Best GMRS Radios | Tested & Reviewed
When you need more than a walkie-talkie but don’t have time for amateur radio, a GMRS radio could fit the bill. You’ll need a license to operate it on GMRS channels or FRS over two watts, but those are now inexpensive and less restrictive in the US. With the ability to hit repeaters and transmit with more power, you can use powerful radios once only common with businesses and the military.
I’ve been reviewing GMRS radios since 2023, when I got my license. As an industrial engineer, I enjoy taking them apart, figuring out how they work, and testing their limits.
My main recommendation is for the Baofeng UV-5G Plus, which brings plenty of power- especially when compared to its price.
If you need more durability and an absurdly long battery life, the Rocky Talkie Expedition can take some serious punishment and transmit several days after a charge. I also share a budget option great for beginners, show how I tested the radios, and compare a solid portable antenna upgrade.
Contents (Jump to a Section)
In this latest update on the best GMRS radios, I added new recommendations, more pictures, and more testing data. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Disclosure»
Best GMRS Radio
Baofeng UV-5G Plus
High-Powered, Inexpensive, and Effective
This powerful radio pushes twice the advertised wattage, making it great for maximizing GMRS handheld setups.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
62
OVERALL SCORE
Baofeng leads the pack of value radios, and this is their best GMRS radio that comes pre-programmed and pushing plenty of power. Other repeater-capable radios have lower transmission wattage, don’t have the GMRS channels pre-programmed, or cost twice as much.
Specifications
- Channels: 30 GMRS/FRS, 11 NOAA, UHF/VHF scan
- Max Power: 10.0W
- Battery: 2500mAh
- Charge: USB-C, back (covered) or included dock
- Size: 1.2″ D x 2.1″ W x 3.7″ H (without antenna)
- Weight: 6 ounces
A GMRS radio can be as easy to use as an FRS walkie-talkie when it is set up properly. Luckily, it is pre-programmed and can be used right out of the box. It’s not as easy to use as the other models I suggest, but you can’t beat the price for a 10-watt radio.
Baofeng has many models of radios, including several under the UV-5G name, so be sure you find the Plus model and not the Pro or another variant.
How the UV-5G Plus Tested
It’s a bit wild that Baofeng lists this radio at 5W, because it clearly transmits 10W through a meter at full power connected to a 50-Ohm dummy load. Getting more than you pay for is certainly a good thing in this case, because it gives it a slightly larger effective range when paired with the right antenna.
The downside is that it can chew through battery life if you are transmitting often. It has one of the shortest typical-use battery lives that we tested at just 12 hours, despite the larger 2500 mAh battery. You’ll want a way to recharge it using the USB-C port (and included cable) if you are going on overnight trips or relying on it without redundancies.
The radio can be programmed with the standard Baofeng cable through the mic port, but it comes pre-programmed and ready to go out of the box with the GMRS simplex and repeater channels. It can also receive (but not transmit) on NOAA weather channels and some UHF/VHF bands. It displays the channels as frequencies and has a dual-band display, which is great for seasoned radio users, but can be harder to use for those new to GMRS.
Antenna Connector: If you get an aftermarket antenna, get one with an SMA-female connector (the radio is SMA-male).
The buttons are a bit bigger than the well-known Baofeng UV-5R, which makes it a bit easier to use with gloves on. While this radio is heavier than most other handhelds, it has a great hand feel for me with its thickness (I wear XL gloves), and a few ounces for extra power are worth it to me.
With a great price and powerful transmission ready right out of the box, it’s easy to see why the Baofeng UV-5G Plus GMRS Radio comes out on top.
Upgrade GMRS Radio
Rocky Talkie Expedition
Easy to Use, Tough, and High Quality
Compact, durable casing with exceptional battery life gives us the most robust GMRS radio on the market.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Also available to buy at Amazon.
76
OVERALL SCORE
Rocky Talkie has been stepping up the handheld transceiver game with rugged outdoor casings (IP67 waterproof) and a massive 5+ day battery life.
Specifications
- Channels: 30 GMRS/FRS, 10 NOAA
- Max Power: 5.0W
- Battery: 1800mAh
- Charge: USB-C, side (covered)
- Size: 1.3″ D x 2.5″ W x 4″ H (without antenna)
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
The quality is apparent from the get-go, with the sturdy metal clip and the waterproof charging port. The shatterproof screen and waterproof but tactile buttons are easy to navigate and operate. It doesn’t require any programming, which is a plus since it’s ready to go right out of the box.
