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Outdoor Tech Index

GMRS

GMRS radios use frequencies the FCC sets aside for short-range family and group communication — useful for coordinating a hiking or camping group, or during a local emergency when cell service is down. In the US, GMRS requires a low-cost license per household (not per radio), unlike the license-free FRS band.

Our pick

Midland GXT1030VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio (2-Pack)

Midland GXT1030VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio (2-Pack)

Shoppers who want an easy, well-reviewed pair of radios for family or group communication

Watch for: Requires an FCC GMRS license to legally transmit on GMRS frequencies in the US (covers your household, not per-radio)

$95–$105

What to look for

  • Licensing: a single FCC license covers your whole household, not one per radio — check current requirements before assuming you need more than one.
  • Range claims: manufacturer range estimates assume ideal, obstruction-free conditions; real-world range is usually much shorter.
  • Repeater access: some GMRS radios can use repeaters to extend range well beyond direct radio-to-radio distance.

Next up

Emergency RadiosHandheld and base emergency radios.Satellite MessengersOff-grid satellite communication devices.Vehicle CommunicationsIn-vehicle radio setups.