The ability to clearly communicate with your team outdoors or during emergencies is an essential need in today’s environment. Walkie-talkies are invaluable in various situations, including camping trips, hikes, and construction sites.

But have you ever wondered how exactly these devices send and receive signals? This is where walkie-talkie frequencies enter the picture.

Understanding Walkie-Talkie Frequencies

Two or more walkie-talkies can communicate with one another by sending and receiving signals on the same radio frequency. The radio spectrum, which includes these frequencies, is the band of electromagnetic waves used in radio communications.

Various walkie-talkies operate on distinct frequencies or channels, which define the communication range and quality. The frequency range of a walkie-talkie is susceptible to interference from terrain, buildings, and other obstructions.

Walkie-Talkie Bands

Walkie-talkies frequencies are usually split into three bands: the Family Radio Service (FRS) band, the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) band, and the MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service Band).

FRS Band

The FRS band is a low-power band with frequencies ranging from 462 to 467 MHz. It is intended for two-mile-long short-range communication, making it suited for outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping.

GMRS Band

The GMRs band, which uses frequencies between 462 and 467 MHz, is a higher-power band. With a range of up to 20 miles, it can be used for more strenuous outdoor pursuits or in the workplace.

MURS Band

Finally, the MURS walkie-talkies, which stands for “Multi-Use Radio Service,” are another type of two-way radio that works on five specific VHF (very high frequency) channels. These channels are open to the public and don’t require a license to use. This makes them a popular choice for individuals, small businesses, and organizations that need a reliable, low-cost way to communicate.

Below is a list of the five MURS channels:

151.820 MHz
151.880 MHz
151.940 MHz
154.570 MHz
154.600 MHz

In open terrain, MURS walkie-talkies usually have a range of up to 2 miles, but this can be affected by things like weather, obstacles, and interference from other devices.

One benefit of MURS walkie-talkies is that they use VHF frequencies. Compared to UHF frequencies, VHF frequencies can send signals through buildings and trees better. Also, their batteries tend to last longer than those of some other types of two-way radios.

MURS walkie-talkies can be used for many different things, like personal communication, outdoor recreation, small businesses, and organizations like schools, churches, and parks.

Walkie-Talkie Frequency List

Below are the most common walkie-talkie frequencies:

462.4525 MHz
462.5875 MHz
462.6125 MHz
462.6375 MHz
462.6625 MHz
462.6875 MHz
462.7125 MHz
467.5625 MHz
467.5875 MHz
467.6125 MHz
467.6375 MHz
467.6625 MHz
467.6875 MHz
467.7125 MHz

Best Walkie-Talkie Frequency for Long Distance

Choosing a walkie-talkie frequency for long distances.

The walkie-talkie frequency best suited for long distances can depend on various factors, including the terrain, buildings, and any other obstructions in the area.

In general, though, MURS walkie-talkies are well-suited for longer distances. One reason for this is the fact that MURS uses VHF frequencies, which can give higher signal penetration through obstructions like buildings and trees than UHF frequencies. This can be particularly useful when communicating in rural areas or outdoor settings where there may be an abundance of obstacles blocking the signals.

The MURS band also has less traffic and interference than some other two-way radio frequencies, which can improve the quality of the signal by cutting down on noise. This feature may come in handy in regions with a high concentration of radio users or potential interference sources.

That said, the range of MURS walkie-talkies can vary based on several factors, including the radio strength, the terrain, and obstacles in the way. MURS radios have a range of up to two miles on open country, although that distance drops significantly when there are many buildings or other barriers in the way.

Motorola Frequency Chart

As a market leader in walkie-talkies, Motorola lists all the channels and frequencies that can be used with their products.

Below is a sample of the Motorola frequency chart:

Channel 1: 462.5625 MHz
Channel 2: 462.5875 MHz
Channel 3: 462.6125 MHz
Channel 4: 462.6375 MHz
Channel 5: 462.6625 MHz
Channel 6: 462.6875 MHz
Channel 7: 462.7125 MHz
Channel 8: 467.5625 MHz
Channel 9: 467.5875 MHz
Channel 10: 467.6125 MHz
Channel 11: 467.6375 MHz
Channel 12: 467.6625 MHz
Channel 13: 467.6875 MHz
Channel 14: 467.7125 MHz
Channel 15: 462.5500 MHz
Channel 16: 462.5750 MHz
Channel 17: 462.6000 MHz
Channel 18: 462.6250 MHz
Channel 19: 462.6500 MHz
Channel 20: 462.6750 MHz
Channel 21: 462.7000 MHz
Channel 22: 462.7250 MHz
Channel 23: 462.5625 MHz
Channel 24: 462.5875 MHz

While establishing communication between devices, it can help to refer to this chart, which displays the frequencies utilized by Motorola walkie-talkies.

Motorola Channel Frequency Chart

Alongside its frequency chart, Motorola also provides a channel frequency chart detailing all the channels used by the company’s device along with the corresponding frequency for each channel.

Below is a sample of the Motorola channel frequency chart:

Channel 1: 462.5625 MHz
Channel 2: 462.5875 MHz
Channel 3: 462.6125 MHz
Channel 4: 462.6375 MHz
Channel 5: 462.6625 MHz
Channel 6: 462.6875 MHz
Channel 7: 462.7125 MHz
Channel 8: 467.5625 MHz
Channel 9: 467.5875 MHz
Channel 10: 467.6125 MHz
Channel 11: 467.6375 MHz
Channel 12: 467.6625 MHz
Channel 13: 467.6875 MHz
Channel 14: 467.7125 MHz

This chart can help you set up communication between two or more Motorola walkie-talkies. By choosing the same channel, the devices can talk to each other using the frequency that goes with that channel.

