How far will walkie-talkies actually reach?
Walkie talkie's and range as far as possible that is achievable is what users want, but there are many factors that will determine the actual achieved range and in this article I highlight some of the main aspects that affect walkie talkie and two way radio range.
There are some things relating to hardware, type of transmission frequency and new technologies that can dramatically affect the range, as well as the limitations in the UK of licensed or license free (PMR446) operation limitations so let's discuss a few before we analyse the actual range of walkie-talkie radios. LRS has walkie talkies with long range available.
Hardware: Each type of radio will have specifications for hardware and its use that the maker will integrate in to the handset. For example a license free walkie talkie or two way radio has either a maximum of 1/2 watt output, or for licensed radios typically a maximum of 5 watts output. This has a very big effect on the range of any walkie talkie radio. It is possible to increase range marginally with an antenna that has an element of gain. For example a 3DB gain would have the ERP of twice the gain so an antenna could help range, as would licensed wireless walkie talkie or two way radio.
VHF or UHF? It is generally accepted that VHF transmissions are inferior to the UHF equivalent. Typically VHF waves are harder to go through various obstacles like trees, buildings and even hills/mountains. VHF has other issues too, like third party radio interference or even the weather all have a detrimental effect on the VHF transmission. UHF is improved over the VHF equivalent but UHF still has its own less pronounced problems.
Newer Technology: While walkie talkies use analogue or digital technology the limitations remain because of the underlying modulation of AM (amplitude modulation) or FM (frequency modulation). However a newer technology of LTE (or PoC) communications opens up the range of that type of transmission dramatically.
The range of walkie talkies: Taking in to account everything mentioned above you might expect the range of two way radios and walkie talkies as follows, but not guaranteed:
- Unlicensed PMR446: Expect short range if in a city or built
up area maybe 200 to 300 metres, but when in flat areas without
obstruction you might achieve maybe 2 to 3 kilometres range.
High ground will enhance the signal further if transmitting from
the top of a hill for example.
- Licensed walkie talkies: With that extra output of up to 5
watts expect to achieve a typical range of up to 8 kilometres
range. If using VHF expect shorter range compared to UHF. Again
if using the radio from the top of a hill it is possible to
achieve further distance.
- LTE (PoC) radios: There is no doubt that the way forward is LTE technology. This system is basically like a network radio that communicates with a server through a SIM card. However it is possible to cover the whole of the UK with LTE two way radios.
So in summary, choosing the right walkie talkie or two-way radio from what limits the range is essential to know. Obviously there are other circumstances that also affect range, but getting the hardware right in the first instance has the biggest bearing on the range you might achieve overall. The 'wrong' equipment for long range will NEVER achieve the rsnge you might have anticipated.
Some companies will suggest very long range for 'everyday VHF or UHF two way radios (we have seen as far as nearly 40 miles suggested) but in reality that suggestion of range might be described on occasion as fantacy.
Other articles for walkie talkie and two way radios
Two Way Radios vs Walkie-Talkie: Is There a Difference?
UHF vs VHF Distance: What Does it Mean?
This article created by A B Mckenzie 2024 and updated 2026. All Rights Reserved.