There’s no better device that comes to anybody’s mind except the walkie-talkie when it comes to old-school communication. A walkie-talkie is a radio device that has been around for many decades. The 21st-century history of communication will never miss out on the significance of a walkie-talkie daily. Because it has been around for such a long time, there have been thousands of models and brands of walkie-talkies since its inception.
Various technological developments brought about the best of the best walkie-talkies around the world. Until now, walkie-talkies are still in use along with the more advanced medium of communications. Here are some of the top walkie talkies under a budget of 200 dollars:
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5 best Walkie Talkies under $200
#1 Motorola T800
Integration of old devices and new technology is such an underrated way of introducing varied models of walkie-talkies into the market. This is where the T800 model from Motorola comes in. Equipped with a Bluetooth connection in the traditional walkie-talkie device, there’s no reason that majority of people with a smartphone can’t learn the functions of this model.
Using Bluetooth may be battery-consuming for any person without an inaccessible charging station or power source. The Motorola T800 has a rechargeable battery with a battery life of 14 hours.
The Bluetooth connection allows for smartphone usage that roots from the T800 device. However, dual smartphone access is not the only thing that this model can offer. The Motorola T800 is also a waterproof device so you don’t need to worry about exposure damage to various elements. The only thing you need to look out for is your smartphone when you’re out and about in the wilderness.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 35 miles
- Power output: 0.5-2 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH Rechargeable Batteries or 3 AA Alkaline Batteries
- Size: 7.52 x 2.2 x 1.28 inches
- Weight: 0.47 lb (with batteries)
- Waterproof: yes (IPx4)
- License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T800
- very nice functionality in the app
- straightforward to use
- battery life up to 14 hours
- weatherproof – it easily withstands the kind of water splashing
- good looking and functional design
- pretty clear and mostly static-free sound
MAIN PLUS:
Users may start to ponder on the battery usage of such an elaborate device. If you don’t use the device non-stop, then these devices last longer for its price. It’s suitable for long hours of use in the wild coupled with smartphone function for any potential emergency or alert.
Cons of the Motorola T800
- range and quality of communication going down in a place with many obstructions
- NiMH batteries require 11 hours of charging time
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#2 Baofeng BF-F8HP
Walkie talkie models come in various grades and intentions of use. While other walkie talkies are more suitable as basic use available for people across all ages, the Baofeng BF-F8HP is built for heavy duty use. The most powerful key feature of the Baofeng BF-F8HP is its programmability and usage across interchangeable power levels (1w, 4/5w, 7/8w).
There are many laws and regulations regarding the use of frequencies for radio devices. It requires a licensed expert to program the designated available frequencies in the Baofeng BF-F8HP. You can store up to 128 channels in the device, suitable for wide-range availability of communication across organizations, departments, or teams.
What the Baofeng BF-F8HP presents in heavy programming and complexity, it pays off with its extensive channel range for high-level use. The battery life and duration of the device also match the demand of use for the model. Expect a long usage time of around 24 hours for the model.
Specifications
- Brand: Baofeng
- Range: 25 miles
- Power output: 8 Watts
- Frequency ranges: 65-108 MHz (FM radio reception), VHF: 136-174 MHz (Rx/TX), UHF: 400-520 MHz (Rx/TX)
- Battery: 2,000 mAh Li-ion Battery
- Size: 3.75 (+ 6.5 inches with the antenna) x 2 x 1.25 inches
- Weight: 0.49 lb
- Waterproof: no information
- License needed: yes (amateur / FCC license)
Pros of the Baofeng BF-F8HP
- Great value for your money; affordable price for a high-quality device.
- Easy setup: It comes with a well-detailed user manual.
- The radio has many features that make the device a powerful tool to use.
- The Baofeng BF-F8HP has excellent sound quality and a reliable battery.
- It has commendable transmitting power and wide coverage.
- You can select multiple power levels.
- It is built with a voice command for easy and convenient usage.
MAIN PLUS:
The main feature of the device is its wide range of channel use coupled with proper programmability. 128 channels more than covers a lot of communication lines for typical work use. Moreover, the device can last long hours of usage which is a huge benefit for a model that only costs under $200.
Cons of the Baofeng BF-F8HP
- It may not be waterproof
- Complicated use, especially for beginners.
- Software is needed to configure and program the device.
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#3 Motorola T600
For first time users of walkie talkie devices, or radio devices in general, simplicity is the key for a smooth first-time use. There are many wide-range and complex models of walkie talkies for different types of use (light use or heavy use).
Any walkie-talkie can be very intimidating at first use and setup. If it’s your first time trying a walkie-talkie, the Motorola T600 is a good practice ground for you. The model is best within 6-mile distance ranges between two users. Nevertheless, you don’t need to worry about a lack of function for a basic walkie-talkie model.
