Introduction to the Best Waterproof Walkie Talkies
Staying in touch with your family or friends during water-based outdoor activities is very important, and this can only be achieved with the help of the best waterproof walkie talkies. There are four main reasons to take this type of device with you:
- First and foremost: safety – being able to communicate if you get lost or are in danger is vital.
- Often you will find yourselves in places where there is no, or limited, mobile phone signal. So, unless you have a satellite phone, you’ll need a 2-way radio or walkie talkie.
- You’ll also need a rugged and weatherproof device. Today’s mobile phones are much more delicate and not built to withstand adverse conditions.
- Cost – a flagship mobile phone or satellite phone could be at 10 times more expensive!
Frequently, consumer electronics devices are rated for protection – this is often referred to as Ingress Protection (IP). The rating code is indicated by two digits (or X if not rated). The first digit indicates protection against solids (e.g. dust) and the second digit protection from liquids. We’ve provided the manufacturers IP rating for each of the walkie talkies on review, and a simple definition based on the IP standard.
There are many durable and affordable waterproof radios available today – and many factors to consider when buying a waterproof walkie talkie, so choosing the right handset can be difficult. Our guide contains some of the best products available, and features to look out for, when looking to buy the best waterproof walkie talkies.
Best Waterproof Walkie Talkies – Our Reviews
#1. Motorola Talkabout T600 Radio
Motorola Talkabout T600 Radio is one of the best waterproof walkie talkies on the market today, with an IP67 waterproof rating it ensures that you are connected on land and water. This walkie talkie is a perfect option for outdoor activities, including water-based adventures. There are so many amazing features in this walkie talkie, like the VibraCall (vibrate) function and the keypad lock features.
One of the amazing things about this walkie talkie is that it comes with 22 channels, with each having up to 121 privacy codes. Therefore, with this walkie talkie, you will enjoy up to 2,662 different combinations – so your conversations will be private and secure. This walkie talkie also has an alert to notify you when the battery is going low. There are 11 weather channels that will keep you prepared for any forecast changes in advance.
The Motorola Talkabout T600 has an IP67 Rating, this means:
Solids
- Dust Tight.
- No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact.
Liquids
- Immersion up to 1m.
- Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m of submersion).
PROS
- It is compatible with any radio.
- There are multiple channels and privacy codes for secure communication.
- It can be used hands-free with the VOX function.
- It comes with the NOAA weather alert system.
- Stylish design and long battery life.
CONS
- Airtight construction can create a noisy sound during communication.
- Included Components: 2 Radios, 2 Whistle Belt Clips, 2 NiMH Battery Packs, 1 PSU with “Y” Cable Charging Adapter/dual micro-USB connectors, 1 User Guide, 1 Accessory Brochure
#2. COBRA Floating Walkie Talkie with NOAA Weather Alert
This walkie talkie is an ideal option to buy if you are looking for both a waterproof and a long-range walkie talkie. It has a range of up to 37 miles (in perfect conditions), and features 22 channels, each of which has 121 privacy settings (giving a total of 2,662 combinations). You can rest assured that you will not experience too much interference with this walkie talkie. This is also a floating device with an IPX7 waterproof rating to ensure that it does not get damaged even if it’s submerged in water.
The COBRA Floating Walkie Talkie also has the NOAA weather alert feature to keep you informed of changes in the weather forecast, helping you prepare for any adverse changes in the weather. One of the stand-out features of this device is the rewind-say-again feature that allows users to play missed calls. The device records up to 20 seconds of missed messages. Other useful features on this device include call alert and Vibralert.
The COBRA Floating Walkie Talkie has an IPX7 Rating, this means:
Solids
- Not rated.
Liquids
- Immersion up to 1m.
- Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m of submersion).
PROS
- Large coverage area of up to 37 miles making it a great marine radio.
- NOAA weather alert feature to keep you prepared for emergencies like storms.
- Rewind-say-again feature which enables users to listen to missed calls.
