What is the difference between walkie talkies and two way radios?

The terms “two-way radio” and “walkie talkie” are often used interchangeably. Both are capable of sending and receiving radio transmissions. So what’s the difference? what is the two way radio systems？ 

Although the definitions of the two overlap, there are slight differences:

Two-way radio: a radio that can both receive and transmit radio signals

Walkie talkie: a handheld portable two-way radio

According to these definitions, all walkie talkies are two-way radios. On the other hand, not all two-way radios are walkie talkies. For example, a vehicle or desk mounted mobile radio can’t be a walkie talkie because it isn’t handheld.

Therefore, the main difference between the two is how they are marketed. Walkie talkies can be perceived as being an inferior product targeted at the lower end of the market, but can be high-end devices. Most commercial radio businesses in the UK, including DCS 2 Way Radio, will use the term “two-way radio”.

WHAT IS TWO-WAY RADIO?

The term two-way radio is a technology that allows individuals to keep in contact with each other using radio waves. Each user is given a radio unit which sends and receives audio and data sent over the radio waves. A two-way radio system can be as simple as two radios connecting directly to each other, or as complex as an encrypted network that covers an entire country.

You might know two-way radio by the name “walkie talkie”, which is the term used for unlicensed radio devices. The term two-way radio covers the unlicensed equipment and the licensed equipment.

WHAT IS WALKIE-TALKIE?

A walkie talkie is a portable two way radio, particularly one that can be held in the hand. This type of radio, also known as a handy talkie, handheld transceiver or HT, allows you to talk on the radio while walking around, hence the name walkie talkie.

Now that we've defined the terms, let's consider the argument. Are these terms interchangeable? Well, yes and no.

According to the definition, a walkie talkie is a two way radio, but a two way radio is not always a walkie talkie. This is because there are types of radios that are not portable handhelds, such as a mobile radio mounted in a vehicle or a desk or wall mounted base station.

But, it can be one. In fact, most, if not all manufacturers of business, CB, FRS, GMRS, marine, airband and amateur portable handheld radios or walkie talkies do not usually refer to their products as "Walkie Talkies", but as "Two Way Radios".

This is understandable, considering the history of the walkie talkie. It originally referred to the portable backpack transceivers used in the military during World War II. More recently it became associated with consumer grade FRS radios. The term has also long been used to refer to extremely low power radios sold as toys and that stigma, while misdirected, still exists today. Given that, it's no wonder some folks shun products labeled as walkie talkies in search of a "real" two way radio".

The term two-way radio is a technology that allows individuals to keep in contact with each other using radio waves. Each user is given a radio unit which sends and receives audio and data sent over the radio waves. A two-way radio system can be as simple as two radios connecting directly to each other, or as complex as an encrypted network that covers an entire country.

You might know two-way radio by the name “walkie talkie”, which is the term used for unlicensed radio devices. The term two-way radio covers the unlicensed equipment and the licensed equipment.