The Motorola T600 may be very simple and not offer a wide range of functions, but it’s a very dependable device outdoors. If you drop the T600 in the water, it sends out an immediate alert and sends out flashes of LED light, making the unit easy to spot in the water or wherever it falls.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 36 miles
- Power output: 0.5-2 Watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable batteries or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.78 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.40 lb (without batteries)
- Waterproof: yes (IP67)
- License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T600
- The T600 is waterproof (one of the best in terms of being waterproof).
- It is easy to use.
- You can use the walkie-talkie in a large range.
- It contains a belt clip.
- The Motorola T600 can communicate on plenty of channels.
MAIN PLUS:
The Motorola T600 is one of the simplest, no-fuss walkie talkies in the market. The most significant feature of the T600 is its dependability as it stays durable outdoors. In case the device falls off your pocket, the Motorola T600 floats in water, thus inducing the red-and-white light flash alerts. You’ll end up saving your affordable walkie talkie which you can’t afford to lose when you need to communicate outdoors.
Cons of the Motorola T600
- The radio feels bulky.
- iVOX/VOX function is not as good as other devices in the same category
- The user interface is not the best.
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#4 Midland GXT1000VP4
Communication isn’t only limited to two people talking and conversing with each other. What if you decide to go out and want to communicate properly with a group of friends using individual walkie talkies? This is where the Midland GXT1000VP4 comes in.
The Midland GXT1000VP4 lasts up to 9 hours on rechargeable battery packs. The distance range of the model is 35 miles in ideal situations where there are no pathway obstructions. However, the best part of the Midland GXT1000VP4 is its group call feature available to all grouped walkie-talkies of this model. It’s like being in a group chat with other users of connected walkie-talkies on a call.
There’s another function of the Midland GXT1000VP4. The model also offers a switch to a whisper function which transforms into a vibration mode when you have incoming calls from other users. The calls may come from other users that you are not part of the group of connected walkie-talkies.
SpecificationsMidland T71VP3
- Brand: Midland
- Range: 36 miles
- Power output: 5 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.3 lb
- Waterproof: yes (JIS4)
- License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- The GXT1000VP4 has features that enable group communication.
- The walkie-talkie has an excellent range.
- It has crisp audio quality.
- The Midland GXT1000VP4 has an SOS siren feature that sends out a location.
- It has silent features like the whisper function and vibrates mode.
MAIN PLUS:
The Midland GXT1000VP4 is best for group walkie talkie communications in under $200. The addition of the whisper function complements the strength of the model. Since users may be talking to a large group of people, getting interrupting calls can become a nuisance over time. Now, you don’t need to be disturbed with call tones while talking to your group of friends. The whisper function is available for proper call designations and alerts.
Cons of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- It is not so user-friendly.
- The walkie-talkie has average battery life.
- It is expensive compared to other similar or more simple radios.
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#5 Midland T71VP3
What’s the use of a communication device if it doesn’t work for you and the other person from miles away? When it comes to communication, distance is always one of the top factors that affect the ease of conversing. For longer-distance walkie-talkie calls, you’ll need a dependable model that can cover farther distances. This is where the Midland T71VP3 comes in!
The Midland T71VP3 is best for long distance range use without obstructions. This works best if you find a space where there are fewer building obstructions or big things blocking connections on the way. You can use the device to communicate or signal another person from a farther distance range of up to 38 miles when you are communicating in a clearer zone for better audio capture.
The Midland T71VP3 is not waterproof, so it’s best to keep it away from extreme use where you may expose it to a lot of water bodies and outdoor exposures. The Midland T71VP3 is best for simple wilderness use like hiking and basic indoor use like home communication.
Specifications
- Brand: Midland
- Range: 38 miles
- Power output: 1.5 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS)
- Battery: rechargeable batteries or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 6.1 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 0.39 lb
- Waterproof: no, but water-resistant
- License needed: no (exclusive for FRS use only)
Pros of the Midland T71VP3
- 15-hour long battery life
- Long-range up to 38 miles in an ideal terrain and weather condition
- Compact and lightweight for indoor and simple outdoor activities
- Exceptional sound quality
- Rainproof (no IP rating)
MAIN PLUS:
The Midland T71VP3 hosts a weather channel to alert you of various weather changes when you’re outdoors. At least before it rains hard, you have a warning to keep your The Midland T71VP3 away before it gets too exposed to rainwater. The model is best as your basic or entry walkie talkie that costs less than $200 before you explore more expensive options in the market.
Cons of the Midland T71VP3
- Not suitable for extreme activities and heavy weather conditions
- Less cost-efficient compared to other models which offer extra features
- No GMRS channels
How to Choose the Best Walkie Talkie under $200
Now you know the best models in the market. However, as a user and potential long-term buyer of other walkie-talkie models, how exactly can you choose a walkie-talkie? There are many aspects and factors to consider choosing the best one that suits your style and needs. Look out for these specifications:
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Range
Range means the distance between two walkie-talkie devices. As a user, you may want to look out for the maximum distance range in which both devices can still connect with each other. Moreover, it’s more important to note the distance range in realistic conditions where there are obstructions between the two devices.