Best Channel for Walkie-Talkies

The best channel for walkie-talkies depends on many things, like where they are and what kind of terrain and obstacles they are near. In general, to avoid interference, we recommend choosing a channel that isn’t being used by other devices nearby.

If you need to communicate with someone within a mile or two, the FRS band channels 1 through 7 are your best bet. If you need to talk to someone over a greater distance than 20 miles, try using channels 8-14 on the GMRS band.

As far as MURS walkie-talkies are concerned, the optimum channels for long-distance communication are commonly believed to be Channel 4 (154.570 MHz) and Channel 5 (154.600 MHz). This is because they are not commonly used, and therefore have lower interference and traffic compared to other channels.

More traffic and interference may be present on channels 1-3 (151.820 MHz, 151.880 MHz, and 151.940 MHz), especially in urban or suburban locations. They may nevertheless be useful for close-range communication or in places with little radio traffic.

It is essential to avoid using channels that are currently in use by other radio users, as doing so can generate interference and diminish the signal’s quality. If you hear other users on a channel, you should change channels to avoid interference.

Pxton Walkie-Talkie Frequencies

Another well-known producer of walkie-talkies, Pxton, provides a frequency chart that outlines the frequencies used by their products. The Pxton frequency chart comprises FRS and GMRS frequencies, as well as their respective channels.

Below is a sample Pxton frequency chart:

Channel 1: 462.5625 MHz
Channel 2: 462.5875 MHz
Channel 3: 462.6125 MHz
Channel 4: 462.6375 MHz
Channel 5: 462.6625 MHz
Channel 6: 462.6875 MHz
Channel 7: 462.7125 MHz
Channel 8: 467.5625 MHz
Channel 9: 467.5875 MHz
Channel 10: 467.6125 MHz
Channel 11: 467.6375 MHz
Channel 12: 467.6625 MHz
Channel 13: 467.6875 MHz
Channel 14: 467.7125 MHz

This frequency reference for Pxton walkie-talkies is helpful for determining which channel and frequency to utilise for crystal-clear communication, especially in environments with the risk of interference or high radio traffic.

With the Pxton frequency chart, you can quickly find the channels and frequencies available and choose the one that is best suited to your personal needs, facilitating clear communication and preventing disruptions from other radio users or sources.

Retevis H777 Frequencies

If you are interested in two-way radios, the Retevis H777 Frequencies chart is another resource you might find helpful. The frequency range and supported channels/frequency ranges for the Retevis H777 walkie-talkie are detailed below:

Frequency Range

UHF: 400-470 MHz

Choosing the Right Channel and Frequency for Your Walkie-Talkie

When using a walkie-talkie, it’s important to avoid interference from other devices by picking the correct channel and frequency. Here are a few tips that will help you choose the best channel and frequency for your walkie-talkie:

1) Determine the Frequency Band

Walkie-talkies can use the Very High Frequency (VHF) or Ultra High Frequency (UHF) spectrum.

UHF is more suited for inside use and can overcome obstacles like walls and buildings, whereas VHF is better suited for outdoor use and has a longer range.

2) Understand Local Regulations

Some frequencies or channels may be subject to regionally-specific rules and laws. If you want to use a walkie-talkie legally, you should consult the local authorities about the acceptable frequency ranges.

3) Examine the Surroundings

Your walkie-talkie’s performance can be impacted by the environment in which you intend to use it.

The scope and clarity of communication is often affected by aspects like the presence of buildings, trees, or other impediments.

4) Select the Appropriate Channel

When using a walkie-talkie, it’s important to make sure you’re on the appropriate channel to prevent any unwanted interference from other devices.

Choose a channel that won’t be interfered with by other walkie-talkies or surrounding electronics.

5) Test the Frequency

In order to make sure your walkie-talkie’s signal is clear and unobstructed, you should check the frequency and channel before using it.

To do this, you can have a friend or coworker talk to you on the walkie-talkie while you fiddle with the controls.

Common Walkie-Talkie Frequency Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Selecting the proper frequency is crucial for good walkie-talkie communication. Unfortunately, obstructions and other issues can occur, making efficient communication challenging.

Below is a list of the most common walkie-talkie frequency issues and how you can address them:

1) Interference

Walkie-talkies frequently experience interference, which can happen when multiple devices are utilizing the same frequency.

You can resolve this problem by shifting to another frequency or channel that is not in use by other devices. Another option is to try moving away from any potential interference-causing gadgets.

2) Noise or Static

A weak or unsteady signal might cause static or noise.

Make sure the batteries are completely charged and that the walkie-talkie is on the correct frequency and channel. Try increasing the squelch setting to lessen static and noise if the problem continues.

3) Crosstalk

When two or more devices communicate on the same frequency at the same time, this is known as crosstalk. Crosstalk causes the communications to jumble or overlap.

Choose a clear frequency or channel, and wait for a gap before broadcasting to prevent crosstalk.

4) Range Problems

If you are using the incorrect frequency or if there are objects in the way of the signal, range problems may develop.

Be sure the frequency you choose for the walkie-talkie is appropriate for the setting in which you intend to use it. A repeater can be used to increase the range if obstructions like buildings or trees exist. You can also try moving to a higher place.

Wrapping Up

When using walkie-talkies, selecting the correct frequency and channel is crucial for clear and successful communication. Knowing the various frequency bands and how they function will help you choose the optimal frequency for your needs, regardless of your purpose behind using a walkie-talkie.

To learn more about walkie-talkies and how they work, please feel free to check out some of the other resources on our website.

Walkie-Talkie Frequencies – What Are They And How They Work?