How the Expedition Tested
The Expedition Radio comes with a high price tag, but for good reason. It hit the advertised 5-watt power, but the key part of this radio is the reliability. It is also easy to use, extremely durable, and somewhat lightweight- a recipe perfect for survival kits.
The best part is the battery and power control. The radio lasts much longer than any other handheld, holding a charge with regular use for up to 5 entire days. Extreme cold doesn’t affect the battery either, with its rating down to -20° F. You can submerge the radio in water with its IP67 rating, or smash it on rocks with its shatterproof display. This radio was designed for expeditions to mountain summits and other adventure-forward uses, which is why it is so reliable and tough.
Antenna Connector: If you get an aftermarket antenna, get one with an SMA-male connector (the radio is SMA-female).
Besides the engineering, the Expedition is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use of the GMRS radio options. This is great for survival situations, where you don’t want to be fiddling with settings or trying to remember how to make a simple transmission. Pick a channel and push to talk- the limited buttons aren’t just fewer things to fail- they make the radio simple.
If you are looking for a tough, easy-to-use, and reliable GMRS radio, the Rocky Talkie 5W GMRS Radio is the best option.
Budget GMRS Radio
Radioddity GM-30
Cheap, Dual-Band, and Easy to Use
This is the least expensive radio that checks all of the boxes for basic GMRS use.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
52
OVERALL SCORE
This radio from Radioddity isn’t anything fancy, but that’s what you expect with the lowest-priced gear. Still, similar models push only 3W; the GM-30 delivers the advertised 5W on GMRS channels.
Specifications
- Channels: 30 GMRS/FRS, 10 NOAA
- Max Power: 5.0W
- Battery: 1500mAh
- Charge: USB-C, bottom (covered) or included dock
- Size: 1.3″ D x 2.5″ W x 5″ H (without antenna)
- Weight: 8.3 ounces
This radio is relatively lightweight and lets you hit those GMRS channels with 5W at a steal.
How the GM-30 Tested
The GM-30 hits its advertised marks and gets it all done at a good price. It has 5W of transmission power, a clear upgrade over FRS for the GMRS channels 1-7. It takes the Baofeng programming cable and works with Chirp software, so it is easily programmable.
That’s not necessary out of the box, however, since it comes pre-programmed for GMRS channels, repeaters, and weather monitoring. It even lists the channels by number, instead of frequency, making it easier for beginners to use.
Antenna Connector: If you get an aftermarket antenna, get one with an SMA-female connector (the radio is SMA-male).
The 1500mAh battery is low, but not the smallest we tested. It also has solid power management, since it still lasts an average of 24 hours on a charge. Like the programming cable, it can accept many Boafeng accessories and replacement parts.
If you are looking for a GMRS communication option, the Radioddity GM-30 GMRS Radio is the cheapest entry point.
Comparison Table
| GMRS Radio | Recommendation | Price* | Peak Power | Battery Life | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baofeng UV-5G Plus | Best Overall | $33 | 10.0W | 12 hours | 10.6 oz | IP54 |
| Rocky Talkie Expedition | Best for Durability | $180 | 5.0W | 120 hours | 9.1 oz | IP67 |
| Radioddity GM-30 | Best for Budgets | $25 | 5.0W | 24 hours | 8.3 oz | IP54 |
| Retevis RB26 | $27 | 3.0W | 18 hours | 7.3 oz | None | |
| Baofeng UV-5G Pro | $29 | 3.8W | 12 hours | 6.0 oz | None | |
| Baofeng UV-9G | $33 | 4.9W | 18 hours | 8.1 oz | IP67 | |
| Midland GXT1000VP4 | $37 | 2.8W | 12 hours | 7.4 oz | JIS4 | |
| Retevis Ailunce HA1G | $45 | 5.0W | 20 hours | 9.2 oz | IP67 | |
| BTECH GMRS-V2 | $64 | 5.0W | 18 hours | 8.0 oz | IP54 | |
| Rugged Radios GMR2+ | $75 | 2.0W | 12 hours | 15.2 oz | None | |
| Midland GXT3000 | $85 | 3.0W | 27 hours | 7.0 oz | JIS4 | |
| Btech GMRS-PRO | $155 | 5.0W | 14 hours | 11.4 oz | IP67 | |
| Wouxun KG-UV9GX | $180 | 4.8W | 22 hours | 8.8 oz | IP55 | |
| Midland GXT67 PRO | $199 | 5.0W | 16 hours | 9.6 oz | IP67 |
How I Tested
I tested several models that I bought and already had on hand, including Radioddity, Baofeng, Midland, Retevis, Btech, and more. I limited my testing and comparison to handheld transceivers, since I believe that there are better radio-type options for installed mobile use, except for niche cases.
