The Best Two-Way Radios for Condo Associations
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 association, 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 condo association?
Unit 304 has a leak that's dripping into the unit below….
A resident in the lobby has been waiting 10 minutes for someone to open the package room…
The front gate is stuck—again—and cars are starting to back up into the street. Maintenance is doing their best, but no one knows who’s handling what.
These are all common issues in a condo association - 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 condo association, 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 associations, 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get nearly 250k sqft of coverage.
Larger associations, covering up to 350k - 400k 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 condo associations:
- Maintenance to coordinate repairs, respond to unit issues, and handle building systems without getting interrupted by unrelated chatter.
- Front Desk/Security to manage guest check-ins, monitor building access, and handle resident concerns.
- Janitorial/Cleaning report spills, request supplies, or coordinate cleaning schedules without interfering with security or maintenance calls.
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 condo association radio?
- Long Battery Life: Radios should last an entire shift—ideally 12+ hours—so staff aren’t scrambling for chargers mid-day.
- Clear Audio Quality: Whether it’s a loud mechanical room or a busy lobby, you want crisp, noise-canceling audio so nothing gets lost in translation.
- Durability: Look for rugged, weather-resistant models that can handle drops, dust, and the occasional splash—perfect for maintenance teams working both inside and out.
- Privacy Codes or Encryption: To keep resident information secure and conversations private, especially when discussing unit issues or emergencies.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Radios should be easy to clip on a belt or fit in a pocket without weighing staff down.
- Hands-Free Options: VOX (voice-activated) features or earpieces can be a game changer for multitasking staff.
- Emergency Alerts: A dedicated emergency button can instantly alert the whole team in case of accidents, medical issues, or security threats.
- Ease of Use: Big buttons, clear displays, and minimal setup—your team shouldn’t need a manual to use them.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Condo Associations
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for associations 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 Associations
For typical association layouts, you’ll want a compact and lightweight radio that is discreet and easy to carry. Offering modest power and 1 to a handful of channels, you will have enough groups to keep operations running smoothly.
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One of the most durable radios on the market.
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If you’re looking for a tough and powerful UHF device, look no further than the Motorola RMU2080d.
With this device, you’re getting a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, reliable outdoor communications for up to two miles, and an indoor range of 20 floors or 250,000 square feet.
This is a heavier device than most on our list at nine ounces, but it makes up for that with raw power. This is a radio that has two watts of power and a massive eight channels that will let you segment a large staff.
The RMU2080d works on 99 UHF business exclusive channels and 219 PL/DPL codes, so your communications are going to be protected.
It’s also great at getting around steel and concrete. This device is easy to clone and highly durable.
It’s made from a military standard design and can handle dust, wind, shock, vibration, and more.
It is also covered in an antimicrobial coating to curb the spread of bacteria.
The included display makes the radio easy to use and navigate.
If you need a powerhouse radio like the Motorola RMU2080d, contact us now for a free quote.
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Compact and powerful. Easy to use and great battery life.
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The Kenwood PKT300 would be a perfect radio for your association if you...
- Work in an area less than 275,000 square feet
- Need to send a signal around steel and concrete
- Require hands-free operation
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.
The VOX feature also allows you to operate the device hands-free.
If you think that the Kenwood PKT300 would be perfect for your crew, reach out to us for a free customized quote
Larger Associations
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This digital beauty is the closest thing you’ll get to a cell phone without the monthly bill.
The DTR700 runs on a 900 MHz ISM band which means no FCC licenses apply to the use of this radio.
With up to 200 contacts and 50 groups for all the flexibility you need in your communication.
The Motorola DTR700 covers three miles, making it ideal for most associations.
This device can communicate up to 350,000 square feet using a long whip antenna.
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Channels: 16 Power: 4 watts; UHF Coverage: 400,000 sqft indoor / 2-3 miles outdoor (in good conditions) Rugged IP54 rated, pre-programmed text messages, voice announcement |
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The Motorola CP100d-UA is a radio that you should consider if …
- Has a large workforce
- Extends up to three miles
- Has a reliable battery and battery packs
- Requires Military-Grade toughness
- Won't mind a heavier device if it comes with increased power.
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.
And, like the DTR700, 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.
This is a device that can get around walls, trees, vehicles, and work well in a building.
The CP100d-UA also covers 89 business radio frequencies with privacy codes.
Check out the other CP100d radio models available for upgrades to digital and displays!
If you think that the Motorola CP100d-UA is perfect for your team, contact us for a free custom quote.
Best Nationwide 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 association – 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!