The Best Two-Way Radios for Warehouses
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 warehouse, 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 warehouses?
Pallets are stacked high at Dock 3, but no forklift operator is in sight. Inventory at Aisle 7 is running low, and the picker’s been waiting on a restock for over 20 minutes.
A new delivery just rolled in—no one was alerted. Workers are walking the floor to track each other down, wasting time that could be spent moving product. Orders are delayed.
These are all common issues in a warehouse - 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 warehouse, 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 warehouses, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger warehouses (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.
Recommended groups for a warehouse:
- Forklift Operators – Coordinate safe and efficient movement of pallets and materials.
- Picking and Packing Team – Communicate about order fulfillment, restocks, and packing updates.
- Supervisors and Management – Handle escalations, shift updates, and cross-department coordination.
- Maintenance Crew – Respond quickly to equipment issues and facility-related concerns.
- Shipping and Receiving – Manage inbound and outbound deliveries, dock assignments, and paperwork.
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 warehouse radio?
- Durability – Able to withstand drops, dust, and rough handling in a fast-paced environment
- Long Battery Life – Supports full shifts without needing frequent recharges
- Clear Audio Quality – Cuts through background noise for crisp communication
- Hands-Free Options – Compatible with headsets or VOX (voice-activated) for multitasking
- Strong Signal Range – Covers large warehouse spaces, including loading docks and storage areas
- Multiple Channels – Allows teams to separate communication by department or task
- Privacy Codes – Prevents interference from nearby radio users
- Easy-to-Use Controls – Simple interface for quick training and efficient use
- Emergency Features – Includes panic button or priority override for urgent situations
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Warehouses
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for warehouses 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.
Given the structural (physical and team) nature of a warehouse, we recommend higher watt radios with a modest number of channels.
Small Warehouses
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Channels: 4 Power: 2 watt Frequency: UHF (450-470 MHz) Coverage: 250,000 sqft |
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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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Operating on 6 channels there is enough group talk flexibility for multiple teams.
The 15 hours of battery life makes sure your business stays in operation all day.
Power options come in 2 watts - covering businesses up to 275,000 square feet.
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One of the most durable radios on the market.
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Larger Warehouses - Multiple Buildings
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Advanced digital technology for clear audio and extended coverage. Channels: 10 Power: 1 watt digital (equal to 4 watt analog power) Coverage: 300,000 sqft Flexible call options (‘call-all available’, private reply), NO FCC LICENSE REQUIRED! |
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The Motorola Curve is another popular option because it is the most secure radio on the market.
This is a radio that will work well with a larger staff. It has 10 channels to choose from, making it ideal for a big _ with multiple teams.
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.
While larger than the CLPe series, this device is still lightweight at only 4.2 ounces. It covers up to 20 floors or 300,000 square feet of range.
The Call Button compatibility can improve quick response times.
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.
Do you think that the Motorola Curve is right for your team? Contact us today for a free personalized quote.
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 warehouse – 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!