The Best Handheld UHF Radios

Take a few minutes to read this "Best Two-Way UHF Radio Guide" and you'll come away with an encyclopedia of knowledge in the basics of handheld UFH radios. "Best" can mean different things to different users, so we'll talk about the top business requirements for handheld UHF radios. Whether you're looking for a radio that's compact, lightweight and inexpensive, a military-grade two-way radio that can withstand the weather and extreme temperatures or a walkie-talkie radio that has all the latest features and maximum flexibility, there are high-quality radios that will meet and exceed your expectations. Take a few minutes to read our Best UHF Radio Guide and discover the best handheld UHF radio for various requirements.

Best Compact and Lightweight UHF Two-Way Radios

For discreet use and comfortable to wear all day (or all night) long, there's the Motorola CLP1010e. Weighing just 2.38 ounces and measuring a sleek 3.5 by 2.0 by .75 inches, this compact two-way radio packs a lot of punch for its economical price. The single-channel, 1-watt radio has an outdoor range of 100,000 square feet and an indoor range of up to 10 floors. It also can be used with a repeater for extended range of 250,000 square feet outdoors and up to 20 floors indoors. The Motorola CLP1080e is the next model up with 8 channels, ideal for larger companies with multiple groups of personnel. The Kenwood PKT-23 is their most compact model, weighing just 3.9 ounces and measuring 1.8 by 3.3 by .8 inches. This lightweight and powerful UHF radio has 4 channels and 1.5 watts, with a range of 5 miles outdoors and up to 17 floors indoors.

Best UHF Walkie-Talkie Radios with the Greatest Range

If you're looking for a UHF radio with the greatest range, consider the Motorola's robust RDU models. The Motorola RDU4100 provides 4 watts of power and 10 channels, with an outdoor range of 350,000 square feet and an indoor range of 30 floors. Built to military specifications, it meets stringent MIL-STD 810 and IP-54/55 standards for resistance to water, dust, shock, vibration and extreme temperatures. The Motorola RDU4160D has the same features as the 4100, but gives you 16 channels and a removable antenna. The Kenwood TK-3402U16P, with its 5 watts of power, offers the greatest range of their TK models. It can transmit up to 7 miles outdoors and 33 floors indoors. This premium UHF radio has 16 channels, a removable antenna, built-in VOX, channel scan technology and is designed to MIL-STD 810 and IP54/55 standards for maximum durability.

Most Rugged and Durable Handheld UHF Radios

When shopping for a handheld UHF radio that's resistant to water, dust, vibration, shock and temperature extremes, as mentioned above, you'll want to choose a radio that's compliant with MIL-STD 810 and IP54/55. In addition to the two-way radios mentioned above, the Kenwood TK-3400U4P and Kenwood TK-3400U16P have been rigorously tested to meet these exacting requirements.

Best Business UHF Radios with the Most Advanced Features

The top-of-the-line radios from Kenwood and Motorola for having the longest range and greatest durability are also the models with the most advanced features. From Motorola, the RDU4160D features 3 voice inversion scramble settings to improve privacy, advanced voice activation, Customer Programming Software (CPS) and 213 privacy codes. It is also compatible with the Ritron Jobcom base station for increased coverage beyond its standard 350,000 square feet and 30 floors. The Kenwood TK-3402U16P has built-in VOX, channel scan and voice annunciation technology, wireless cloning, privacy codes and the ability to lock user controls to prevent accidental channel changes.