The Best Two-Way Radios for Pubs
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 pub, 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 a pub?
The bar is packed, the music’s loud, and customers are five-deep at the counter…
One bartender just ran out of limes…
A waitress is looking for a manager because a customer’s card was charged twice…
Everyone needs something, and no one’s on the same page.
These are all common issues in a pub - 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 pub, 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 pubs, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
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.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
From our experience, pubs work best when teams are grouped into one channel.
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 pub radio?
Noise-Cancelling Audio Bars get loud. You need radios that can cut through the background music, crowd chatter, and glass clinks so staff can hear each other.
Compact and Lightweight Design Staff are constantly moving — carrying trays, mixing drinks, bussing tables. The radio needs to be small enough to clip on and forget about.
Long Battery Life A Friday night shift can go for hours. Radios should easily last the whole night without needing a recharge or swap.
Durability Drinks spill. Radios get dropped. Look for something water-resistant and rugged — because things get messy fast.
Clear Range Whether it's across the bar, into the cellar, or out to the patio, you need solid coverage with no dead zones.
Hands-Free Options Earpieces or headsets let staff stay in the loop without stopping what they’re doing — no more juggling drinks and radios.
Group Communication Channels Let the kitchen talk to the servers, the bartenders call for restock, and the manager check in on all of it — all without crossing wires.
Privacy Codes or Secure Channels Keeps customer info (and your internal chaos) off public airwaves.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Pubs
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for pubs 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.
For typical 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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Lightweight, discreet, and hands-free with excellent audio clarity.
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The Motorola CLP1010e is a UHF radio that has one channel. Consider it a simplified version of the CLP1080e.
It has the same antimicrobial casing to prevent an outbreak and create a healthier workplace.
You’ll also get the same 10 floor range indoors with one mile of outside communication.
This two way radio also has a 12-hour life thanks to the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
It’s extremely light at just over two ounces and features 219 elimination codes to protect your sensitive conversations.
The CLP1010e also comes with an earpiece for hands free use and a belt clip to help your average pub worker carry it around.
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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 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.
Honorable Mention
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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 pub – 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!