The best PMR446 walkie talkies in the UK
Licence-free PMR446 walkie talkies.
Updated October 2, 2026
Licence-free walkie talkies in the UK and Ireland use the PMR446 band. That gives 16 analogue channels between 446.0 and 446.2 MHz at up to 0.5 W ERP. Older sets have 8 channels. US FRS and GMRS radios are not licence-exempt in the UK.
A walkie talkie sends its signal straight to the other radio without a mobile network. Range figures on the box are maximums under ideal conditions. Terrain, buildings and trees cut the real distance. Most sets on this list are rechargeable pairs. Weather ratings run from splash-proof to radios that float.
The shortlist, ranked
How the score works- 1
Weatherproof IPX4 Motorola pair with emergency button, torch and a carry case in the box.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 10 km
- Waterproofing: IPX4
- Battery type: NiMH 800 mAh (included); optional NiMH 1300 mAh
Why it is here: Carry case, lanyards and earpieces come in the box.
- 2
PMR446 pair with hidden LED display, torch and emergency button rated for up to 10 km.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 10 km
- Waterproofing: IPX2
- Battery type: NiMH 800 mAh (included); optional NiMH 1300 mAh
Why it is here: An emergency alert button and vibrate alert add safety features for walks and hikes.
- 3
IP67 PMR446 pair that floats face up with a water-activated torch and USB-C charging.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 10 km
- Waterproofing: IP67
- Battery type: NiMH (included)
Why it is here: IP67 rating and face-up floating suit use on or near water.
- 4
PMR446 pair with 1100 mAh Li-ion packs, a USB charging base and nine VOX levels.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 3 km
- Battery type: Li-ion 1100 mAh
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: Nine VOX levels for hands-free talking.
- 5
Light IP54 PMR446 pair with Li-ion packs rated for up to 24 h and desktop chargers.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 8 km
- Waterproofing: IP54
- Battery type: Li-ion (included)
Why it is here: Rated for up to 24 h per charge on the Li-ion pack.
- 6
Rechargeable PMR446 pair with VOX and 121 privacy codes that also runs on AAA cells.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 8 km
- Battery type: NiMH 800 mAh (included); optional NiMH 1300 mAh
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: Dual power means AAA cells can take over when the NiMH pack runs out.
- 7
AAA-powered PMR446 twin pack with 16 channels, Easy Pairing and a rated 4 km range.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 4 km
- Battery type: 3x AAA alkaline (not rechargeable pack)
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: Runs on three AAA cells so there is no charger to carry.
- 8
Floating IPX7 PMR446 pair with Rewind-Say-Again, a torch and a rated 12 km range.
- Range: 12 km
- Waterproofing: IPX7
- Battery type: rechargeable batteries included
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: It is waterproof to IPX7 and floats.
- 9
Rugged splashproof IP54 Cobra pair with a 2000 mAh Li-ion battery and built-in LED torch.
- Range: 10 km
- Waterproofing: IP54
- Battery type: Li-ion 2000 mAh (Cobra replacement battery for RX680)
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: A 2000 mAh Li-ion battery powers each radio.
- 10
Dual band PMR446 and LPD radio with a larger display and dual PTT for high or low power.
- Channels: PMR446 (16 + 8 new) + 69 LPD
- Range: 12 km
- Waterproofing: IPX4
- Battery type: rechargeable batteries; optional Li-ion pack
Why it is here: Dual PTT lets you choose high or low power per call.
- 11
Compact PMR446 pair with rechargeable batteries, roger beep and a rated 5 km range.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 5 km
- Battery type: rechargeable batteries included
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: Rechargeable batteries are included.
- 12
IPX2 PMR446 pair with VOX, channel scan and a rated 8 km range.
- Range: 8 km
- Waterproofing: IPX2
- Battery type: rechargeable batteries included
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: VOX is included for hands-free use.
- 13
Red Dot awarded dual band radio with 32 PMR446 channels, IPX4 and a rated 12 km range.
- Channels: 32 PMR446 + 69 LPD (101)
- Transmit power: 0.5 W
- Range: 12 km
- Waterproofing: IPX4
Why it is here: Nine VOX levels and nine squelch levels allow fine tuning.
- 14
USB rechargeable PMR446 pair with three VOX levels, scan and a rated 6 km range.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 6 km
- Waterproofing: splash-proof (no IP stated)
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: USB rechargeable so no spare cells are needed.
- 15
Popular airsoft and outdoor radio with three battery options and a rated 10 km range.
- Channels: 16 PMR446 + 69 LPD
- Transmit power: 0.5 W
- Range: 10 km
- Battery type: NiMH 800 mAh, alkaline AA, or optional 1200 mAh Li-ion pack
Why it is here: Three battery options: NiMH pack, AA cells or the optional Li-ion pack.
- 16
Family entry-level PMR446 pair on AAA cells with VOX and 38 CTCSS codes.
- Channels: 16
- Range: 4 km
- Battery type: AAA (not included per Midland news)
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: Covers the extended PMR446 band with all 16 channels.
- 17
Dual band PMR446 and LPD pair with 121 privacy codes, six VOX levels and 12 h battery.
