Let's limit the discussion in this thread to GMRS handheld transceivers only. Based upon my research, and considering licensing requirements and the fact that a GMRS license single is easily obtained and covers an entire family, along with relative ease of use of GMRS radios, I feel this will be the best choice for most members.

For those who feel knowledgeable enough to answer, which radios do you consider the best (best value, best performing, whatever you choose) in the following price classes?:

Under 75.00

75 to 150.00

150 to 225.00

225.00 and up

You don't need to be an "expert" to respond, though I know we do have members with years and even decades of experience in radio and I'd like to hear those opinions.

Some of you have done a good bit of research lately. Please feel free to share your findings, and those who have questions, please feel free to ask, but let's keep this thread about GMRS HTs only.

My recommendation is just get the Wouxun KG-935G Plus for $150 and be done. Having owned these for a short time has convinced me that these are the real business compared to the usual Chinese brands.

I will be watching this thread. The other radio post has piqued my interest. I too think GMRS is the way to go. Looking at the Midland stuff, which seems a good bang for the buck.

I dipped my toe into GMRS 2 years ago with three Baofeng UV-9G models. Can be found for $35 at Radioddity. They are basically a UV-5R limited to GMRS. They work well. I think I had to tell Chirp software it was a UV-9R, but got them programmed for my local repeaters. I don't know of a better a budget entry to GMRS. I went cheap to start and bought 3 so I could give them to friends and family and have someone to talk to.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ibanda,

For those that like the UV-5R, these [GMRS UV-5R] may fit the low end of the price spectrum. $45/pair
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG..._li_ss_tl&th=1&psc=1

Well this is a timely thread, the news is reporting nationwide cell outages going on. I too am going to look into GMRS now.

As I posted in the other thread, I bought a pair of the GMRS Baofeng UV-5R radios. This model is called the GM-5RH. They feature the larger 2500 mAh batteries, USB charging feature, two antennas, charger docking station and USB-C cables and the one key frequency match button. I purchased two at the time but I got a 5% discount plus another 4% discount for purchasing two, so, I was all in for about $55.

These radios are larger in size that the UV-5R and have a bigger screen as well. I'm still learning how to use them but I am making progress. I can talk to wife easily a mile and half away with trees and a few hills in the way, so I'm pretty happy with that. I live out in the sticks so there is not a lot of radio traffic but I can pick up a few stations on occasion. NOAA and a bunch of FM stations come in crystal clear. Here is a ink to the ones I have: LINK.

In the $150-$200 category I use the Wouxsun KG-UV9PX. They come preprogrammed, have a high capacity battery, backup batteries are USB C capable, reasonable IP rating(IP55), wide variety of frequency bands Including USCG and USN rescue freqs, unlockable if needed to transmit on any freq, greater sensitivity for listening.
These radios are only sold by Better safe radio. $187.00
Good review on them by NotARubicon.
I also like and use the Retevis RT-87 (under $100) also can transmit out of band if needed, completely waterproof, very easy to operate for the family.
Both of these radios are chirp compatible on MAC and PC.

quote:

Originally posted by P220forever:
My recommendation is just get the Wouxun KG-935G Plus for $150 and be done.

This is what I did. My limited experience, after researching numerous videos of different users, this is the model I settled on. I actually looked at the Wouxun KG-Q10G, which is $70 more, but decided that the extra features (it can also receive AM and FM CB channels) were not a factor in my use and the guy I spoke to at Buy Two Way Radios agreed.

The build quality of the KG-935G Plus is very good, almost as good as the Yaesu HTs I handled at the store (Ham Radio Outlet), it is rated IP66 for water/dust protection. Buttons and knobs are crisp, firm, the volume knob has a crisp click for on/off. Plus the 2nd knob is for changing channels, a nice feature to have. It receives dual band ham frequencies (2 m, 70cm), but only transmits in GMRS. I also can access NOAA channels with one push of a button. As far as ease of use, it comes pre-programmed with the 22 GMRS channels and 8 repeater channels; you can basically use it right out of the box. But the one selling point for me is that I can program the radio without using software and a laptop; just by using the very clear, easy to read manual, I programmed four custom simplex channels by just using the keypad; I have yet to hook it up to a computer. These can be programmed out in the field, on the fly. As soon as mygmrs.com accepts my call sign, I will have access to the tone codes for my local repeaters and program those as well.

