Best affordable 2 way radios less than $100

[leetheman81]

Looking for something with maximum range possible without getting any type of license from the fcc. Obviously the range advertised won't be achieved in our area but whats something i can talk to my daughter on at her friends house about a mile down the road or others in a shtf situation where cell towers are out.
Thanks ODT and God Bless!!

 

[mountainmoped]

One of the new FM CBs.

 

[mountainmoped]

FCC approves FM mode for CB radios

Cobra joins growing lineup of CB manufacturers offering clearer FM channels alongside AM.

www.ccjdigital.com

 

[mountainmoped]

Radioddity CB-27 CB Radio Mobile Radio | AM/FM | 4W | 40/80 Channel [DISCONTINUED]

Radioddity CB-27 40-Channel CB Mobile Radio Ultra-compact, perfect for a long days road trip. No license required, easy to operate It accesses a 29 level squelch system and better sensitivity chip, is a great signal receiver and allows to get a clearer sound during communication. You can active...

www.radioddity.com

 

[leetheman81]

If i wanted to use this as a "base" could i simply get her walkie talkies and assure we're on the same channel? Is
something like this offered in a handheld version?
Sorry, im oblivious to the diffrences in cb, 2 way, ham radio etc

 

[FreedomUSMC]

I've used Baofeng for various reasons and they're solid. Add an upgraded antennae and extra capacity battery, you're good to go. Also, you can connect to repeaters so the range is multiplied. There's various videos on youtube.

The range of the Baofeng BF-F8HP can go as far as 20-25 miles; depending upon obstacles and weather.

Best Baofeng Radio of 2024 (Expert Picks)

Find out the top 11 Baofeng Radios. We have tried and tested all of these Baofeng radios so that we can help you pick up the best Baofeng radio without a doubt.

www.savenetradio.org

 

[leetheman81]

I've used Baofeng for various reasons and they're solid. Add an upgraded antennae and extra capacity battery, you're good to go. Also, you can connect to repeaters so the range is multiplied. There's various videos on youtube.

The range of the Baofeng BF-F8HP can go as far as 20-25 miles; depending upon obstacles and weather.

Best Baofeng Radio of 2024 (Expert Picks)

Find out the top 11 Baofeng Radios. We have tried and tested all of these Baofeng radios so that we can help you pick up the best Baofeng radio without a doubt.

www.savenetradio.org

Fairly user friendly and ready to operate right out of the box without any significant programming to use as "walkie talkie" per say?

 

[FreedomUSMC]

Fairly user friendly and ready to operate right out of the box without any significant programming to use as "walkie talkie" per say?

Yes, sir. For the purposes you stated, I would just pick 2 frequencies and save them in each radio. One for primary and one for backup.

You can change frequencies right on the radio interface and save them too. You could also get a programming cable (if you like) and use the free program to load dozens of frequencies. I loaded mine with emergency frequencies in various counties, all the way to my parents house. That way if SHTF, I have some sort of comms as I make my way to them. You can even set it as a police scanner.

Here's a basic setup:

 

[GAgunLAWbooklet]

I've heard a lot of people say those Beofang radios are difficult (complicated) to set up.
I would assume they're also difficult for newbies who aren't ham radio geeks to use.
What if the OP's daughter, or some other family member, pushes the wrong button? Will she know how to reverse that operation and return the radio to the same settings as it was minutes ago?

I've had a dozen different brands and models of CB walkie-talkies and first-generation family radio service (FRS) transceivers over the years, and they have to be STUPID SIMPLE for anybody but you or another walkie-talkie owner to use effectively. Oh, and I've used a lot of business channel radios too, and they take a lot of training to use, and even then people will STILL touch the wrong button and change the settings. Sometimes this means they lose all communications until somebody reconfigures their radio.

 

[User170512]

I read that they (Beofeng) are not all FCC approved? Will that really matter?