What Is The Longest Range Two-Way Radio?

Many things can affect the performance of a two-way radio, Variables such as the type of antenna and general design of the radio, the type of radio signal (VHF or UHF), the amount of signal interference, the radio’s power output, and/or the location and environment the radio is being used in can all have a significant impact upon any two-way radio’s overall performance.

So, with that in mind, which type of two-way radio generally offers the strongest signal over the longest range? 

The short answer is a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio. VHF radio signals travel approximately twice as far as UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radio signals. 

However, this doesn’t definitively answer our question, because although VHF radios transmit over longer distances, their signals are more easily blocked by buildings, woodlands, hills, and other obstacles. Essentially, the effectiveness of any two-way radio depends greatly on where and how you intend to use it. 

VHF radios, for their part, work best in outdoor conditions that are primarily very flat or unobstructed. UHF radios, on the other hand, are much better at penetrating and navigating physical obstacles, making them the superior choice for use in urban or forested areas, as well as over shorter distances. 

Another factor to consider is whether the radio is licensed or licence-free. UK law limits unlicensed radios to a power maximum of 0.5 Watts, which only allows the radio a maximum range of about half a mile. Licensed radios (usually reserved for business use) can reach up to 25 Watts, and therefore can communicate over distances of up to 10 miles. If a license can be obtained, this will greatly increase the effectiveness of any two-way radio setup. 

The radio’s antenna is also an important factor. A whip antenna, for example, will boost a radio’s range, but at the expense of portability, ease of use, and overall discretion. A stubby antenna will make the two-way radio more portable and discreet, but can reduce a signal’s range by as much as 30%. 

Typically, two-way radios will include either a stubby or a whip antenna. However, many two-way antennas are fully changeable, meaning that it may not be difficult at all to purchase a better one and attach it to the existing radio.  

Installing a repeater can also boost the signal to all radios in the area. Repeaters receive radio signals, then re-transmit them with greater power. However, repeaters can be expensive, and are best installed by professionals. 

Repeaters should be installed in higher locations, such as hilly or built-up areas that may otherwise hamper radio signals. Their installation is especially useful to those using VHF radios, as they can really cut down on signal interference and degradation.

While shopping for a two-way radio, it is also common to find manufacturers claiming that their products will work perfectly well over this or that distance. It is important to remember, however, that these claims (though usually accurate) are always assuming optimum conditions. 

Essentially, a claim of ‘this two-way radio will work at a distance of X miles’ requires perfect conditions to ensure accuracy. This means that, if the batteries are brand new (and fully charged), radio interference is kept to a minimum, the user is outdoors and not in a location that negatively affects signal (e.g., a lift or basement), and there is little/no background noise, the two-way should be able to transmit at the distance claimed. 

However, any one of these (and other) variables can - and do - hamper the efficiency of radio signals.

The ‘longest range’ two-way radio, then, depends greatly on a number of variables, including the device’s intended use, as well as the location(s) in which it will be used. 

In our opinion, a licensed VHF radio, with a full battery, a whip antenna, and a wattage as high as possible will offer the longest-possible range for a two-way radio. This is especially the case if the signal can be boosted via a local repeater. Each element mentioned here should maximise the two-way radio in question’s performance over longer distances. 

VHF radios send signals over longer distances. Full battery life ensures maximum performance. A whip antenna offers 30% more signal strength than a stubby one, and a well placed, professionally-installed repeater will boost the signal as much as possible. Even these measures, however, can be affected by the variables mentioned above. 

A great alternative to a traditional two-way radio setup is a push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) system. If both handsets have access to mobile data or WiFi, their range could be considered almost unlimited, making this an even better option in some cases. 

PoC systems use WiFi, 4G, and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology to create a radio network that’s accessible to almost any verified user. 

A PoC system (sometimes referred to as ‘Nationwide PTT’ or ‘LTE’) eliminates the need for cabling, radio programming, repeaters or other signal boosters, allowing users to talk nationally, or even internationally. 

However, even a PoC system is not without its drawbacks. For example, their performance relies on network coverage. So, if the area in question suffers from poor cellphone reception, this will likely also impact the effectiveness of the PoC system. 

In addition, PoC devices tend to have weaker battery life than regular two-way radios, and can suffer from security issues, as well as delays caused by network congestion or slow signal processing. 

None of the preceding advice is intended to be pessimistic. Our intention is simply to inform the reader and help them/you to make the best decision. Rest assured, the right option for you is most certainly out there. 

However, exactly which option you choose may require a bit of forethought and forward-planning. Before making any decisions, it is important to know where the radios will be used, as well as how long a range will be required. This is an important decision, because mistakes, in this case, could wind up being very costly indeed. 

Think seriously and clearly about what you want, and be sure to do your homework before choosing your two-way radio setup. Good luck.