- Channels: 85 total (PMR446 + LPD)
- Range: 8 km
- Waterproofing: IPX2
- Radios in the box: 2
Why it is here: Six VOX levels and 121 privacy codes give fine control.
Head-to-head comparisons
Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme vs Motorola Talkabout T92 H2O
Motorola Talkabout T82 vs Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme
Motorola Talkabout T72 vs Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme
Motorola Talkabout T62 vs Motorola Talkabout T82- Motorola Talkabout T92 H2O vs Cobra AM1055 FLT
Motorola Talkabout T42 vs Midland XT10 PRO
Midland XT70 PRO vs Midland G9 PRO
Midland G7 PRO vs Midland XT70 PRO
All walkie talkies side by side
Specs from the makers. Scroll sideways on a phone to see every column.
| Model | Score | Channels | Transmit power | Rangemaker's claim, ideal conditions | Waterproofing | Battery type | Radios in the box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme | 8.7 | 16 | - | 10 km | IPX4 | NiMH 800 mAh (included); optional NiMH 1300 mAh | 2 |
| Motorola Talkabout T82 | 8.5 | 16 | - | 10 km | IPX2 | NiMH 800 mAh (included); optional NiMH 1300 mAh | 2 |
| Motorola Talkabout T92 H2O | 8.5 | 16 | - | 10 km | IP67 | NiMH (included) | 2 |
| Retevis RT24 | 8.0 | 16 | - | 3 km | - | Li-ion 1100 mAh | 2 |
| Motorola Talkabout T72 | 8.0 | 16 | - | 8 km | IP54 | Li-ion (included) | 2 |
| Motorola Talkabout T62 | 7.9 | 16 | - | 8 km | - | NiMH 800 mAh (included); optional NiMH 1300 mAh | 2 |
| Motorola Talkabout T42 | 7.9 | 16 | - | 4 km | - | 3x AAA alkaline (not rechargeable pack) | 2 |
| Cobra AM1055 FLT | 7.5 | - | - | 12 km | IPX7 | rechargeable batteries included | 2 |
| Cobra RX680 | 7.4 | - | - | 10 km | IP54 | Li-ion 2000 mAh (Cobra replacement battery for RX680) | 2 |
| Midland G9 PRO | 7.3 | PMR446 (16 + 8 new) + 69 LPD | - | 12 km | IPX4 | rechargeable batteries; optional Li-ion pack | 1 or 2 |
| Cobra AM255 | 7.3 | 16 | - | 5 km | - | rechargeable batteries included | 2 |
| Cobra AM655 | 7.3 | - | - | 8 km | IPX2 | rechargeable batteries included | 2 |
| Midland XT70 PRO | 7.1 | 32 PMR446 + 69 LPD (101) | 0.5 W | 12 km | IPX4 | - | 2 |
| Midland XT30 PRO | 7.0 | 16 | - | 6 km | splash-proof (no IP stated) | - | 2 |
| Midland G7 PRO | 6.8 | 16 PMR446 + 69 LPD | 0.5 W | 10 km | - | NiMH 800 mAh, alkaline AA, or optional 1200 mAh Li-ion pack | 1 or 2 |
| Midland XT10 PRO | 6.7 | 16 | - | 4 km | - | AAA (not included per Midland news) | 2 |
| Midland XT50 PRO | 6.7 | 85 total (PMR446 + LPD) | - | 8 km | IPX2 | - | 2 |
Frequently asked questions
Are walkie talkies legal in the UK?
Yes if they are PMR446 radios. PMR446 is licence-free in the UK and Ireland. It uses 16 analogue channels between 446.0 and 446.2 MHz at up to 0.5 W ERP. Every radio on this shortlist uses PMR446. US FRS and GMRS radios are not licence-exempt in the UK so using them there is illegal.
How far do walkie talkies reach?
Range figures printed by makers are maximums under ideal conditions. Terrain, buildings and trees reduce the real range. Rated figures on this shortlist start at 3 km for the Retevis RT24. They go up to 12 km for the Midland XT70 PRO, Midland G9 PRO and Cobra AM1055 FLT. Treat those numbers as ceilings.
What is the difference between PMR446 and FRS?
PMR446 is the licence-free band for the UK and Ireland. It gives 16 analogue channels at up to 0.5 W ERP. FRS and GMRS are US services. They are not licence-exempt in the UK so using them there is illegal. For the UK buy a radio marked PMR446. Every radio on this shortlist is one.
Motorola T82 vs T92: which is better?
Both have 16 channels and 121 privacy codes. Both are rated for up to 10 km and carry an emergency alert button. The Motorola Talkabout T82 is splash proof to IPX2 and weighs 197 g with clip and battery. The Motorola Talkabout T92 H2O is IP67 and floats face up. It charges over USB-C and weighs 246 g on the same basis. Pick the T92 H2O for use near water.
Shopping in the US? See the US shortlist of walkie talkies & gmrs
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking one, the store may pay us a commission. The price stays the same for you, and commissions do not decide which emergency radios we recommend. Specs come from the makers; range and battery life are their claims. Our method.