Here are the tests I performed for this review:
- Power Measurement – I hooked the radios up to an SWR meter paired with a 50-ohm, 50-watt dummy load and keyed them for one second on GMRS channel 22, noting their transmission wattage.
- Dissassembly – I took apart the radios to examine quality and feature compatibility (antennas, etc.) with Phillips, hex, and Torx bits. I don’t advise that you disassemble your own models beyond the antenna and batteries, since it will void their warranty.
- Physical Measurement – I measured the radios on a measuring board to compare profiles.
- Weight – I weighed the radios with their standard battery and antenna (no clip) on a digital scale.
Last, and most importantly, I used them as intended. I made sure they could hit my local repeaters, that they worked well and consistently during typical use. I also used them in the rain, snow, left them in hot trucks, and subjected them to more than typical abuse.
Why Trust TruePrepper
Communication is key during emergencies, and GMRS radios offer a unique bridge between walkie-talkies and amateur radio for communicating without grid reliance.
I’m Sean Gold, and I’ve been reviewing GMRS radios for several years now. As a manufacturing engineer, prepper, and FCC-licensed GMRS user, I have the background to approach the comparison, review, and testing of GMRS radios from a uniquely broad perspective.
I enjoy digging into the details, like finding peak power with a dummy load, or cracking the radios open to examine their construction. Our fragile modern communication systems eventually push most preppers into amateur radios, but I’ve found GMRS to be a rewarding middle ground.
Analysis & Test Results
The best GMRS radios have a few features to look for. We weighted these to develop metrics to compare the various models.
- Value
- Power/Range – 30% of overall score weight
- Ease of Use – 30% weight
- Size/Weight – 10% weight
- Durability – 30% weight
When you get the right blend of these, you can find the perfect radio for your specific situation. Below, we break down what each of these features means for the models that truly set themselves apart.
Value: Cost vs. Benefit
The amount of money you spend on something like a radio shouldn’t blow out your entire budget. They come in a wide range of prices that mostly depend on the output power and features.
You never want to spend too much money on one resource, even when it comes to communication. It’s better to diversify your spending to make sure you are covered for a wide range of scenarios.
*Price per radio at the time of the latest review.
GRMS radios have a few versatile options to consider, including monitoring other bands (UHF, weather, etc) and having accessories available (hands-free, extended batteries, cradles, etc). Many of these options also play into the cost of the radio.
You can’t expect a GMRS radio to be as versatile as a Ham radio, but it can still hit that sweet spot above the basic walkie-talkie for longer distances and less-crowded transmission channels.
Range
The power (measured in wattage) and the effective range are related, but don’t tell the whole story. Typically, GMRS radios have higher power since they aren’t limited to the FRS channels, and are allowed to transmit up to 50 watts on non-FRS channels. This can help them reach up to 50 miles out on their own, depending on the terrain, their power, and the antenna.
Power
Their transmission power is how powerful the signal is that the radios push, part of the distance equation. To measure this, I used an SWR meter paired with a 50 ohm, 50-watt dummy load plugged directly into the radio. Keying the radio at full charge then showed me the maximum transmitted watts, since the dummy load produces a perfect 1.0 SWR.
For the handhelds that did not have removable antennas, I ended up listing the manufacturing specs. But because those are less versatile (and lower-powered) radios, they didn’t make our top recommendations anyway.
Antenna
Unlike FRS radios, GMRS radios often have removable antennas, which can help you adapt to different situations. Handhelds typically come with stubby antennas or small whips.
Switching your radio to an antenna that is longer, higher, or one that can even be tossed up a pole or a tree can drastically affect both your reception and transmission range. For testing, I used a N9TAX J-Pole to reach longer distances, with adapters for the various antenna connection types.
There is a huge range of antennas that you can get, but the J-Pole is the best that I have found for truly portable communication. Even a jungle antenna takes up more space in a pack. Getting a large antenna up high will greatly increase your reception and transmission distance.
