The Best MURS Radios

If you need a walkie-talkie to quickly communicate while you’re on the job, then a MURS radio is a great option for you. These radios use what’s known as the Multi-Use Radio Service (or MURS), and they’re sure to make quick and brief communication easy while you’re working or even on certain leisure activities like camping or hiking.

Of course, if you’ve just decided that a MURS radio is a good investment for you, you may not know which radio you want or even know where to start. But that’s what we’re here for. We’ve made this list of the best MURS radios for you so that you can always communicate as efficiently as possible when you’re on the job outside the range of cell-phone service.

Carry on reading to see our full list of the best MURS radios, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick Amazon here.

What Should You Look For in a MURS Radio?

The first step in buying any product is knowing what separates all the different models out there. The bottom line is that some MURS radios are better than others, and we want to help you spot the difference. We’ve laid out our criteria for evaluating the best MURS radios so that you’ll feel like no expert in no time. Read our guide below to learn everything you need to know about MURS radios.

Criteria #1: Signal – Shockingly enough, we want our MURS radios to have strong signals. Without that, it doesn’t really offer much use. There are two main factors we look for that will combine to equal a strong signal – clarity and range. A signal that can travel 100 miles doesn’t help if it sounds like gibberish, and the clearest sound quality in the world isn’t helpful if your MURS Radio can only reach radios in the immediate vicinity. We’re looking for the best of both worlds in our top radios.

Criteria #2: Battery Life – Nobody likes carrying a charger around all day. Especially if you’re going to be using your radio during work hours, you’ll want to make sure it has a battery that can last more than a couple of hours. The best MURS radios will have a battery that only needs to be charged once every few days so you don’t need to add a charger to your daily backpack.

Criteria #3: Design – “Design” is obviously a pretty broad term. To clarify, we want to find MURS radios that are simple and easy-to-use, even for less experienced users, and that aren’t needlessly bulky. A pretty package goes a long way.

Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well. MURS radios happen to lie on a pretty broad spectrum in terms of price, and while this could make it a little more stressful to decide how much you’re willing to pay, it also means that almost everyone will find something in their budget if you know where to look.

Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best MURS Radios

We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best MURS radios” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised. We’ll also make sure to include any noteworthy extra features that don’t fit squarely into our listed criteria. After all, the little things make a big difference.

And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best MURS radios.

#1: BTech MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio (Best Value – All-Purpose)

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Our list starts off with the BTech MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio. BTech is one of the premier brands out there for any type of radio, so it’s no surprise that they managed to top off our list and nab the number one spot for the best MURS radio. BTech is specifically known for giving their customers a fair price, and that’s what makes this MURS radio our number one pick.

Our best MURS radio doubles as an FM radio, and it lets you monitor two channels at once, giving priority to the first channel that receives a signal. It can switch between 20 kHz and 12.5 kHz bandwidths for some of the 15 channels, and it comes with a sleek LCD screen that offers information on two channels, signal strength, battery levels, and volume.

This BTech MURS radio is powered by an 1800-mAh rechargeable lithium battery that will be sure to go a few days before its time to recharge, so you won’t have to carry your charger around all the time, and it charges in just a few hours. Plus, you can delete channels from the radio’s list with the channel skip feature, so you can get rid of those pesky frequencies that are just clogging everything up. Finally, our number one MURS radio offers high-power and low-power modes for most frequencies to allow you to decide how much juice you need, so you can save some battery on more local calls.

On top of all of these great features, this BTech MURS radio comes with special headphones that feature radio controls and volume controls, so you can enjoy an almost entirely hands-free experience with the added value of free headphones.

We’re not making any hot takes with this radio. The BTech MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio is the number one pick of most lists of the best MURS radios, and the paying customers at Amazon praised this radio for being a great versatile radio that comes at an amazing price.

If you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for, this is the best go-to option for you. This BTech MURS radio is the industry standard, and it was an easy choice to be our number one best MURS radio.

#2: Motorola RMM2050 On-Site Two-Way Business Radio (Best Overall MURS Radio)

For our more picky customers and experienced MURS radio users out there who may not be interested in the entry-level or accessible options, don’t worry, we kept you in mind. If you’re more willing to break the bank if it means walking away with a better product, then the Motorola RMM2050 On-Site Two-Way Business Radio has your name on it.

I don’t think Motorola needs any introduction, and while this our second MURS radio is a bit more expensive than our top-ranked product, it has a few features that really separate it from the back, so the true connoisseurs might decide it’s worth the extra money. Here are a few of the features that may convince you to splurge on the Motorola RMM2050 On-Site Two-Way Business Radio.

Reason #1 to Choose This Product: The Best Range Available

I don’t think I need to explain why this is appealing. The Motorola RMM2050 On-Site Two-Way Business Radio has just about the best range out there, so you don’t need to worry about walking and talking at the same time and all of the sudden losing your signal as you stray to far from the person on the other end. As one reviewer stated, the Motorola RMM2050 “has an effective range of coverage of up to 220,00 square feet and can also pick up a signal well over 10 building floors.” That means that this MURS radio is perfect for anyone who is going to spend there time on the radio wondering around a bigger building. If you’re a security guard at a large office building or school, or if you work at a construction cite, you’ll need this high-powered MURS radio. Plus, with the high-quality 1500-mW speakers, you’ll be able to hear your colleagues loudly and clearly no matter where you are.

