Whether you’re a first-time user wanting something simple, or an experienced walkie talkie veteran, this guide will help you pick out the best walkie talkie for your needs.

We ranked five of our favorite walkie talkie models based on features, capabilities, and overall functionality.

1. KENWOOD NX-5200 / NX-5300 / NX-5400

Brand: Kenwood

Optional Features/Upgrades:

  • Available with or without numeric keypad
  • Optional encryption module upgrade

Key Features:

  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • GPS
  • SD card slot
  • Encryption equipped

Kenwood’s NX-5000 series is a great option for those who have not made the switch from analog to digital radios and want to ease in.

This series of walkie talkies is capable of three different digital CAIs, (Common Air Interfaces) while also being FM analog capable. This makes it an ideal option for those who are unsure which type of digital walkie talkie they want, are unsure if they want to switch from analog to digital, or just want to stay in analog with the option to ease in down the road. Therefore, it is the best walkie talkie for people who are still not sure how they would use it.

Kenwood is considered to have the best walkie talkie for users who have not switched from analog to digital radios.

Product Benefits:

  • Built-In Bluetooth – This feature is ideal for those who want the communication abilities of walkie talkies while operating hands free. This series is able to pair to a bluetooth headset to allow the user to remain hands free.
  • SD Card Slot – This feature allows the user to expand the memory capacity of their walkie talkie up to 32 GB for storing data on a microSD card.
  • Encryption Equipped – the NX-5000 series of radios come equipped with 56-bit key data encryption standard in order to provide a secure method of communication between the users. In addition, users can purchase an upgraded module for up to 256 bit advanced encryption standard.
  • Built Tough – the NX-5000 series of walkie talkies go through a series of tests before they are put onto the market to test their strength and durability under pressure. These walkie talkies are made to withstand water for up to two hours one meter deep.

2. Kenwood NX-3300

Brand: Kenwood

Optional Features/Upgrades:

  • Full keypad model with LCD
  • Standard keypad model with LCD and large 4-way D-pad
  • Basic model without LCD or keypad

Key Features:

  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS receiver
  • Active noise reduction

Kenwood’s NX-3300 is a versatile two-way radio that allows the user to use it as both an analog and digital radio.

This is considered the best walkie talkie for users who are familiar with analog radios, but not yet familiar with digital. With a variety of screen and keypad options, the NX-3300 is sure to have a model for every user.

Kenwood NX-3300 is considered the best walkie talkie for its versatility features.

Product Benefits:

  • Built-In Bluetooth – Ideal for those who want the communication abilities of walkie talkies while operating hands-free, this series is able to pair to a Bluetooth headset to allow the user to move around more freely.
  • Built-In GPS – This feature is great for commercial applications, as the entire fleet of radios can be tracked.
  • Active Noise Reduction – Take the renowned sound quality of Kenwood products and combine it with active noise reduction to allow you to hear only what you need to hear, and not the background noise.

3. Kenwood NX-1300

Brand: Kenwood

Optional Features/Upgrades: Variations with and without LCD backlit keypad

Key Features: 

  • TDMA and FDMA capable
  • Remote stun/kill feature
  • 5-watt coverage on both UHF and VHF

Kenwood’s NX-1300 is a great option for all two-way radio users.

It is one of the best business radios, coming at a reasonable price point, and is known for its easy-to-use system and superb audio quality.

Kenwood NX-1300 is the best walkie talkie for users in need of business radios.

Product Benefits:

  • TDMA and FDMA Capable – This feature makes the device capable of matching the frequencies of other radio fleets, even if they are different brands.
  • Remote Stun/Kill – The NX-1300 is capable of going into stun or kill mode. When the user puts the radio into stun mode, it is unable to receive or transmit messages over any channels. When the user puts the radio into kill mode, all features will be unavailable. These are useful features that can be used remotely if your radio is lost or stolen.
  • VHF and UHF Capable – This feature makes the walkie talkie capable of being used in just about any situation. If you are in a crowded city with a lot of buildings, you can use the radio in UHF. If you are in a remote area free of obstructions, use VHF.

4. XPR-7500 Motorola

Brand: Motorola

Optional Features/Upgrades:

  • Channel capacity upgrade
  • Intrinsically safe FM option

Key Features:

  • Intelligent Audio
  • Enhanced water and dust protection
  • Over-the-air programming

The XPR7000 Series provides useful key features such as text messaging and integrated bluetooth audio for anyone who wants something extra from their walkie talkie. It is considered the best walkie talkie for users who desire advanced features in their radios.

Enjoy the luxuries of superb audio quality, an optional full-color display, and enhanced GPS to prepare you for any adventure.

Motorola XPR7000 is the best walkie talkie for users who want advanced features, such as text messaging and bluetooth audio.

Product Benefits:

  • Intelligent Audio – The XPR7500 includes intelligent audio, meaning it only picks up audio the user intended others to hear.
  • Water/Dust Protection – Built with an IP57 water rating, this means the XPR7500 is dust proof and can be submerged in water.
  • Over The Air Programming – Our technicians will remotely make any programming changes you need, saving you time from doing it any other way.

5. XPR-3500

Motorola

Brand: Motorola

Key Features:

  • Extended battery life
  • UHF and VHF capable
  • Digital and analog capabilities

The XPR 3500e transmits using both UHF and VHF frequencies and can be programmed with other radios, making it a valuable tool and the best walkie talkie for any situation.

Stay connected and up-to-date on what’s important with this two-way radio. Designed for the everyday worker, this walkie talkie provides communications you can rely on.

Motorola XPR-3500 is the best walkie talkie for everyday use due to its reliable features.

Product Benefits:

  • Extended Battery Life – This walkie talkie is sure to last with a battery life of 19 hours.
  • UHF and VHF Capable – This walkie talkie is able to communicate in both VHF and UHF frequencies, making it suitable for any situation.
  • Analog and Digital Options – Capable of both digital and analog features, this walkie talkie is ideal for those who are still transitioning from analog to digital.

Don’t Be Caught Unprepared

Walkie talkies are essential tools that can be used for a variety of options from GPS to communicating across various signals and frequencies.

Rechargeable and portable, a walkie talkie should be in any person’s toolkit, as you never know when the need may arise. That’s where VEI comes in. We are your one-stop shop for two-way radios in Louisville, KY. 

Choosing the best walkie talkie for your needs will definitely come in handy.

This list of today’s top 5 walkie talkies will assist you in making the decision that is right for you. Give us a call today!