Repeater-Capable
Another boost to their range is that most GMRS radios can hit repeaters. This can help them jump even longer distances with chained repeaters. One thing to keep in mind is that the number of public GMRS repeaters is fairly low.
Check either RepeaterBook or myGMRS to see if you have repeaters nearby to support your communication plans. Even still, you need to understand that those may not be available during a power outage or an emergency.
Ease of Use
Programming a radio isn’t always easy. Pre-programmed channels and intuitive controls can go a long way for typical GMRS users, since we don’t have any training or tests with amateur radio.
The closer a GMRS radio can operate to an FRS walkie-talkie out of the box, the easier it’ll be for everyone in your family to use. You’ll also want to be able to key the transmit button easily with and without gloves on. Hands-free accessories can make them easier to use and free up your hands as well.
If your radio does not come with pre-programmed channels, it is still relatively easy to cross-reference with a GMRS table.
Size & Weight
GMRS desktop and vehicle radios can weigh a few pounds, which can be a burden if you have to carry them any distance.
Handhelds have been trimmed down to several ounces, though, and can easily fit in a day bag. You can also get handheld mounts for convenient storage at home and in your truck.
Durability
You don’t want your radio to bust open when you drop it, not work in cold temperatures, or get fried when it gets a little rain on it. Vehicle and base stations don’t worry as much about durability because they aren’t meant to go through wear and tear, but it’s still nice when they aren’t fragile.
Waterproof ratings set some models apart from others. Our upgrade pick has IP67 and a rugged casing that lets it shrug off water and dirt with ease.
GMRS vs. FRS, CB, & Ham
GMRS, FRS, CB, Ham – there are many options when it comes to communicating with radio setups, and they are more different than just the frequency/amplitude bands they rely on.
GMRS bridges the gap between FRS and HAM, and unlike CB, allows you to stay with frequency modulation. Although a license is needed, the lack of a test makes it immediately accessible since the price of the license was recently slashed, and you can pick one up online.
Get a 10-year license for $35 by signing up at the FCC site, creating an account, requesting an FRN number, and linking the two: FCC Cores Registration.
Next, visit the license manager, logging in with your FRN, click ‘apply for new license’, and select ZA – General Mobile Radio (GMRS): FCC License Manager.
After filling in your name and address info plus answering several questions, you’ll be sent back to the Cores website for payment.
Once your payment goes through, you wait for email confirmation and double-check your info in the license search: Universal Licensing System (ULS).
As soon as it shows up, congrats- you’re licensed for 10 years!
Who Needs GMRS Radios?
GMRS radios are improved FRS radios (walkie-talkies) in that they have higher power output, broader frequency range, and can hit repeaters for higher transmission distance.
You do need to get a license to operate a GMRS radio, but it does not require a test like amateur radio (HAM).
GMRS radios are a solid communication option for these kits:
They can hit the ‘sweet spot’ between a traditional walkie-talkie and a full amateur radio setup.
Sources & References
All of our experience and the testing we do to determine the best GMRS radios are useless without listing our research sources and references. We leaned on these for the book knowledge that we paired with our hands-on testing and practical survival experience:
Worley, G. (1983). Wilderness Communications. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. Volume 22. Issue 3. Pages 262 – 269. (Source)
Price, K. (2006). Communication Systems for Emergency Operations. Defense Technical Information Center: South Carolina State Guard. (Source)
Stagner, C., et al. (2012). Locating Noncooperative Radio Receivers Using Wideband Stimulated Emissions. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. Volume 62. Issue 3. Pages 667 – 674. (Source)
Conclusion
While texting is a solid plan when emergencies and disasters strike, you should be prepared with alternate methods of communication. GMRS radios can be one of those alternate methods that can keep you connected in an emergency.
Here are a few other gear reviews and guides our subscribers have found helpful:
- The Best Survival Walkie-Talkie for Emergencies
- Emergency Communication Gear & Strategies
- Home Survival Kit List | 53 Essentials
See more of our expert-written guides, resources, and reviews in your search results – add TruePrepper as a preferred source.
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Excellent information and well written. I found the power/range rating table, with the 15 different models, to be very useful. Would it be possible for you to publish your rating tables for ease of use, size/weight, and durability for the 15 different models like you did on the power/range table? Thank you so much for the wonderful information and work that you put into your website!