Some brands provide more comprehensive distance range information for each model. Information packets or manual user guides for models often include maximum distance range for land and sea settings. Then brands provide the maximum distance range of the unit within a city location where there are buildings that can block walkie-talkie communications.
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Usability
Where you use the walkie-talkie affects a lot of the suitability and compatibility of the model. If you’re going for more outdoor use, it’s best to get more high-grade models, which can cost a lot more. Professional establishments, big companies, and large organizations have more appropriate models for work walkie-talkies.
If you’re still starting out, you can more than manage with the entry-level models in the market without sacrificing communication quality and durability. The reason usability is a determining factor is because some models of walkie-talkies need professionals to program valid channels. If it’s your first time using any model, it’s best to purchase a device that you can manually set up on your own with the help of a definitive guide in the inclusion manual.
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Battery Life
Are you patient enough to keep charging and recharging battery packs every time the walkie-talkie drains? If not, then choose the models with more battery capacity and low wattage output.
There are two default types of batteries you can use for walkie talkies: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. Not all models can support both types of batteries, but if you can find a walkie-talkie that has options for both, it may work out best for you for longer use and scheduled charging times.
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Emergency Alert Feature
Safety and emergency precautions can make or break anybody’s protection. Walkie-talkies are helpful devices in times of unfortunate circumstances and unwanted situations. This is more crucial if you have children or the elderly in the household who need constant communication and help. Alerts are crucial in keeping any walkie-talkie safe and users more alert about the person on the other end.
Children and the elderly can use walkie-talkies with simple functions to alert in times of need. With more advanced models, this feature may not be very prominent enough to send immediate help. It’s always a good idea to consider who will constantly use the device and to think ahead for any potential reason for use for this device.
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Channels
For bigger groups especially, channel availability is always crucial. However, what is a channel in the walkie-talkie? A channel is a partition or a space within the registered radio frequencies where you communicate with other users. Some models only have 2 channels whereas more high-grade, professional walkie-talkies can store up to 256 channels.
Many companies have personnel that needs to use communication devices for constant communication. This is especially common for maintenance staff and security personnel in companies. The more channels that you can store and program in the walkie-talkie, the more people or specific teams of people you can talk to at once.
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Weatherproof Rating
It’s unreasonable to keep purchasing the same walkie-talkie models whenever you destroy or damage one. Durability is essential for keeping a fully functional walkie-talkie for the next years to come. Outdoor or wilderness use of walkie-talkies can cause definitive damage and before you know it, you need to buy another unit again and program it to your preset channels of choice.
If you intend to use the walkie-talkie outdoors more, then it’s best to purchase the models with the most durable ratings. For each walkie-talkie, you will find such a thing as an IP rating or an Ingress Protection rating. It’s a code that designates the degrees of protection against intrusion or ingress of foreign bodies in casings and enclosures. For walkie-talkies, the IP68 rating is the highest ingress protection against solid and liquid particles.
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Accessories
What’s a walkie-talkie without the best accessories to support and protect the item? Accessories play a big part in the usability of the model as well. There are many walkie-talkie models that boast compatibility with 2-in-1 clip whistles, speedy charging stations, and the best audio devices for walkie-talkies.
There are many accessories available for purchase. However, it’s best to note that not all these items and accessories can fit or are compatible with all walkie-talkies on the market. Some things are specifically built or custom-made for some models. As such, if you start canvassing around for walkie-talkies, check for latches, partitions, and any loops in the enclosure. You may want to attach a tag or a lanyard in the future, put a clip at the back or try audio devices in the long run.
Is $200 a good Price for Walkie-Talkies?
There isn’t any set price to determine the best walkie-talkie. A walkie-talkie is a good investment if you want a long-lasting communication device. As such, if you aim to buy a durable communication device that you want to last for a long time, $200 is a good price for an entry model. Just make sure that you get all the features and aspects you need in the model you will purchase.
Conclusion – 5 best Walkie Talkies under $200
There are hundreds of models, both old and new, that are still for retail in stores and markets. You simply won’t have enough time to test out all of these walkie-talkies. To sum it up, these are 5 of the best walkie talkies that you can purchase for under 200 dollars in no particular order:
- Â Motorola T800 for Bluetooth-enabled walkie talkie that you can connect with your smartphone
- Baofeng BF-F8HP for more capacity to store and program more channels within multiple networks and groups
- Motorola T600 for basic and entry-level walkie talkie that’s durable for long outdoor use in various location types
- Midland GXT1000VP4 for smooth personal or professional group communication with other connected devices of the same model
- Midland T71VP3 for farther ranges that can cover more distance range within ideal setting conditions
Each model has its own key feature which can match what you’re looking for in a walkie-talkie. There’s no right or wrong time to try a walkie-talkie. It’s a good and reliable device for simple, easy communication between two users.
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