Best GMRS Radios of 2025

"I've found these radios to be very nice. After some reading, I realized they are easy to program and use. The CTCSS feature is fantastic, allowing for better communication on repeaters and radio-to-radio. With a larger antenna, I can get 2 to 3 miles and even reach repeaters up to 100 miles away. For under $50.00, this set is unbeatable!"

"I'm really pleased with these radios. They are simple to program directly on the device. I've achieved a range of 2.75 miles in rural areas, and I can even connect to a nearby repeater. The FM radio works well alongside my transmissions. Overall, for less than $50 for two, it's a great deal!"

"These radios perform excellently during my off-road events, so much so that I bought two more for work. They are durable, though not waterproof. For the price, they're a great value and have been reliable."

"I bought the Midland GMRS 3000 to communicate with my party in the Arizona desert. The radios worked crystal clear at nearly 3 miles, and I believe they'll perform well at reasonable distances. While the headsets weren't great for comfort, I found the radios to be fantastic for my needs. For the price, they are hard to beat!"

"Choosing Midland was a good move for me because they offer mobile GMRS radios. I can communicate about 3.5 miles with my friend in his car. The radio feels good in my hand and has great volume. The battery life is typical, but I appreciate the option to use AA batteries if necessary. With realistic expectations, these radios are solid."

"After searching for a reliable two-way radio system, we finally found a winner with the Midland GMRS 3000. The sound quality is better than what we experienced before, and we enjoy the instant communication it provides, especially in crowded areas. The weather stations are a nice bonus too. Just remember, a license is required for GMRS use, which is easy to obtain!"

"I decided to purchase the Baofeng UV-5G Plus with a gift card, and I’m thrilled with it! The preprogrammed GMRS frequencies are incredibly useful, and I appreciate the better display compared to my previous UV-5R radios. Even though CHIRP isn't compatible yet, the Baofeng software works seamlessly on my Windows 10 PC. The radio’s ability to scan local weather frequencies and commercial FM has been a pleasant surprise. I give this radio five stars for GMRS use and recommend getting the FCC license to transmit."

"I bought the BAOFENG UV-5G Plus recently, and it's been a fantastic addition to my GMRS radios. The long battery life and USB-C charging are great features. I love how the 5W power output ensures clear communication over long distances. With 969 customizable channels, programming is a breeze, especially with the frequency copy feature. The durable design and bright color display make it easy to use, even in bright sunlight. Although there's a bit of a learning curve, the user manual and online resources are helpful."

"I ordered the two-pack of radios and received some great bonuses like a longer whip antenna and a programming cable. They work wonderfully with local GMRS repeaters, extending my range significantly. The design improvements over previous models, like better screens and battery life, have made them a worthwhile investment. Although ease of use might be a minor concern for newcomers, most can easily learn the basics. For the price, these radios are hard to beat!"

"I've found that the Baofeng radios are decent for the price. They're straightforward to use and program, plus the battery life is pretty good. I've utilized them for basic communication during road trips and emergencies, and they've performed well, especially outdoors. The range is acceptable, but it can vary depending on the terrain."

"In my experience, these radios provide a reliable way to stay connected with family or friends outside of cellphone coverage. They are quite user-friendly right out of the box, and I appreciate the option to program additional features through the keypad or with a programming cable and CHIRP software. Just a note, you will need a GMRS license from the FCC to transmit, but thankfully, there's no test involved."

"I really like this radio. It has proven to be as good as other radios costing two to three times more. I purchased a pair along with extra antennas, charging cradles, and earphones for under $50. Given the quality, I ended up buying two more. It's surprising how well it performs compared to radios priced over $150!"

"I appreciate the clear frequencies of this GMRS radio. It’s refreshing to avoid the chaos found on other channels. The compact design makes it easy to install in my Jeep, and I can even hide it under the seat. I found the installation process to be very straightforward, which is a big plus for me. I also love that the sound quality is impressive, even in off-roading conditions."

"As a newbie to radio communication, I was pleasantly surprised by this device. I can easily communicate with my brother seven miles away using the supplied antenna, even with obstacles in between. The bang for the buck is phenomenal; I enjoy listening in on local chatter. I did have to get a license, but it was a simple and inexpensive process. Just make sure to mount the antenna properly for the best performance!"

"I've been using this radio on every off-road trip, and it’s been a lifesaver when there’s no cellphone signal. I appreciate how versatile the setup is; I managed to keep mine small and tidy. The quality materials used in the construction give me confidence in its durability. Overall, I’m really enjoying this radio and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable GMRS option."

"As someone new to GMRS radios, I did extensive research before choosing Radioddity's GM-30 Plus. The radios arrived quickly and function just as described. I plan to purchase a mobile GMRS radio soon and even build a repeater tower later. The battery life is impressive, and the USB-C charging is a nice touch since I can use it for my other devices."

"I really appreciate this radio. It has user-friendly GPS features and additional frequency scanning. The programming is much easier than other models I’ve used, and the airband works well too. However, you need to be in an open area for GPS to work effectively."

"While I haven't fully tested the range yet, these radios managed to reach a GMRS repeater about 8 miles away. I love that they can send GPS info to each other. The sound quality is great, and I’m really pleased with their performance overall!"

"I got these radios for trails and convoys. The range is good and the voice clarity is excellent."

"As a radio novice, I find these radios work well. Programming and switching channels is easy and quick, but there's still a learning curve."

"I needed this radio urgently, but one came with a non-functioning speaker. It transmits fine, but I can't use it handheld."

"I found this radio to be very user-friendly. Coming from a UV5R, I appreciate the feel and the screen. Although it’s been mentioned that the screen can be tricky to see in direct sunlight, this GMRS handheld has exceeded my expectations. I was able to hit a repeater 48 miles away with the included antenna, and I'm planning on ordering another one."

"This radio has been crystal clear even in the middle of nowhere during our trail rides. It's easy to use and I love that it has a built-in radio! The fast charging and compatibility with other brands are fantastic too. It's durable as well—one was left on a fender during a 5-mile ride on concrete and only got a scratch!"

"I initially thought this radio was a great deal for the price. However, after using it, I realized it truly is a low-cost radio. The solid construction is impressive, and I appreciate the accessories included. The CHIRP programming is a major plus for me, but I was disappointed that it only transmits at 2 watts instead of the expected 5 watts. The color screen is nice, but it’s hard to see outside in sunlight."

"I needed some rugged GMRS radios for my Jeep trail rides, and I went with the Baofeng UV-9G. I was pleasantly surprised by its sturdy build and good speaker sound quality, even over a rumbling Jeep. The quick-release mount is a nice touch, allowing easy access. While the large belt clip is a bit annoying, I can overlook that for such a low-cost and functional radio."

"Having bought a few of these radios, I took one along on a camping trip and was caught in a downpour. The UV9G performed flawlessly, while another brand failed completely. I’m really impressed with its durability. Plus, when I had an issue with one unit, the seller quickly sent me a replacement without any hassle. This is a great product!"

"I appreciate the ruggedness and waterproof features of this radio. The FM receiver works well, and I’ve had decent range. Although the stock antennas are okay, I’m eager to try some longer ones. Overall, this is a good buy for anyone looking to explore the GMRS band!"

“I think this thing is great! An unlocked radio like this is a fantastic addition to my collection. I'm very happy with it! The upgraded battery compatible with the UV-5 PLUS works perfectly.”

“I was pleasantly surprised to receive four antennas per radio—that’s eight in total when I only expected two! I couldn't see the pictures on my phone, but this was still the best purchase I could make.”

“My husband is thrilled with them; he says they are the best ones available on Amazon.”