Sorry. Could you only publish my first name or my first name and first letter of my last name. Thank you again.
i am looking for a decent AA/AAA GMRS handheld radio. All the ones I have found so far are rechargeable only.
The only one I’m aware of is the 6xAA shell for the Baofeng (currently $9)
I have a 12v brick that will recharge or even if the battery in the radio is dead will still allow the battery to power on
Well TruePrepper you don’t impress me much. “All of the UV-5R accessories work with this one including the antennas”. WRONG!
Maybe TruePrepper can find someone that properly does research.
Dude. You know you can also be kind when trying to correct someone. Especially someone who means well and is providing free information online. …you got what you paid for. Don’t need to be an ass.
Sean, Do you know and would you publish manufacturing source nation locations?
For example, I prefer to purchase USA made items, however I checked on the Midland vehicle radio at Midland’s website and I was unable to locate product manufacturing location. Other than a solar or man-made EMP, not that these are hardened, but I’d prefer my radio not be turned off by another.
I own some Midland products, but they tend to stretch the truth these days when they talk about wattage output, range and features. Actual tests do not validate or align with their claims, but you run into similar issues with Cobra and even Motorola, these days.
It is very hard to know who is telling you the truth these days.
Overall this has a high rating on Amazon, but some of the comment ratings on Amazon list these potential issues:
1. Realistic max of 34 watts, not 50 watts.
2. Issues in splitting DCS channels (separate channels for transmit and receive).
3. Repeater function issues when talking with people who use other brands of radios (clipping, losing and dropping parts of the conversation)
4. Gets really hot – “needs a cooling fan”
5. Breakage and reliability issues with integrated mic,
6. Need a manual to program privacy codes – not easily programmable in the field without a manual
7. No antenna or mounting plate included
8. Literally a Chinese unit rebranded as Midland USA and marked up in price
9. Other brands have features this one does not.
FYI – My comment above is on the Midland MXT575, but the comments about how Midland, Motorola and Cobra, as well as other manufacturers tend to exaggerate wattage output, range, and other aspects of both their handheld mobile and base station radios is, in my opinion, still valid. Caveat emptor before your buy. There are also a lot of companies that outsource manufacturing to China and overseas.
I have a GMRS rig, but nothing is better than Amateur Radio. Studying for the dead-simple Amateur Radio Technician Class takes only one weekend. To qualify for an Amateur Radio General Class license, maybe three more weekends should do the trick. Generals can transmit on all Amateur Radio bands, including the very important shortwave frequencies, making worldwide operation routine. With a General Class license, it’s common to operate from mountain tops with very lightweight and low-level transmitting power. The Summits on the Air (SOTA) program is lots of fun. The main advantage of qualifying for the top-ranking Amateur Extra Class license is that it will enhance qualifying for admission and scholarships at elite colleges. I have two Ivy League degrees and a PhD, but I was never a stellar student.
73,
Bruce Prior N7RR
I have a couple issues with this.
This review didn’t mention spurious emissions at all. Cheap Chinese radios are infamous for claiming to meet FCC requirements but failing miserably when tested on a scope. And did you measure PEP, or simply trust the manufacturer’s rating?
GMRS does technically allow use of repeaters, true, but how many GMRS repeaters are there in your city? I live in a large city and I can count the open GMRS repeaters on one hand. Meanwhile, there are at least many dozens (and possibly hundreds) of open amateur repeaters. This reflects the number of users, too: you can sit on a GMRS channel all week and not hear a peep. Unless you plan to start your own GMRS club and operate your own repeater, the range advantage here is mostly theoretical.
I fear articles like this are creating a group of people who will buy FRS/GMRS radios and put them in the closet and never practice with them, and in a SHTF situation everybody pulls them out and discovers that 22 channels (1/3 of them a measly 0.5 watts) isn’t very many at all, and that simply having a radio isn’t like 911 and doesn’t actually provide a service, when you don’t know who’s on the other end and don’t have a system in place.
If you’re going to the effort to set up an emergency preparedness system, you may as well take the (short, multiple-choice!) amateur test and get a radio system that’s actually used. And if not, simply having an FRS/GMRS radio in your kit is likely a waste of money. We’ve got plenty of data: when disasters occur, hams get the message out. I have yet to hear of any successful use of FRS/GMRS in a real emergency.