The Best Two-Way Radios for Security
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 security 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 security?
The loading dock entrance is wide open and no one’s watching it...
A delivery truck just pulled up, but there’s no record of a scheduled drop-off…
Meanwhile, a guest flagged a front desk agent about a suspicious person loitering in the parking garage—and no one’s responded.
The security office is short-staffed tonight, and without real-time updates, gaps grow wider.
These are all common issues in a security team - 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 areas, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger areas (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.
From our experience, security teams work best when teams are grouped into one channel.
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 security team radio?
- Long Battery Life – Security shifts run long. A radio that lasts 12+ hours ensures coverage from start to finish without swapping batteries.
- Clear Audio Quality – In loud environments like event venues or parking garages, crisp audio and noise cancellation make sure nothing gets missed.
- Durability – Security work can be rough. Look for radios that are water-resistant, dustproof, and drop-tested (MIL-STD or IP rated).
- Private Channels / Encryption – Keeps sensitive communications secure and prevents outsiders from listening in.
- Hands-Free Capability – With surveillance earpieces or VOX (voice-activated transmit), officers can stay connected while staying mobile.
- Emergency Alert Button – A one-touch panic feature that instantly notifies the team of a distress situation.
- Range & Coverage – Strong signal across large buildings, multi-story parking structures, or outdoor grounds is essential.
- Compatibility with Accessories – Ability to use earpieces, shoulder mics, or belt clips for easier carry and use.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Security Teams
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for teams 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.
Smaller Buildings
|
 |
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.
|
Advanced digital technology for clear audio and extended coverage.
|
 |
The Motorola Curve is another popular option among security teams because it is the most private radio on the market.
This is a radio that will work well with a larger staff. It has 10 channels to choose from.
The Curve will also save you money in the long run. Because it operates on a digital band, you won't have to worry about paying any pesky FCC licensing fees.
This device is still lightweight at only 4.2 ounces. It covers up to 20 floors or 300,000 square feet of range.
When it comes to protecting confidential information, the Curve has you covered with Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology and 10,000 different privacy codes.
Another great and beneficial feature of this device is its Page All and Call All Available functions. This allows you to reach out to the entire staff at once, and it is ideal in an emergency.
On the other side of the coin, there is also a Direct Call feature that allows you to contact just one person with sensitive information.
This device is going to be able to handle even the longest shift with a 14-Hour battery life. That's all thanks to the rechargeable lithium-ion battery that it comes with.
This is another two-way radio that has an anti-microbial coating to curb the spread of bacteria.
Larger Buildings - Multiple Buildings
|
Extended coverage comes with a larger antenna. Durable build.
|
 |
Motorola's CP100d series 4-watt radios push your walkie-talkie transmissions up to 350,000 sq. ft and up to 30 floors in a building.
Should your buildings have dead spots or your business require extra wide coverage, both the CP100d-UA and CP100d-UD come repeater ready.
16 and 160 channel radios, respectively, the CP100d-UA and CP100d-U allow you to subdivide your business radio communications amongst different groups oriented to different tasks to cut down on distraction and cross chatter that's not relevant.
User programmable via PC (with Motorola's free for download CPS, customer programming software) and cloning capable (with optional cable, sold separately).
Honorable Mention
|
Ultra-slim, durable, and superior audio clarity for larger coverage needs.
|
 |
Best Nationwide Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)
|
Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states.
|
 |
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 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!