Emergency Preparedness
When cell towers go down, a pair of two-way radios keeps the family and neighbors in touch across a property or a small town. FRS radios need no license and are the easiest place to start; Wirecutter's top pick, the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio, is tough and clear, and the Midland T10 is a cheap backup with NOAA weather alerts. For more range, Wirecutter's GMRS pick, the Rocky Talkie Expedition, puts out 5 watts and talks to the Mountain Radio. GMRS needs an FCC license, but there is no exam and one license covers your family. Real-world range depends on hills and trees, not the box claims.
Why it's hereWirecutter's top walkie-talkie: tough, clear, long battery life and no license needed.
Recommended by Wirecutter (NYT)You need at least two radios.
| Rank | Product & source | Key note | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top Pick | Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio (FRS, license-free)Recommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wirecutter's top walkie-talkie: tough, clear, long battery life and no license needed. | $120 – $240From $120 at Rocky Talkie (1 radio)Up to $240 at Rocky Talkie (2-radio kit)Price checked Oct 20, 2026This link: $120 at rockytalkie.com View product | |
| Runner-up | Midland T10 X-Talker FRS Walkie Talkie 2-PackRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wirecutter's budget pick: tiny, cheap and simple, with NOAA weather alerts. | ~$39.99Price checked Oct 20, 2026at midlandusa.com View product | |
| Runner-up | Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio (5W GMRS)Recommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wirecutter's GMRS pick: more power and range, waterproof (IP67) and easy to use. | $195 – $390From $195 at Rocky Talkie (1 radio (Hi-Vis Orange or Sage Green))Up to $390 at Rocky Talkie (2-radio kit)Price checked Oct 20, 2026This link: $195 at rockytalkie.com View product | |
FRS radios (Rocky Talkie Mountain, Midland T10) need no license. GMRS radios (Rocky Talkie Expedition) need an FCC GMRS license: no exam, about $35 for 10 years, and it covers your immediate family.