- Call Alert and Vibralert.
- It floats!
CONS
- Not ideal for people with poor vision because of the small display.
- LONG RANGE UP TO 37 MILES: Provides an extended long range signal up to 37 miles with 2662 channel combinations & 121 privacy codes to minimize unwanted interference
- NOAA WEATHER & ALERT: Be prepared for storms and emergencies with built-in NOAA radio receiver and alert in the event of weather or other emergencies
- VOX – VOICE-ACTIVATED TRANSMISSION: The user’s voice is detected and the radio transmits without the need to press any buttons, freeing hands for other tasks
#3. DEWALT Heavy-Duty Waterproof Walkie Talkie
The Dewalt Heavy Duty Waterproof Walkie Talkie is another super product. This is currently one of the few handsets on the market that comes with a limited lifetime warranty. However, it is important to note that this warranty is only valid when bought from authorized re-sellers. It has a great claimed coverage of up to 250,000 square feet. It is also worth noting that it has 2,662 channel combinations for increased privacy and secure communication.
It’s one of the most heavy-duty walkie talkies on review here, resistant to shock and can withstand a drop from a height of 2-meters. It is also waterproof and dustproof. It has an Ingres Protection rating of 67 – one of the highest available for a consumer product. This walkie talkie is VOX enabled (Voice Operated eXchange), enhancing safety by allowing the user easy hands-free communication.
The Dewalt Heavy Duty Waterproof Walkie Talkie has an IP67 Rating, this means:
Solids
- Dust Tight.
- No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact.
Liquids
- Immersion up to 1m.
- Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m of submersion).
PROS
- Anti-slip design for durability and shock resistance.
- Dustproof and waterproof (IP67 Rating).
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Ideal walkie talkie for long-range communication.
CONS
- Some users have complained about poor antenna quality.
- LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY: Warranty only valid by authorized resellers.
- LONG RANGE COMMUNICATION: One watt of power provides up to 250,000 sq. ft. / 20 floors of long distance signal range with 2,662 channel combinations.
- 22 PRESET CHANNELS: Channels are preset with privacy codes to minimize unwanted interference from others.
#4. Motorola Long Range Walkie Talkie
No products found.
Just as the name suggests, this is a long-range walkie talkie that has loads of features for enhanced usage and easy communication. It comes as a two-way radio pair that can cover a range of up to 35 miles (in perfect conditions). This walkie talkie only weighs 5.1 ounces making it very portable. It features an LCD display and comes with a one-year limited warranty. Although one of the more expensive handsets we’ve reviewed, you still get value for money.
The Motorola Long Range Walkie Talkie has the NOAA weather alert feature, which is supported by 11 weather channels, in addition to alert features that have been built into the device. You’ll not experience much interference when you use this walkie talkie because it has up to 22 channels, with each channel having 121 privacy codes. Hands-free communication with this device is aided by the Motorola iVOX function.
The Motorola Long Range Walkie Talkie has an IP51 Rating, this means:
Solids
- Dust Protected.
- Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; complete protection against contact.
Liquids
- Dripping water.
- Dripping water (vertically falling drops) shall have no harmful effect.
No products found.
PROS
- One-year limited warranty.
- Different channel combinations to reduce and minimize interference and increase privacy.
- NOAA weather alert feature to keep you informed.
- Hands-free communication.
- Good sturdy build quality.
CONS
- It is expensive.
- Not as water resistant as other handsets reviewed.
- Some might consider the aesthetics unusual (a positive for some).
No products found.
#5. ICOM VHF Handheld Radio
The ICOM VHF Handheld is a specialist, and affordable, marine radio. It has some great features that make it ideal for water activities. It weighs about 7.8 ounces with dimensions of 5.3 x 1.2 x 2.2 inches. It utilizes one USB rapid charging lithium-ion battery, included in the purchase.
