This site is a guide to two-way radios. It covers the basics of walkie-talkies and the main radio services people use in the United States: FRS, GMRS, ham (amateur) radio, CB and marine VHF.
What you will find here
The guides are written to be plain and practical: how radios work, what range to expect, which kind of radio suits which use, and what the rules say. Statements about licensing and radio rules are checked against FCC sources, and where a rule or a fact could not be confirmed, the guides try to say so rather than guess. Rules and fees can change, so it is worth checking the FCC pages linked in each guide before you act.
Browse by topic
- FRS & GMRS: channels, power and range for license-free and licensed walkie-talkies.
- Kids & Family: toy sets, family trips and house rules.
- Marine & Boating: marine VHF and radios on the water.
- Ham & CB: amateur and Citizens Band basics.
- How-To & Etiquette: how radios work and how to use them well.
- Buying Guides: what to check before you buy.
- Licensing & Rules: FCC licensing in plain terms.
- Healthcare & Work Use: radios on the job, including clinics and hospitals.
- Accessories: headsets, earpieces and add-ons.
- Outdoor & Travel: hiking, camping and trips.
A few good places to start
- The Ultimate Guide to Walkie Talkies: Everything You Need to Know
- How Two-Way Radios Work: A Beginner’s Guide
- FRS vs GMRS: Which License-Free or Licensed Walkie-Talkie Fits You?
- How to Get a GMRS License, Step by Step
- Buying a Two-Way Radio in the US: What to Check Before You Choose
- How Far Do Two-Way Radios Actually Reach? Typical Range by Radio and Terrain
- Using a Two-Way Radio for the First Time: Push-to-Talk Basics and a Simple Range Test
Links to products
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Contact
Questions, corrections or suggestions? Please use the Contact page.