Reason #2 to Choose This Product: Incredibly Durable

Especially since you’re going to have to pay a little more for this top-of-the-line Motorola Business Radio, it’s only fair that it last a bit longer. That’s definitely the case, as reviewers specifically praised this premium MURS radio for having a durable build and being long-lasting. This goes for the customers as well as the professional reviewers. One user on Amazon reported being able to use this radio for several years, so this is the perfect two-way radio for anyone who doesn’t can’t be bothered to go out and find a replacement radio. When you think about how expensive this MURS radio is, you’ll have to take into account that it might save you money over time by lasting for years to come.

On top of the strong signal and the durable frame, out Motorola MURS radio features advanced voice activation for a hands-free experience while you work, and there are also 6 customizable codes that allow you to have clear communication with your colleagues. Plus, there are 219 individual PL/DPL codes allowing people to communicate with each other using the public frequencies without being interrupted by random “passers-by.”

Finally, the entire radio is coated in an antimicrobial material that guaranteed no mold will grow on your money maker. The only cosmetic feature of this radio you may not like is that it’s missing the LCD screen of our number one radio, and actually doesn’t have any display at all. But if that doesn’t bother you, and if you’re willing to pay the price for this product (maybe you can write it off to your employer) then this MURS radio from Motorola is the best two-way radio on the market.

#3: Tera TR-505 MURS Two-Way Radio (Best for Short Distances)

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You might be wondering why you’d want a MURS radio specifically for short distances. I want to clarify that the Tera TR-505 MURS Radio actually has great range, and you can definitely use it for long distances as well. In fact, thanks to an option that lets you crank up the juice to 4 watts once certain frequencies, the Tera TR-505 MURS Radio can reach a distance of about 10 miles. But that will drain the battery. That said, where this MURS radio really shines is in its low-power mode that uses only 1 watt of electricity. This will, unfortunately, lower your range a bit, but it will also help you make sure that the battery lasts as long as possible. This means that this is one of the best radios out there if you know that you won’t be wondering too far from your colleagues and you want to make sure your radio’s battery lasts.

Of course, our Motorola MURS radio offers a similar feature, but the Tera TR-505 is quite a bit cheaper. So unless you want the other perks of the Motorola product, then Tera TR-505 radio is a better choice for you. On top of the versatile range and the efficient battery, the Tera TR-505 offers 16 pre-programmed GMRS UHF channels and 5 license-free MURS channels. This Tera two-way MURS radio was also praised for being very durable.

In terms of price, the Tera TR-505 is a decent amount cheaper than our Motorola product, but still much more expensive than the BTech radio that occupied our number one spot. That means that it’s probably better to opt for the BTech machine unless you know that you’re mostly going to be communicating over shorter distances and you want to make use of the efficient battery. Of course, you may go in the other direction and decide that you want this Tera MURS radio because you want the best range possible and you’re okay dealing with a weaker battery as a compromise. This is one of the more versatile radios out there.

#4: Retevis RT27V MURS Radios (Best Low Cost)

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“I love spending more money for no reason,” said nobody, ever. If you appreciate the value of a dollar and you’re not ready to go all out on your MURS radio, then the Retevis RT27V MURS Radios bundle is the perfect choice for you.

You may have noticed that “radios” was written in the plural form. That’s right – this ready-to-go starter pack comes with two radios, and it’s still the cheapest option on our list. That means it’s the perfect option for you and a child, friend, or loved-one. If you have someone in mind that’s also in search of a new MURS radio and you want to pool your resources, then just split the cost of the Retevis RT27V MURS Radios and you’ll end up spending almost nothing at all. Of course, these two MURS radios are also an excellent purchase if you’re specifically planning a gaming trip or other outdoorsy expedition and you want to be able to communicate with your traveling partner even when cell-phone service is questionable or non-existent.

But that’s enough about the (incredible) price. The Retevis RT27V MURS Radios have more to offer than saving you a couple of bucks. These starter-pack MURS radios boast a pocket-sized frame of 9.65 x 6.77 x 4.34 inches, and they come with an earpiece that will let you whistle while you work and keep things hands-free.

These cheap two-way radios also feature voice activation, so it’s really completely hands-free. You also have a power-saving mode that will help you get through those last few hours of your day if you don’t have the charger available, and it comes with a 12V car adapter so you can charge the radios on your way up to the mountains. Plus, the radios come with a charging cradle and USB charging cable, so your options are open for where and how you charge the Retevis RT27V MURS Radios.

I don’t think I can stress enough how cheap these radios are. It’s honestly amazing how much you’re getting for such a cheap price. If staying within a budget is your priority, then don’t even bother looking at any other products. Go ahead and buy the Retevis RT27V MURS Radios.