Also the customer service for these radios is outstanding, I have called Buy Two Way Radio a number of times, a couple of them for an antenna return, and they have been extremely helpful and knowledgeable; you are actually speaking to a real, American person who will answer the phone, more than willing to answer technical questions.

But I do plan to buy one or maybe two of the Baofeng or Radiooddity GMRS radios as an inexpensive backup, and also as a radio to lend out to neighbors in an emergency.

The KG-935G may be the sweet spot, but there are more expensive GMRS HTs out there. Is there any advantage to spending more money?

The Wouxun KG-Q10G has a slightly higher transmitter output wattage, 6 watts vs. 5.5 watts for the KG-935G Plus.

Not sure if that made any difference but I had a clear conversation this week with another guy, also on an HT, who was 55 miles away, via a repeater, of course. The repeater was almost in a direct line between us. He was 16 miles on the other side of the repeater and I was 39 miles away from the repeater on my side. 39 MILES!

I only spent more in order to get a specific capability that this radio has and others do not. also the compatibility between accessories and types of antenna mounts is important when using different brands and models.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
The KG-935G may be the sweet spot, but there are more expensive GMRS HTs out there. Is there any advantage to spending more money?

https://www.buytwowayradios.com

Look at the specs for KG-935G Plus and the KG-Q10G on the site. The main difference is additional receive only frequencies on the KG-Q10G. Not sure if it is worth an extra 70 dollars?

Both give you receive only for the (ham band and a tad more), and the Q10G adds the AM air band, FM Broadcast Band, and some others.

But, Wouxun makes very good quality radios for GMRS and Amateur Radio in the VHF/UHF space.

Have a Tidradio TD-H8 (2nd Gen) incoming so I will update when I take a look. Menu is similar to BF with BT programming on phone and usb-c. Also, these gmrs may be handy when ATT goes down

(2nd Gen)TIDRADIO TD-H8 GMRS Radio Handheld with Bluetooth Programming, GMRS Repeater Capable, NOAA, 5 Watt Long Range Two Way Radios Walkie Talkies with 771 GMRS Antenna, 2500mAh Rechargeable Battery https://a.co/d/8AT9LO2

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SigSentry,

Just be aware that antennas for GMRS radios and ham band radios are tuned differently so if you're monitoring ham on a GMRS radio you'll be lacking. I use my Baofeng UV-21R ham radio to monitor the ham bands and my GMRS radios to monitor/transmit on the GMRS frequencies.

I was kind of watching to other thread. But really had no interest in buying the bofang radio. Sort of like buying a Hipoint
The topic is interesting. I do have some questions on how to use. What is allowed and what is not and getting a license, etc.
Are some of the ones being discussed made in Japan vs the prc?
I do not what a chicom made radio, period.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
What is allowed and what is not and getting a license, etc.

This is discussed in the other thread.

As I stated at the outset, this thread is limited to discussion of best GMRS HTs in their price class.

.

Being a self identified HT junkie (currently have 10 HT’s between HAM and GMRS models) I will provide the following recommendations of radios I personally own along with Amazon links and current pricing. Before “settling” open these radios, I did buy/examine/return several other options before settling on these selections.


NOTE ALL of these radios are under $50 dollars each and as little as $15 per radio.


Baofeng BASIC radio $28 for a pair of two. These have no display, give an audio prompt of channel selected when powered on or channel changed. No keypad, but can having privacy codes programmed via computer with appropriate cable. I have not measured the power output. Power is advertised as 2w, but BF is notorious for exaggerating their output.

