The Best Two-Way Radios for Janitorial Services
If you go out and buy the first radio that you see for your team, you might be in for a rude awakening. Static, poor battery life, messages that sound like a drive-through speaker...
That’s why you need a quality radio tailored to your team, and we’ve got you covered!
We don't want you to buy any radio just because you like the name or the price. We want you to make an educated decision and purchase the perfect radio within the scope of your needs, staff, and location.
We’ve sold thousands of radios and have compiled all that knowledge right here in this brief guide.
What do you need in a walkie talkie for janitors?
Restroom A is out of paper towels. A spill near the front entrance has gone untouched for ten minutes.
One janitor is scrubbing gum off the hallway floor while another is on the other side of the building, completely unaware.
Everyone’s working, but no one knows where backup is needed.
These are all common issues - and they can easily be solved with clear, quality two-way radios.
Let's walk through some important components when comparing radios.
Coverage Considerations
When choosing two-way radios for your team, it is important to match radio power and coverage of your building size and layout.
Selecting a radio that is too powerful for your needs can lead to overpaying, while choosing one with insufficient coverage may result in poor quality and dead zones.
For small buildings, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger buildings (or multiple buildings), covering up to 350,000 square feet, require more powerful radios in the 3-4 watt range on analog (or 1 watt on digital) that can transmit clearly through walls and across larger distances.
You also need to take obstructions and building materials into account. If you have thick concrete walls, it may be necessary to go 1-watt stronger.
For unlimited coverage, across multiple locations, consider radios that use LTE and Wi-Fi, like the Motorola WAVE PTX series.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
Easy breezy. That’s concise and direct communication.
Channels can also be used to set up private conversations: “Sarah, call Tom on channel two.”
Sarah and Tom can then have an in-depth conversation over the radio without bothering the rest of the staff.
Quality Brands Make a Difference
You need a radio that is not going to fall apart within a year. You need one that will last so you’re not throwing away money.
Motorola and Kenwood two-way Radios are the most quality brands on the market because they are purpose-built for reliable communication with a durable build.
Designed to be easy to use and intuitive their radio series are affordable, cost-effective and eliminate monthly cell phone plans.
Tested for 5 years of field use, Motorola and Kenwood make sure you see a return on your investment.
Not to mention the included manufacturer warranty (1-3 years depending on model).
What features make a great janitorial radio?
- Long Battery Life – To last through full shifts without constant recharging.
- Rugged/Durable Design – Built to handle drops, dust, moisture, and daily wear-and-tear.
- Clear Audio Quality – So messages come through loud and clear, even with background noise from vacuums or machinery.
- Lightweight and Compact – Easy to carry around while moving and cleaning.
- Hands-Free Options (VOX or Earpiece Compatible) – Allows communication without stopping what they’re doing.
- Multiple Channels – For separating teams by task or location within the facility.
- Emergency Alert Button – A quick way to call for help in case of a spill, accident, or other urgent situation.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Janitorial Teams
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for buildings of every size.
These recommendations come from our own experience working with thousands of these radios. Each one has a rock-solid history and great reputation.
Small Buildings
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This is a UHF radio with four channels. You can segment your staff into four different groups for more effective communication.
The RMU2040 is a machine that pushes out the sound with two watts of power and an outdoor range of up to two miles.
It also has an indoor range of 20 floors or up to 250,000 square feet.
The device uses lithium-ion batteries. So you’re going to have power throughout the day. It also comes with a standing charging tray, a wall charger that plugs into power outlets, and a belt clip.
This is a radio that performs under harsh or stressful conditions with a strength of signal which easily gets around concrete and steel.
Make no mistake about it; this is one sturdy radio.
Its military-grade hardware is composed of materials that meet the MIL-STD 810 and IP-55 standards. That means it can take a licking and keep on ticking.
It comes with 219 different privacy codes that protect against interference and crosstalk. You won’t have to worry about hobbyists or any competitors interfering with your signal.
The customized channel announcement feature also allows you to operate the device hands-free.
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Compact and powerful. Easy to use and great battery life.
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This is a UHF radio with six channels. You can segment your staff into six different groups for more effective communication.
The PKT300 pushes out sound with two watts of power and an outdoor range of up to two miles.
It also has an indoor range of 20 floors or up to 275,000 square feet.
You’re going to have power throughout the day. It also comes with a standing charging tray, a wall charger that plugs into power outlets, and a belt clip.
Larger Buildings - Multiple Buildings
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This is a powerhouse UHF radio.
First off, it features 16 different channels. It can clearly handle a sizable workforce.
With 4 watts of power, it sends sound out with a lot of energy. Think of it like a major league pitcher throwing a fastball. That signal is getting where it needs to go.
It has an outdoor range of up to three miles and an indoor range of 30 floors or up to 350,000 square feet. This is the power-packed radio that you want when you're looking for distance.
It can take a severe pounding. You're looking at a military-grade case with a metal die-cast chassis covered in polycarbonate.
It meets the MIL-STD 810 C-F standards. That means it can stand up to a combat mission.
This walkie talkie can withstand being submerged in mud or dropped from scaffolding. It can even take a blast from a firehose.
Honorable Mention
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Ultra-slim, durable, and superior audio clarity for larger coverage needs.
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Best Unlimited Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)
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Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states.
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Request a Quote for Bulk Purchases
Need to equip your team? We want to help!
Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.
We are here for you!
If you have any questions on which radio is right for your janitorial team – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.
You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!