Buying guide
Which walkie talkie tier do you actually need?
By Jolene Wong
Entry, business and professional radios, who each is for, and where people overspend.
Most buyers ask for the price first. A better first question is what the radio will go through every day.
Entry
For light use indoors and small teams. Think iRadio V68, TDMR DR5, or Motorola C1200 and C2620 if you want digital with a brand behind it. The C2620 is rated IP54, which covers dust and splashes.
Business
For teams who use radios all day. The MOTOTRBO R2 (IP55, SINC+ noise suppression) and TDMR DR6 Plus are in this tier. Choose this for factories, malls and security.
Professional
For wet, loud or demanding work, or when you want years of service. The XiR P6600i and MOTOTRBO R5 are IP67. The R7 adds IP68, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Where people get it wrong
- Buying a professional radio to fix a coverage problem. A better radio does not replace a repeater.
- Comparing only the unit price, then paying for licences, earpieces and batteries later.
- Buying the cheapest quote without asking if it is certified.