The Best Walkie-Talkies for Kids Who Love to Chat

Best Overall: Retevis RT628 Walkie-Talkies

Why We Like It: With 22 channels and a 1-mile range, these devices operate like professional walkie-talkies.

But Take Note: If you don't set the channel lock, it's easy to change the channel accidentally while using them.

The Retevis RT628 is a jack-of-all-trades walkie-talkie that offers curious, imaginative kids a user-friendly, durable device. Kids of all ages will love that this Retevis model looks just like the real thing instead of a toy. In fact, the company manufactures walkie-talkies and radios for outdoor enthusiasts and workers, and even sells marine radios and other professional two-way communication devices.

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 1 mile (depending on the terrain), which makes the Retevis great for neighborhood use or for playing around while hiking with family and friends. These walkies also feature a nonslip 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. Another RT628 model with rechargeable batteries and a charging cable is also available.

Price at time of publication: $25

The Details:

• Batteries: 3 AA batteries required per handset
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 121
• Range: Up to 1 mile

Best Runner Up: Selieve Walkie-Talkie Set

Why We Like It: They're easy to use and have quite a long range in open outdoor conditions.

But Take Note: They on the small side for adults.

This fan-favorite model from Selieve offers a durable, easy-to-use pair of walkie-talkies at a budget-friendly price. We appreciate that the Selieve is equipped with 22 channels and a lock feature that keeps the frequency from accidentally being altered. The push-to-talk button, located in the front of the device, is large and easy to activate, and the audio is crisp and clear. A 3 mile range outdoors ensures plenty of coverage, whether you’re using these walkies in the neighborhood or while out venturing with the family. 

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

The Details:

• Batteries: 4 AAA batteries required per handset
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 99
• Range: Up to 3 miles

Best Budget: Obuby Walkie-Talkies for Kids 3 Pack

Why We Like It: They're sturdy and waterproof, for rough outdoor play.

But Take Note: There's no automatic timer off feature, and they require many batteries.

If durable, affordable walkie-talkies are what you’re after, this Obuby set fits the bill. Made from sturdy rubber and hard plastic, these walkie-talkies can withstand drops and rough play and are also waterproof, which comes in handy when playing around creeks or under the rain. The walkies also feature an ergonomic design, a backlit display, and a belt clip. The Obubys have a range of 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) and offer consistently clear audio. 

Price at time of publication: $27

The Details:

• Batteries: 4 AAA batteries required per handset
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 99
• Range: Up to 1.86 miles

Best for Families: LOOIKOOS Walkie-Talkies for Kids

Why We Like It: The three walkie-talkies in this set have built-in flashlights, lanyards, and a hands-free VOX option.

But Take Note: They go through batteries quickly, even in standby mode.

This small walkie-talkie from LOOIKOOS is a great push-to-talk model that offers some excellent built-in features for the price. The size of the walkie-talkie and its buttons are perfect for small hands—without being too small for teens and parents. A VOX option makes hands-free communication easy. The LOOIKOOS is also equipped with drop protection and a key lock, so bumps and drops won’t disrupt communication throughout the day.

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 3 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

The Details:

• Batteries: 4 AAA batteries required per handset
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 38
• Range: Up to 1.86 miles

Best Rechargeable: Qniglo Walkie-Talkies

Why We Like It: These very cute devices can be strapped to the wrist, plus they have FM tuning and rechargeable batteries.

But Take Note: The range is much shorter indoors.

These Qniglo walkie-talkies might be the cutest set in our list, but they’re also quite practical. The kit comes with lanyards and wristbands, so kids can wear them around their necks or on their wrists like watches. The bands are perforated almost the entire length, so they fit wrists of any size and can also be tied to bicycles and scooter handles for on-the-go fun.

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 Details:

• Batteries: Rechargeable
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 99
• Range: Up to 3 miles

Best Long Range: GOCOM G600 FRS Two-Way Radios

Why We Like It: These have a 32-mile range, a charging base, and headphones with built-in microphone included.

But Take Note: They're a little more difficult to operate than toy versions.

If you want your kids’ walkie-talkies to serve as a reliable means of communication across long distances, not just for a fun novelty, you might want to consider these GOCOM FRS Two-Way Radios. With a 32-mile maximum range and NOAA weather channels and alerts, these walkie-talkies are for serious adventures, whether at the park, camping, hiking in the mountains, or out on a boat.

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. All this comes at a higher-price than toy versions, but you get a lot more for your money.

Price at time of publication: $63

The Details:

• Batteries: 3 AA batteries required per handset (rechargeable set included)
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 121
• Range: Up to 32 miles

Best Walkie-Talkies for Mountains: Motorola T600 Talkabout Radio

Why We Like It: They deliver crisp audio across a 35-mile range, and they have an emergency alert button.

But Take Note: These are grown-up walkies with a grown-up price.

Mountainous terrain requires an extra-powerful walkie-talkie, and this Motorola Talkabout Radio provides both the range and durability kids need. Equipped with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, this pair of bright green walkie-talkies feature loud, crisp audio alongside a bright LCD screen and a built-in flashlight. The walkies can also connect to NOAA weather channels and alerts, and they have an emergency alert button that emits a loud sound if kiddos need help. Range is listed as up to 35 miles, depending on obstacles.

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 Details:

• Batteries: 3 AA batteries required per handset or included rechargeable batteries
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 121
• Range: Up to 35 miles

Best for Camping: Topsung M880 FRS Walkie-Talkies

Why We Like It: These have just enough range and durability for an outdoor family adventure.

But Take Note: Not waterproof

These Topsung M880 walkie-talkies are a good basic option for camping trips because they’re easy to use and have a range of up to 4 miles in open spaces. About the size of a cell phone, the walkies feature a combination of rubber and plastic that makes them easy to hold, even for little hands. They also feature 22 channels and 121 privacy codes for secure communication, VOX functionality, and a belt clip. They also have an "auto squelch" function, which means background noise is muted, for clearer conversations.

Price at time of publication: $40

The Details:

• Batteries: 3 AA batteries required per handset
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 121
• Range: Up to 4 miles
  

Best Waterproof: Cobra ACXT1035R FLT Floating Walkie-Talkies

Why We Like It: This set has a broad 37-mile range and doesn't just float in the water—it works underwater too.

But Take Note: The more complex functions may require adult assistance.

This Cobra Walkie-Talkie is the most complex device in our list, but it’s also the most advanced and well-built. Kids can learn to use the basic features easily, but if you want to take full advantage of all its capabilities, adult assistance may be necessary. 

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 Details:

• Batteries: 3 AA batteries required per handset or rechargeable batteries (included)
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 121
• Range: Up to 37 miles
  

Best for Cruise Ships: Motorola T200 Talkabout Radio

Why We Like It: These compact walkies have a 20-mile range outdoors and squelch background noise that's sure to be present in any crowd.

But Take Note: Indoor range may be disappointing.

The Motorola T200 Talkabout Radio is a rechargeable walkie-talkie with the battery power to last throughout the day while enduring drops, spills, and rough play. A bright LCD screen is easy to read in both bright and low-light environments. Audio quality is loud and clear, and an auto-squelch system ensures the audio is free of annoying background noise—which is especially important in the hectic environments families can encounter on a cruise ship. 

The complete kit includes two walkie-talkies, belt clips, two NiMH rechargeable batteries, and a charging cable with dual micro USB connectors.

Price at time of publication: $55

The Details:

• Batteries: 3 AA batteries required per handset or rechargeable batteries (included)
• Number of channels: 22
• Privacy codes: 121
• Range: Up to 20 miles