Once upon a time, any off-road enthusiast worth their salt had a CB or ham radio installed in their vehicle and a long radio antenna (or two) wiggling around somewhere on top of their rig.
But times — and technologies — have changed. Nowadays, many overlanders and off-roaders are opting for GMRS radios, devices that operate on different wavelengths than CB and ham. These radios present fewer hurdles to adoption than the older technologies: they're simpler to use, easier to install (if they need to be installed at all), relatively affordable, and acquiring a GMRS operator's license is easy and inexpensive.
In this guide, we cover why GMRS radios have become so popular, how they're used, and which handheld unit to pick for off-roading and overlanding. Note that we're focusing on handheld GMRS radios here, as opposed to "mobile" units that are installed in vehicles.
For a more general introduction to using two-way radios, check out our guide to overlanding and off-roading communications.
You must obtain a license from the FCC to operate a GMRS radio.
Four handheld GMRS radios cover most of what off-road and backcountry use actually demands. The Rocky Talkie Expedition and the Midland GXT67 Pro are the heavy-duty picks, both IP67 rated with multi-day battery life and repeater support. The older Midland GXT1000VP4 still earns its place as the cheap, easy, multi-pack-friendly option for outfitting a trail group. The BTECH GMRS-V2 packs the most features per dollar if you don't mind a steeper menu.
| Pick | Power Watts | Battery | Ip Rating | Repeater Capable | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best OverallExpedition Radio | 5 | Li-ion 1800 mAh (4–6 days) | IP67 | Yes | $180.00 |
| Best Heavy-DutyGXT67 Pro GMRS 5-Watt Walkie Talkie | 5 | Li-ion (up to 4 days, USB-C rapid charge) | IP67 | Yes | $239.99 |
| Best for SimplicityGXT1000VP4 50-Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio | 5 | NiMH rechargeable + AAA backup | JIS4 splash | No | $89.99 |
| Best Power for the PriceBTECH GMRS-V2 | 5 | Li-ion (BL-5L) | None | Yes | $55.89 |
- #1Best Overall
Expedition Radio
Rocky Talkie
Rocky Talkie built the Expedition specifically for people who get cold, wet, and far from a charger. IP67 means it survives a creek dunk. The 1800 mAh battery lasts four to six days of normal trail use. The chassis ditches the speaker mesh that catches grit on most handhelds and uses a water-shedding shroud instead. At $180 it costs more than the budget picks below, but it earns the price the first time you don't have to baby it.
Pros
- + IP67 rated for 1m submersion; mesh-free case sheds water
- + 4–6 day battery on real backcountry trips
- + Shatterproof LED, steel gator clip with backup leash
- + NOAA weather alerts and dual-channel monitoring
Cons
- − Most expensive option in the lineup at $180
- − No multi-pack pricing yet; single-radio buys add up for a group
- Channels
- 22 GMRS + 8 repeater
- Weight Oz
- 9.1
$180.00Shop Rocky Talkie - #2Best Heavy-Duty
GXT67 Pro GMRS 5-Watt Walkie Talkie
Midland Radio
The GXT67 Pro is Midland's answer to the prosumer end of the handheld market. Five watts, IP67, four-day battery, USB-C, and ninety-nine channels including the eight repeater pairs and a stack of user-defined slots. It packs in NOAA weather alerts and microphone noise canceling that the older GXT1000VP4 below does not. The tradeoff is price and menu complexity: at $239 it sits at the top of Midland's line, and programming it takes longer than the entry-level model.
Pros
- + IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- + Repeater-capable with the most channel programming of the four
- + Microphone noise canceling for trail or wind
- + USB-C rapid charge and a three-year warranty
Cons
- − Heaviest of the four picks
- − Menu depth runs closer to the BTECH than the simpler Midland: more capability, more buttons
- Extras
- NOAA, noise canceling, VOX
- Channels
- 99 (22 GMRS/FRS + 8 repeater + 28 privacy + 49 user-defined)
- #3Best for Simplicity
GXT1000VP4 50-Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio
Midland Radio
Founded in 1949 and based in Kansas City, Missouri, Midland is one of the leading US manufacturers of handheld radios. The GXT1000VP4 is a long-running staple in the off-road community, and the 2-pack at $89.99 is the cheapest way to outfit a convoy. It doesn't match the Baofeng for channel versatility, but it's noticeably easier to use, the right pick for a group that doesn't want to fiddle with menus.
