The Best Two-Way Radios for Film Production
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 production 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 film production?
Camera’s rolling in five. The lead actor’s still in makeup…
The lighting team is asking for a final check, but no one can find the gaffer. Wardrobe needs to get a backup outfit to set—fast—but they don’t know where it’s needed.
Meanwhile, the director’s assistant is sprinting across the lot trying to coordinate it all.
These are all common issues in a film production - 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 production, 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 sets, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger sets (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 Film Production:
- Assistant Directors: Coordinate call times, scene setups, and talent movement.
- Camera Team: Communicate lens changes, shot framing, and equipment needs.
- Lighting & Grip: Handle rigging, lighting adjustments, and power coordination.
- Wardrobe & Makeup: Sync on talent readiness, costume changes, and makeup touch-ups.
- General Channel: Reserved for department heads and set-wide updates or emergencies.
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 film production radio?
- Clear Audio Quality: Crisp, interference-free sound is essential—especially on noisy sets or outdoor locations.
- Multiple Channels: Teams need separate channels for departments like camera, lighting, ADs, and more. The ability to switch between them quickly is a must.
- Hands-Free Options: Headsets, earpieces, and VOX (voice-activated transmit) allow crew members to stay mobile and work hands-free while staying in communication.
- Long Battery Life: Shoots run long. Radios need to last all day without constant recharging—or have swappable batteries ready to go.
- Durability: Film sets are tough environments. Radios should be rugged, weather-resistant, and able to handle drops, dust, and the occasional coffee spill.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Easy to clip on and carry around for hours without getting in the way of movement or gear.
- Secure Communications (Privacy Codes): Prevents crosstalk from nearby productions or unauthorized users—especially important on large lots or in urban areas.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Film Productions
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for sets 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 Sets
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Advanced digital technology for clear audio and extended coverage.
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The Motorola Curve is a popular option because it is one of the most private radios 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 production 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.
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.
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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.
Larger Sets - Multiple Buildings
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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 productions.
This device can communicate up to 350,000 square feet using a long whip antenna.
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Extended coverage comes with a larger antenna. Durable build.
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Motorola makes a high-performance business radio that delivers the signal strength and crystal clear audio that conveys your messages across your enterprise or institution, no matter how many buildings it spans.
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), Motorola CP100d business walkie-talkies are flexible and easy to use.
Honorable Mention
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Ultra-slim, durable, and superior audio clarity for larger coverage needs.
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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 production – 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!