The Best Two-Way Radios for Laboratories
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 lab, 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 laboratories?
The sample freezer is down again... The tech in Lab 3 has been waiting on a courier update for over an hour…
Lab 1 is running out of reagents, and no one’s been able to get a hold of inventory. Everyone’s working, but no one’s connected.
These are all common issues in a laboratory - 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 lab, 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 labs, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger labs (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 Labs:
- Admin & Management – for lab supervisors, scheduling, and cross-department coordination
- Sample Processing – for technicians handling incoming and outgoing samples
- Chemistry Lab – for staff working in chemical analysis
- Microbiology Lab – for microbiologists and biohazard-specific communication
- Maintenance & Facilities – to report equipment issues, power outages, or temperature control problems
- Inventory & Supplies – for stock requests, reorder notifications, or supply shortages
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 lab radio?
- Hands-free capability (VOX)
- Clear audio with noise reduction
- Long battery life for full-shift coverage
- Durable and easy to clean (water-resistant, dustproof, disinfectable)
- Multiple channels or group communication settings
- Emergency alert button
- Sufficient range to cover entire lab facility
- Encryption or privacy codes for secure communication
- Lightweight and compact design for easy wear and use
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Laboratories
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for labs 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 Labs
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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User-friendly with reliable coverage and extended battery life.
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The Motorola CLS1410 lives up to its name. CLS actually stands for Clear, Light, and Simple, and that’s what you’re getting with this device.
This is a UHF Radio with four channels (or this 1 channel version), which will allow you to divide your staff and give the managers their own private channel.
It has 15 floors of indoor range with up to two miles of clear communication outside.
This device features Audible Call Alerts and Vibracall technology.
It’s also an easy device to set up thanks to simplified cloning.
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Larger Labs - Multiple Buildings
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Advanced digital technology for clear audio and extended coverage.
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There are a bunch of reasons why labs choose the Curve...
- It’s an even more durable device that is also compact.
- There are no FCC licensing fees.
- Because it uses newer technology, digital communications are even more clear on the DLP than the CLS or CLPe.
This product has several features
- No FCC license fees, which can add a lot to the final cost
- 10 channels to staff
- Indoor Range of 300,000 square feet or 20 floors
- 900 Mhz Digital Communication
If you want to include the Motorola Curve in your lab, contact Tech Wholesale to get 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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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 lab – 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!