One of the outstanding features of this product is that it is totally waterproof – and if dropped into water the backlit LCD on the front panel will flash, there is also a red LED light that flashes through the rear so radio so that it can be found and recovered easily. Therefore, with this device, you can freely engage in water-based outdoor activities and still be in active communication with your loved ones. This handheld radio is also one of the best waterproof radios to buy.
The ICOM VHF Handheld Radio has an IPX7 Rating, this means:
Solids
- Not rated.
Liquids
- Immersion up to 1m.
- Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m of submersion).
PROS
- It has a USB port for easy and fast charging.
- This walkie talkie offers users the ability to monitor up to 3 channels at once.
- Suitable for all water-based marine activities.
- It is one of the most durable products on test.
- It floats and flashes if dropped into water.
CONS
- Only one handset is included in the box – you must purchase each device separately.
- Blue trim M25 handheld vhf
- Floats, flashes when in water
- 5/1Watt, 11 hour Battery life
Buying Guide for the Best Waterproof Walkie Talkies
Deciding on the right waterproof walkie talkie to buy can be an arduous task, especially if you don’t know what to expect or the right features to look out for. With so many products available, the wrong choice will leave you regretting your decision.
With this in mind, here are some of the most important things to look out for when buying the best waterproof walkie talkies:
Ease of Use
A walkie talkie should be easy to use, remember that it is to be used for outdoor activities, and not for professional purposes. Therefore, the ease of use should be one of the first features to look out for when researching your purchase. Some professional units can be complex to use and master, not easy to operate in the outdoors.
Battery Life, and Type
The type of battery, as well as the battery life of the walkie talkie, is another important factor to look out for. Most walkie talkies currently use lithium polymer batteries because they are easy to charge and offer great life span. This also makes them ideal for short trips and eliminates the need to constantly buy new batteries. There are also other versions of handsets that use disposable alkaline batteries.
Waterproof
This is one of the most important features to look out for in a walkie talkie. You should consider getting another device if your current handsets are not sufficiently IP (Ingress Protection) rated. The main reason why this feature is important is because of the flexibility it provides, giving users the ability to use it under any weather conditions and not have to worry about it getting damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions:
- Are walkie talkies truly waterproof? Walkie talkies are generally built to be rugged and withstand harsh or adverse conditions. However, it’s important to note that not every walkie talkie is effectively waterproofed. There are some that are specifically built with an IP67 rating standard to make them waterproof.
- Can the signals from walkie talkies be traced? Two-way radios are generally difficult to trace. This is the main reason why it is often used by the armed forces, hunters, event managers, security forces and police. It offers different channels, which further reduces interference and prevents it from being easily traced. Many devices also have privacy codes for each channel – further improving secure communications.
- Can the signals from walkie talkie travel through walls? UHF radios generally work at frequencies between 400 to 512 MHz, but there are some VHF radios that are more versatile with the ability to pass through walls. It is important to note that UHFs use shorter waves and are usually preferred because they can pass through interference. Another thing to note is that VHF and UHF radios are not compatible with each other.
- What waterproof walkie talkie is the best? As highlighted above, there are several features to look out for in a walkie talkie, and as such, choosing a product as best will depend on features you place more priority on. For this review, we are selecting the COBRA Floating Walkie Talkie as our winner because of the good value and useful features described above.
Conclusion
Water resistant Walkie talkies are great devices to use while kayaking, sailing or fishing, they are also important for hiking, or when you go on an exploration into the wilderness where you could experience adverse weather conditions. There are so many different products on the market to choose from, but for this review, we have selected the COBRA Floating Walkie Talkie as our best waterproof walkie talkies.
With all these devices, you will have the safety and ability to freely communicate with your party of family or friends, you will be able to stay in touch even in the absence of cellular or satellite coverage. In this review, we have provided several great products for you to choose from, a buying guide, and answers to some of the frequently asked questions. All this will ensure you make the right informed decision when you finally decide to buy a waterproof walkie talkie.