Knowing how to find the best walkie-talkies can be a challenge. We’ve rounded up parent-approved devices that are not only fun but also reliable, durable, and affordable. They’ll stand up to the demands of play while offering great coverage ranges, battery life, and up to 22 channels to communicate. Whether you’re outfitting your teens with an advanced model for a camping adventure or introducing your four-year-old to their first walkie-talkie, there are options for all ages. Here are the best walkie-talkies for kids. These drop-resistant walkie-talkies can communicate using one of 22 available channels. A lock feature ensures that, once a frequency is set, kids won’t accidentally switch channels and lose the connection. The range is up to one mile (depending on the terrain), which makes the Retevis a great walkie-talkie for neighborhood use or for playing around while hiking out on the trail with family and friends. These walkies also feature a non-slip handle, a belt clip, a backlit LCD display, a low-battery indicator, and superb sound quality. Another feature that sets the Retevis walkies apart is the headphone jack, which allows kiddos to connect any 2.5 mm headphones to the device. An upgraded RT628 model with rechargeable batteries and a charging cable is also available. Price at time of publication: $25 The LCD screen is backlit, which is ideal in a variety of daytime and nighttime conditions. Nine buttons help kids navigate the range of functions, such as turning volume up and down, checking the battery status, and more. A belt clip helps kids keep track of the walkie-talkie during play. Drop-resistant from heights of up to four feet, the Selieve is designed to stand up to rough play. Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $27 Featuring support for up to 22 channels, the audio is clear and free of interference thanks to the auto-squelch function. A built-in flashlight helps kids see where they’re going in low-light conditions, while the three-kilometer range (1.86 miles) in open spaces ensures plenty of coverage throughout the house, neighborhood, park, trail, and more. Price at time of publication: $40 Like other walkie-talkies, this set features 22 channels to communicate, an LCD screen, a lock option, and hands-free VOX functionality. However, these Qniglo walkies stand out because they can also play FM radio and include lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged using a USB cable (included). According to the manufacturer, each charge will allow up to 12 hours of playtime or up to five days on standby mode. Price at time of publication: $50 The complete set includes two walkie-talkies, six rechargeable batteries, a charging base and cable, and G-shaped headphones with built-in microphones. The walkies are waterproof and even float on water. They also feature 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, VOX functionality with three sensitivity settings, and a battery-save mode that shuts the device down after five seconds of silence. Price at time of publication: $63 In addition to being waterproof and able to float, the T600 automatically activates an LED flashlight when it comes in contact with water—a really helpful feature if the walkie falls overboard while you’re kayaking or fishing. The set includes two radios, a charging cable with dual micro USB connectors, and two NiMH rechargeable batteries (although the walkies can also be powered using three AA batteries). Price at time of publication: $120 The set also includes three lanyards and belt clips, which are convenient when moving around. Their hard plastic case features an LCD screen, easy-to-use buttons, and 22 channels with 99 privacy codes. A lock feature ensures that no one accidentally changes the channel while on an adventure and misses important updates. Price at time of publication: $26 Price at time of publication: $40 Although there are other waterproof options available, the Cobra walkie-talkie is our favorite because it floats on water, has a built-in burp feature that expels residual water from the speaker grille, and it’s rated IP67, which means it has been tested to work while immersed at depths of up to 39 inches. It also features a drop-resistant rubber case, an S.O.S flashlight, a dedicated button for instant NOAA weather broadcasts and alerts, a Rewind Say Again feature that plays the last 20 seconds of audio, and a range of up to 37 miles. The set includes two walkie-talkies with belt clips, a charging station for two devices, a micro USB cable, and six rechargeable NiMH batteries. Price at time of publication: $120 The complete kit includes two walkie-talkies, belt clips, two NiMH rechargeable batteries, and a charging cable with dual midro USB connectors. Price at time of publication: $55 Zello is available for Android, iOS, and PC, and is compatible with iOS and Android wearables, tablets, laptops, and other devices. Requiring a cell phone or smart device, however, might be a downside when it comes to kids and walkie-talkie communication. Price at time of publication: Free, in-app purchases available Our selection includes options for different budgets and needs, from basic, affordable walkie-talkies that are perfect to play around the neighborhood, to more complex options that offer extensive ranges, rechargeable batteries, and a variety of features.
What to Look for in Walkie-Talkies for Kids
Durability
It’s no secret that kids are tough on toys. The walkie-talkie that best fits your family’s needs should be able to stand up to the demands of everyday play. You’ll want to look for devices that are made of durable plastic or rubber and can withstand drops, spills, and harsh outdoor conditions. That way, you can spend more time enjoying adventures with the kids and less time worrying about the tech.
Range
Range refers to the maximum distance at which the walkie-talkies can communicate. Although most manufacturers list their range in miles, the actual distance will depend on the terrain and the obstructions between the two devices. “Walkie-talkies work best with line of sight. Not that you necessarily have to see the other walkie, but anything that gets between the two can block the signal. That can be buildings or too many trees. You can find your range on the street is a lot better than your range in the woods,” says Roepke.
Channels
A channel is the frequency the walkie-talkies use to communicate. Most walkie-talkies for kids have up to 22 channels. Devices may also offer privacy codes (CTCSS or DCS) or sub-channels that filter unwanted chatter from other users on the same frequency. Both walkies should be set to the same channel and code to be able to communicate. Keep in mind that privacy codes do not block other users from accessing the same combination, and others may still be able to hear your kids’ conversations. Depending on how you intend to use the devices and your location, more channels will give you a better chance of finding an unoccupied frequency.
Batteries
The battery life of walkie-talkies will vary greatly, depending on usage, type of device, additional features, and type of battery. The Motorola T600, for example, offers up to nine hours of active usage time on the rechargeable NiMH battery and up to 23 hours on three AA batteries. Walkies with fun extras like flashlights or FM radios, such as the Selieve or the Qniglo, will drain batteries quicker. Some devices also offer battery-saving features, like the auto-shut-off function in the GOCOM G600. Most walkie-talkies require between two and four AA or AAA batteries, which can add up quickly if your kiddos really enjoy playing with their walkie-talkies, which is the goal. One good piece of advice is to remove the batteries when not using the devices, to avoid accidentally turning them on. And whenever possible, opt for walkie-talkies that feature rechargeable batteries.
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Emily Isaacs is a freelance writer who covers tech, lifestyle, home, and parenting for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to an infant son and also has three pets: two black cats, Pixel and Syrio, and a dog, Addie. Not only does Emily spend too much time checking the internet to find the best deals, she also enjoys researching, comparing, testing, and writing about products that fit a variety of household and lifestyle needs. Regarding the exposure to radiofrequency, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers walkie-talkies to be well below any levels of concern. “Because of the low power levels used, the intermittency of these transmissions (‘push-to-talk’), and due to the fact that these radios are held away from the head, they should not expose users to RF energy in excess of safe limits,” states the FCC.