Will be hard pressed to find a similar quality radio cheaper or a better radio for the same price. Great little low budget radio if you don’t need much range, easy use, smaller/lighter package that is simple for kids or the non-technically inclined.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BB72QGTC



Baofeng BETTER radio $60 for a pair of two. These are a sturdier build, more power output (advertised as 5w max), a keypad for direct programming, also support programming via computer. These are the Baofeng version of the Radioddity GM 30, one of the most popular and recommended GMRS HT’s out there. They use the Radioddity programming software (probably supported by Chirp now as well, I haven’t confirmed though)

Honestly, I really wouldn’t see the point of spending anymore for a GMRS only radio. This does everything a GMRS HT is legally allowed to do. You can spend more, but really won’t be getting anything more if you do.

https://www.amazon.com/BAOFENG...dsets/dp/B0B4JQ6XMT/



My current favorite HT “Best Buy” and number one recommendation, the TIDRADIO TD-H8. $95-$125 depending on options for a two pack. Higher price gets you for batteries instead of two. Price fluctuates a lot with Amazon Prime discounts or coupons. Of the radios I’ve listed these have the sturdiest build and best display.

They also feature built in Bluetooth which allows programming via phone/tablet app with no cable or computer.

If you want to flagrantly tout your liberty at risk of your freedom and stick it to the FCC they can be firmware flashed via startup key sequence to RX/TX on VHF/UHF HAM bands.

Same basic radio is sold in both GMRS and HAM versions. The HAM version is advertised as a 10 watt radio WHile GMRS is advertised as 5 watt. I bought both and tested them out, HAM version puts out ~10 watts even if flashed into GMRS firmware while the GMRS version seems limited to ~5 watts even if flashed to HAM firmware.

For what is normally about a $10-$15 difference, I would get the HAM version, even if just going to use in GMRS mode. The kits seem to change frequently on what is included (drop in charging cradle, 2 batteries vs 4 batteries, available colors, etc.)

The TD-H8 is a newer radio and it is getting a lot of good reviews from the HAM crowd as one of the best “CCC/CCR” options currently available. (Cheap Chinese Crap/Cheap Chinese Radio).

If you opt for the TD-H8, make sure you choose the “2nd Gen” version in order to get full functionality.

https://www.amazon.com/TIDRADI...attery/dp/B0CLL6W131

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
I will be watching this thread. The other radio post has piqued my interest. I too think GMRS is the way to go. Looking at the Midland stuff, which seems a good bang for the buck.

Midland makes some great Mobile GMRS radios. I have their 50W one in my Bronco. Their HT’s however are lacking in my opinion. Basically the clamshell pack radios targeting general consumers without much more power than FRS options.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
The KG-935G may be the sweet spot, but there are more expensive GMRS HTs out there. Is there any advantage to spending more money?

Personally I wouldn’t pay that kind of money for a GMRS HT and I say that as a Wouxun HAM HT owner.

With GMRS I think you quickly hit a point of diminishing returns. Once you have repeater capability, full legal 5w output, removable antenna, and water resistance really not much more you can get.

I guess if you really need something bullet proof to stand up to abuse it might be worth more, but probably only to a subset of users.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 911Boss,

Watching the thread - very interested in recommendations.

I'm been scouring the icom, yaesu and kenwood websites.

It doesn't seem like yaesu offers GMRS HT. Kenwood seems like they do but they are very expensive ($800)? Still trying to figure out if they have a more reasonably priced GMRS HT offering ($100-200)

Icom seems like they might as well but can't figure it out - they aren't explicitly calling out GMRS it seems although some models seems to support the GMRS frequencies (both Tx and Rx).

Does anyone know if Icom / Kenwood (or even Yaesu) have GMRS HT models that are less than $300?

If not, then looks like Rugged (over Midland) is still the top contender for me.

BTW, I'd like to thank Para for highlighting the need for these types of radios, the value they present and for triggering preparation.

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:

For what is normally about a $10-$15 difference, I would get the HAM version, even if just going to use in GMRS mode.

If one was to go that way is it correct that we'd still want to change the antenna to a GMRS tuned antenna?