#5: Dakota Alert M538-BS MURS Base Station (Best MURS Base Station)

As the name probably implies, base stations are much less portable than your typical handheld MURS radios. Of course, with its 5 x 3 x 5 inch frame and its weight of just two pounds, the Dakota Alert M538-BS MURS Base Station is anything but heavy or bulky. It just doesn’t have that convenient shape of most walkie-talkies.

What base stations in general offer, is that they can act as a transceiver and be the link between multiple people that operate on a single worksite. That means that if you want to setup an easy-to-use communication network at work, then the Dakota Alert M538-BS MURS Base Station is the perfect choice for you.

This base station MURS radio offers good signal range, a long battery life, and excellent speakers. It also offers you real-time monitoring of your network. Next, this base station features five channels with 38 privacy codes, which enables you to answer conversations that came from radio transceivers transmitting your code only, highlighting that it’s definitely designed for setting up a closed network at a place of business or other similar location.

The Dakota Alert M538-BS MURS Base Station has a pretty short range of two miles, but since it’s not meant to be portable, this isn’t exactly a problem, as long as your workplace isn’t massive. The biggest complaint about this product from reviewers is that it isn’t exactly sturdy, but again, since you won’t be moving it around too much this shouldn’t be a big issue. The Dakota Alert M538-BS MURS Base Station has a great price, and Amazon reviewers has almost nothing bad to say about this base station. They praised it for being cheap, easy-to-use, and a great alternative to intercoms.

If you want to easily communicate with a parent or other loved-one a few houses over or set up an efficient communication network at your workplace, then the Dakota Alert M538-BS MURS Base Station is the best option for you.

Do I Need a License for My MURS Radio?

No! Unlike with certain other forms of radio communication, there’s no license needed to use MURS radios. There are 5 different license-free MURS channels, and all of the products on our list have access to all of these channels. This means that there’s no paper work and no bureaucratic hoops to jump through. Just buy your radio and start using it.

All of that being said, there is one factor worth noting, which is that repeaters are not allowed to be used with MURS radios in the United States. This means that you should take care to be absolutely certain you’re satisfied with the range of your MURS radio before you buy it, because you won’t be able to use a repeater to boost the signal at all. Of course, the license-free usage makes MURS radios much more appealing to beginners than other radio frequencies.

Verdict: Your Best MURS Radios

We’re reaching the end of our list, and you’re hopefully starting to get a good idea of which of our products is best for you. But if you haven’t made up your mind yet, not to worry. We don’t want to rush, and we know how important it is to make sure you’re getting the MURS radio that’s perfect for you. That’s why we’re going to recap all of our MURS radios and focus on their standout features. This way, you’ll be able to see the highlights and really know what each product has to offer for you. Especially if you’re a beginner buying your first MURS radio, it’s more than worthwhile to take a second and reevaluate everything so you can be sure you’re making the best decision. After all, patience is a virtue.

If you want the best value for your money, pick the BTech MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio.

It’s very rare that any product is as widely agreed-upon as being the best, but this BTech two-way radio is the exception to the rule. On top of the wide variety of channels and reliable signal, our top-ranked product gives you a long-lasting rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and wraps everything up with a sleek LCD display that gives you access to all the information you could ask for. Plus, this product doubles as an FM radio, and it let’s you monitor two channels at once. It’s hard to think of an important feature this radio doesn’t have. It’s not just our number one pick, it’s everyone’s hands-down number one pick as the best MURS radio.

If you need the best MURS radio for shorter distance, then pick the Tera TR-505 MURS Two-Way Radio.

Whether you want to be slow and steady and communicate over shorter distances for a long time, or blast the battery for the most range possible over a shorter time frame, this Tera Two-Way MURS Radio will get the job done. The power saver feature on this radio makes you use the battery however you choose, and it’s perfect whether you’re frequently communicating across an office or infrequently transmitting to an older relative’s house a few miles away. Use your MURS radio your way with the Tera TR-505 Two-Way MURS Radio.

If you want to keep the spending cheap, pick the Retevis RT27V MURS Radios.

Don’t spend more money if you don’t need to. The Retevis RT27V MURS Radios are the MURS radios that come in a two-for-one bundle so that you and a friend or loved-one can get started on your radio communication right away. This crazy-cheap package is perfect for anyone looking to go camping or hiking with a partner, as the radios provide great communication in areas where cell phone service is a little less reliable. Each radio comes with a pair of headphones, a charging cradle, and a USB charging cable. And if these radios weren’t cheap enough, splitting the cost of Retevis RT27V MURS Radios with a friend will make them feel practically free. Even alone, you’re getting a two radios for cheaper than most lone products.

That’s the end of our list, so hopefully you’ve landed on a product and found your favorite MUR radio. The honest truth is that there’s a pretty firm consensus on which radios are the best available right now. So while you’re free to conduct your own research, you’ll find a lot of the same names that you’ve seen here.

If the highlighted products above didn’t grab your eye, you may be more interested in the powerful and durable Motorola RMM2050 or the Dakota Alert M538-BS MURS Base Station.

Remember to think about the radio trait that’s most important to you, as this will help you save time in the buying process by skipping products that don’t have what you need.

That’s all for now. We hope this list has helped you find the perfect MURS radio to help you get started communicating in the most efficient way possible.