The best long-range walkie talkies

Connie
Sep 30,2022
- 0
best long-range walkie talkies, retevis hd1, retevis hd2, dmr radio

Comms are dark sorcery, and “long-range walkie-talkies” can sound like an oxymoron, but the best long-range walkie-talkies are quite simple to use, based on their ability to address different frequencies, accept better antennas, and increase output power.

One of the most amusing things about watching Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 was their use of unencrypted Baofeng radios as their primary mode of communication. For those listening, it’s led to hilarious comms exchanges, but it’s also been linked to the deaths of several Russian generals. This is because they did not have properly established comms, and were not using proper encryption keys, like modern militaries.

Thankfully, you, the average Joe or Josephine, have access to better comms than the Russian military, and with this article, your radio, and maybe a HAM radio class or two, you will have communications for your next wilderness adventure. Because when you’re in the mountains of West Virginia, the forests of the Pacific Northwest, or the scorching bright heat of the Sonoran Desert in California, cell reception isn’t always reliable, but emergency assistance can be imperative.

Best Overall: Ailunce HD1 DMR

“If you’re serious about radios, don’t choose Baofeng. Go with the Ailunce HD1.” Those were the words that my friend Ian, who recently finished his stint as an Army signals intelligence soldier and who is an amateur radio enthusiast, told me when I asked him what he recommended for handheld radios for personal usage.

The Ailunce HD1 isn’t just a good walkie-talkie, it’s one of the best walkie-talkies, and particularly one of the best walkie-talkies for long-distance communication. This is because it’s a Digital Mobile Radio or DMR. Digital frequencies allow for clearer voice quality, longer transmission ranges, and the ability to send things like GPS data, text messages, and encrypted transmissions. The HD1 is capable of being programmed using included computer software, meaning that you can load several radios with frequency charts and contact lists to ensure 100 percent compatibility. This is a full-featured radio with many capabilities that make it, overall, the best walkie-talkie for long-range use.

Calling an item a powerhouse is a common way to describe it as “good,” but for the Ailunce HD1, it’s a reference to the bonkers output power of 10 watts, which might not be much compared to military radios or dashboard-mounted radios in a vehicle, but for a pocket-sized handset, it’s very good, especially at this price point.

The water resistance is another important point for this radio, allowing you more peace of mind, especially if your journeys take you near or across the water. It’s only IP67, so it’s immersible in a meter of water for 30 minutes. That’s not fully waterproof, but if you want to be able to pull your radio out of a waterproofing bag or box while on the water to make a call, you can do so with a bit more confidence.

The fully digital nature of the Ailunce HD1 also means that you can store things like contacts and talk groups, rather than having to manually enter frequencies every time, and even offers a modicum of encryption to not only keep your communications private but also ensure voice clarity. Topping this off, the HD1 full-color backlit screen and ability to swap on aftermarket high-end antennas mean that this radio can be used for more emplaced communications with much larger antennas, which is essential at lower frequencies. But more on that later.

The digital encryption on the Ailunce HD1 is special, and while that’s not as much of an issue for some people, because HD1 the special encryption, it’s only compatible with Ailunce HD1. So even though this radio is Motorola Tier I and II compatible, you won’t be able to use encryption with them, and you’ll have to transmit in the clear. The amount of digital contacts and talk groups that you can store is also not especially impressive, especially when you compare it to models like the Anytone 878 later on this list. It’s still a lot, but eventually, you might run out of space.

Finally, the 10-watt output ought to have an asterisk next to it, because yes it can put that power out, but it doesn’t mean that the HD1 is stable at that power output, with some users experiencing power fluctuation, especially on higher UHF frequencies.

Using the Ailunce HD1 for long-range communications will be contingent on taking advantage of the terrain, using VHF rather than UHF, using digital signals, using the proper antenna for the job, and making sure you know your local repeater stations so that in the event of an emergency, you can effectively communicate with minimal hassle when seconds count.

So If you are looking for The best Long walkie-talkie, I will recommend Ailunce HD1. Lots of Radio amateurs like this DMR radio HD1. As the words: Professionals will choose the Professionals, and Professionals will like the best.

Therefore, since HD1 was launched on the market, it has been loved by many friends.

Ailunce HD1 DMR radio Specs

Frequencies: VHF 136-174 MHz, UHF 400-480MHZ, other frequencies possible through advanced programming

Maximum power output:10 watts
Battery life: 3200 mAh
Waterproof level: IP67
GPS: you may choose a different version (GPS or Non-GPS)

Upgraded version of HD1: RETEVIS HD2 10W Bluetooth Waterproof DMR Two Way Radio

After collecting opinions from all aspects, HD2 10W HAM Radio will be launched in 2024.
As an upgraded version of HD1, in addition to maintaining the original features of HD1, we have also added other personalized functions such as Bluetooth, NOAA, and dual PTT. Meet the needs of more friends.

For a comparison between HD1 and HD2, you can read this blog：Comparison of Retevis HD1 and Retevis HD2

The Bluetooth mode of HD2 can be connected with Bluetooth bone conduction headphones and Bluetooth microphones to provide more possibilities and reduce the number of wires tangled around the body.
To improve the user experience in details, the knob has a higher damping feel and is less likely to be accidentally touched. The design of ptt button and alarm function is more suitable for actual use.