Pros
- + Easiest menu in the lineup; minimal setup before you're on channel
- + Multi-pack bundles are the cheapest way to outfit a trail group
- + AAA backup batteries work when you can't charge
Cons
- − No repeater support
- − Splash-rated, not waterproof; keep it out of the creek
- − NiMH packs lose capacity over a few seasons
- Channels
- 50
- #4Best Power for the Price
BTECH GMRS-V2
Baofeng
Baofeng is a Chinese company with a US base in South Dakota that makes feature-packed mobile and handheld radios popular with off-road enthusiasts. The BTECH GMRS-V2 is the company's second-generation GMRS handheld, with a maximum broadcast power of 5 watts — a big punch for a small radio. For the price, it's hard to beat the functionality and broadcasting power. The tradeoff is a steeper learning curve than the Midland.
Pros
- + 5W output for under $100
- + Repeater-capable
- + Removable Li-ion pack; common BL-5L cells available cheap
Cons
- − Steepest learning curve; menu structure feels like a ham handheld
- − No waterproof rating
- − Build quality is functional, not premium
- Channels
- 30 GMRS
$55.89Shop Baofeng
Why are GMRS radios popular for overlanding and off-roading?
GMRS radios are popular among off-roading and overlanding enthusiasts thanks to their combination of ease of use, low barrier to entry, and superior signal strength when compared to FRS and CB radios.
GMRS radios typically produce a stronger signal than FRS radios, which increases their range. When you are traveling with other vehicles, this comes in handy (no pun intended). It's easy for two vehicles to become separated by a mile or two on the trail, at which point an FRS walkie-talkie won't have the signal power to bridge the distance. The greater signal range of GMRS radios better suits the communications needs of vehicles traveling off-road.
Another reason GMRS radios are becoming popular is the ability to use repeaters to greatly extend their signal range. Repeater towers pick up incoming GMRS signals and amplify them to extend their range. The network of GMRS repeaters is growing in the US and other countries.
This adoption of GMRS by users and the growth of the repeater network has made GMRS a viable alternative to ham radio. While ham is still popular among enthusiasts and offers greater signal power and other unique features, it requires studying for an operator's license and taking a test, which is a substantial barrier for many off-road and overlanding enthusiasts.
There is also a snowball effect taking place with GMRS at the moment. Many off-roading clubs have adopted the technology and recommend the radios to their members, so it's becoming the logical technology to use if you want to communicate with other off-road enthusiasts.
What are GMRS radios?
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios operate in the 462 and 467 MHz frequency range. Most GMRS radios use between 1 and 5 watts of power, although they can use up to 50 watts on channels 15–22. They have a better range than Family Radio Service (FRS) radios and CBs, with a typical maximum range between 1 and 2 miles, and some devices with larger antennas and power broadcasting further. The extra wattage also makes the signal a bit clearer than FRS.
A major reason for their growing popularity is their compact size, ease of setup and use, affordability, and versatility. You can use handheld GMRS radios in your vehicles or throw them in backpacks in case you get separated while hiking, skiing, or mountain biking.
Both GMRS and FRS operate on frequencies between 462 and 467 MHz, and both types of devices broadcast and receive FM waves. MURS radios operate in the VHF band from 151.820 MHz to 154.600 MHz.
What is the difference between "handheld" and "mobile" GMRS radios?
Handheld GMRS radios are small units designed, as the name says, for holding in your hand. They typically have a maximum power level of 3 watts, which limits their range. Mobile GMRS radios are larger units that resemble your classic CB or ham radio installed in a vehicle. They are usually installed in the vehicle and use the vehicle's battery for power, so they have a much larger range.
If you have the money, it's nice to have both a handheld and a mobile unit. The handheld is useful for communicating when you are out of your vehicle — for instance, while guiding a driver over an obstacle. Mobile units will give you greater range and will help you connect to repeaters (which can be clutch in emergencies).
Do I need a license to operate a handheld GMRS radio?
Anyone operating a GMRS radio must obtain a license from the FCC. The permit costs $35 at the time of writing and doesn't require a test. The FCC classifies any radio operating on FRS/GMRS frequencies with more than 2 watts as a GMRS radio. You can obtain the license here.
For a deeper dive into getting started, check out our basic guide to GMRS radio.