uniden MHS338BT Marine VHF Radio stands out in several key areas essential for emergency two-way radios. Firstly, it offers a strong range with its full 6-watt transmit power, which is ideal for ensuring maximum communication coverage during emergencies. The ability to adjust the power level (1.0W, 2.5W, 6.0W) adds versatility depending on your range needs. The integrated GPS feature is a major asset for location tracking, and the ability to save and manually enter positions can be very useful in marine environments. Moreover, the radio's Bluetooth capability allows for easy setup and text messaging via a smartphone app, enhancing connectivity options.

The device is highly durable, boasting IPX8 submersible rating and the ability to float, making it reliable for use in harsh marine conditions. The emergency strobe light and flashlight that activate upon water contact are critical safety features. The radio's sizeable, backlit LCD screen ensures easy readability both day and night, and its noise-canceling feature improves audio clarity.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The number of available channels (25) might be limiting compared to some other models, depending on your specific needs. Additionally, the product is slightly heavier (10.6 ounces) and moderately sized (1.5 x 2.52 x 4.6 inches), which could impact portability for some users. The inclusion of only one specialized battery might be a limitation for extended use without access to recharging facilities. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Uniden MHS338BT offers a comprehensive set of features, including NOAA weather alerts and compliance with International Class D DSC standards, making it a robust choice for those needing a reliable emergency marine radio.