Walkie-talkies are now available not only as physical devices with which one can communicate via short waves. Instead, there are also apps for smartphones (iOS and Android). These rely on communication via the Internet. Although they cannot simulate a radio in terms of hardware, they usually feel as if you were using a real walkie talkie.
The choice of walkie-talkie apps is almost infinite. Therefore, I would like to introduce you to the 5 best walkie talkie apps. All of them are available for both Android and iOS and are entirely free in the basic version.
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Walkie-talkie – COMMUNICATION
When I wrote this article, “Walkie-talkie – COMMUNICATION” was the first app on Google Play when I was looking for a walkie talkie app. This has many good reasons.
For one, it’s because of the loving design. After starting the app, the user interface turns into the control panel of a walkie talkie. You can choose between different colors (yellow, blue, pink, etc.).
On the other hand, the way the communication works is very similar to that of a real walkie talkie. First of all, you have to set the same frequency with your conversation partner. Then the communication in the app works with a push-to-talk button.
The app can also be used under walkie-talkie.io via the web browser.
What I like
- The interface is similar to the control panel of a walkie talkie.
- Different colors to choose from.
- Very easy to use and a super-fast setup.
- It is like using a real walkie-talkie, not another WhatsApp-like App that calls himself a walkie talkie.
What I don’t like
- Allows in-app purchases, so be careful if you let your kids use this app.
Price: Free (offers in-app purchases)
Zello PTT Walkie Talkie
The Zello PTT Walkie Talkie is one of the most popular apps of this kind. At the time of this writing, it had more than 730,000 ratings and more than 50 million downloads on Google Play alone. The most important reason for this is probably the easy control.
Among other things, it is possible to import contacts, create group channels for friends or workgroups, and even join a social channel on a specific topic. Direct conversations are also possible, of course. Furthermore, messages can be retrieved later by the person you are talking to, just like you know it from WhatsApp and Co.
The range of functions has been raised far beyond the level of a classic walkie-talkie through updates. It is now even possible to send text messages, pictures, and other media via the Zello PTT Walkie Talkie.
What I like
- Excellent handling.
- You can send text messages, pictures, and other media.
- Group communication and direct conversations are possible.
- There are public groups on trends, popular topics, and geographical areas.
- You can change your status to “offline”.
- It is compatible to Android wearables and Apple Watch.
What I don’t like
- Allows in-app purchases, so be careful if you let your kids use this app.
- Higher security and more features only in the pro version.
Price: Free (offers in-app purchases)
Voxer Talkie-Walkie PTT
The special thing about Voxer is an encrypted end-to-end transmission. Very few walkie talkie apps offer this. So if you are concerned about security, Voxer is a good choice.
Otherwise, the service works similar to WhatsApp. You can maintain contacts, create group chats, and send voice messages. Furthermore, Voxer Talkie-Walkie PTT can also be used to send text or pictures.
In principle, the app is free of charge. However, for a small monthly or annual fee, additional functions can be purchased in the pro version.
What I like
- High security due the end-to-end transmission.
- You can send text messages, pictures, and other media.
- Messages and media are stored for use in the future.
- Allows to maintain contacts and create group chats.
What I don’t like
- Allows in-app purchases, so be careful if you let your kids use this app.
- A lot of important features are only available in the pro version (Example: Removing persons from group chats).
- Messages are only stored for 30 days in the free version.
Price: Free (offers in-app purchases)
Two Way : Walkie Talkie
Two Way is a rather simple app. Compared to the other apps it is very special. You don’t directly select a conversation partner, but choose a region to which you want to send.
This way, it can happen that you suddenly talk to strangers. This is quite similar to a real walkie talkie, especially since no personal information is shared via the app.
Alternatively, a numerical code can be entered via a number pad. This allows “private” conversations with the desired conversation partner. Thanks to the large selection of channels, nobody else should disturb the conversation.
What I like
- It has a very low battery usage while running in the background.
- The setup takes just a few minutes.
- Sending to a specific region can bring pleasant conversations with strangers.
- The app collects not personal information.
What I don’t like
- There are no real private channels. Anyone can join your conversation if they know the number of it or entered it randomly.
- Allows in-app purchases, so be careful if you let your kids use this app.
Price: Free (offers in-app purchases)
Online Walkie Talkie Pro
With more than 1 million downloads in the Play Store, the Online Walkie Talkie Pro is also one of the better-known apps in this area. Similar to the Zello PTT Walkie Talkie, the user interface of a handheld radio is mapped to the cell phone.
The operation is quite simple. You load the desired conversation partner on the channel of your choice. Afterward, the communication via the PTT button (push-to-talk) works just like a real walkie talkie.
For privacy, however, this app requires money in the hand. Thus private channels are only available to subscribers (with costs). On the other hand, this app has outstanding call quality and offers options for sending text messages and video chatting.
What I like
- Cool looking interface.
- Excellent audio quality.
- It allows you to send text messages and perform video chats.
- Inviting a user allows you to speech only to the person you want.
What I don’t like
- Private channels are only available to subscribers (with costs).
- Allows in-app purchases, so be careful if you let your kids use this app.
Price: Free (offers in-app purchases)
Conclosure – The 5 best Walkie Talkie Apps
There are numerous walkie talkie apps for the different operating systems on the market. The communication of these is almost exclusively via the Internet. I have presented 5 very good apps for you here. If you don’t like any of them, you can of course test others. After all, most of the apps are free and can be used quickly.
Please let me know which alternative I should add to the list. Have you already used one of the apps? And which experiences could you make?
I am looking forward to your feedback! 🙂
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