Portable Two Way Radios: 8 Best UK Long-Range Picks 2025

Out on the hills, at a festival, or managing a job site, mobile signal can vanish right when you need it most. That’s why portable two way radios remain essential: instant, reliable voice without relying on a network. The challenge is separating real performance from bold “long-range” claims. Terrain in the UK is unforgiving—valleys, dense woodland and urban clutter all throttle range—so you need radios that prioritise clear audio, solid battery life, rugged build, and the right legal setup (licence-free PMR446 vs Ofcom-licensed DMR). Get any of those wrong and you’ll be shouting into the wind.

This guide rounds up the 8 best long-range portable two way radios in the UK for 2025, from premium digital models that shine with repeaters to robust, licence-free sets for hillwalkers. For each pick we cover who it’s best for, key specs, realistic UK range (moorland vs city), battery endurance, durability and waterproofing, licensing, and where to buy—plus smart accessories to boost usability on the trail. Expect trusted names like Motorola, Hytera and Icom, alongside budget-friendly options for licensed amateurs. Ready to choose with confidence? Let’s start with hiking-friendly gear to keep you connected.

1. Take a Hike UK: hiking radio accessories to keep you connected

You don’t always need a new handset to get better comms; often, it’s the supporting kit that keeps portable two way radios delivering when weather and terrain turn awkward. Take a Hike UK focuses on practical, trail-ready accessories that protect, power and carry your radio so you hear—and are heard—when it counts.

Why it’s a top long-range pick

Accessories won’t increase legal transmit power, but they dramatically improve real-world reliability. Think dry protection, hands‑free carry that keeps the antenna upright and clear, and power management that stops the day ending early.

Best for

Hillwalkers, group leaders, Duke of Edinburgh teams, festival volunteers and site marshals who already own radios and want a tougher, lighter, longer‑lasting setup without changing their current devices.

Key features and specs

Look for waterproof pouches and dry bags to safeguard sets in rain, rugged power banks to top up USB‑chargeable radios, strap or chest mounts to keep the radio high and accessible, and lightweight daypacks that manage cables and essentials.

Real-world range in the UK

In moorland or coastal cliff terrain, keeping the radio high on a shoulder strap can preserve line‑of‑sight and clarity across valleys. In woods or city streets, good mic placement and wind noise control make the difference between usable and garbled.

Battery life and durability

Cold saps batteries; insulated carry and spare cells help you finish long routes. Pair a tough pouch with a reliable power bank to keep screens, torches and radios running through multi‑hour days and changeable weather.

Licensing and legal use

PMR446 sets are licence‑free in the UK; business‑grade DMR and amateur equipment require the appropriate Ofcom or amateur licence. Accessories don’t need licences—just avoid device modifications and follow the radio’s manufacturer guidance.

Price and where to buy

Build your comms kit at Take a Hike UK with free UK delivery over £50, 14‑day money‑back on unused items, and 12/6 customer support (8am–8pm, Mon–Sat). Watch for seasonal offers to round out your setup for less.

2. Motorola R7 (DMR): best overall for long-range clarity

If you want a professional handheld that still sounds crisp when wind picks up or machinery roars, the Motorola R7 is the stand‑out. It’s a digital portable two-way radio built for loud, clear, customisable audio in a rugged, dependable, connected package—exactly what long-range teams need when conditions change mid‑shift.

Why it’s a top long-range pick

Digital modulation (DMR) keeps voice intelligible at the fringe where analogue fades. Pair that with the R7’s focus on clear, tunable audio and you get confident comms across challenging sites and mixed terrain.

Best for

Security and events, estates and facilities teams, construction, hospitality, and organised outdoor groups that prioritise clarity, uptime and expandability (including repeater-backed coverage).

Key features and specs

The R7 concentrates on audio performance and durability while slotting into modern digital fleets.

• Digital clarity (DMR): Consistent voice at range with better noise rejection.
• Customisable audio: Tune profiles for quiet offices or noisy plant rooms.
• Rugged build: Designed to be dependable for daily professional use.
• Repeater-ready: Scales coverage across sites, campuses and towns.
• Accessory ecosystem: Remote speaker mics, earpieces, spare batteries and chargers.

Real-world range in the UK

Expect solid handportable-to-handportable performance in open country with clean line‑of‑sight, while dense urban streets and woodland will shorten links. Mounting a licensed repeater on high ground or a rooftop unlocks wide‑area coverage that handhelds alone can’t match.

Battery life and durability

Built for full‑shift duty with swappable batteries and smart charging options. The tough chassis and quality accessories help the set survive rain, bumps and frequent use without fuss.

Licensing and legal use

This is a business‑grade DMR radio and is not licence‑free. You’ll need an appropriate Ofcom business radio licence and compliant dealer programming to operate legally in the UK.

Price and where to buy

Sold through authorised UK Motorola Solutions partners and specialist radio retailers. Expect business‑class pricing with options for bundles, accessories and repeater packages—request a quote to match your site and coverage plan.

3. Motorola DP4400e (MOTOTRBO): proven coverage with repeaters

A staple of professional fleets, the DP4400e sits in Motorola’s MOTOTRBO digital line and has earned a reputation for dependable coverage—especially when paired with licensed repeaters. If you want portable two way radios that “just work” shift after shift and scale cleanly from a single site to multi-site operations, this is the safe, long‑term bet.

Why it’s a top long-range pick

DMR digital voice helps preserve intelligibility at the fringe, while MOTOTRBO infrastructure support means you can add a repeater on a hilltop or rooftop to unlock wide‑area coverage without changing handsets.

Best for

Facilities and estates teams, construction and utilities, security and events, and any organisation building a durable fleet that can expand with repeaters and accessories over time.

Key features and specs

• MOTOTRBO digital (DMR): Clear, consistent audio for busy sites.
• Repeater-ready: Integrates with licensed repeaters for area-wide coverage.
• Rugged build: Designed for daily professional use in mixed weather.
• Fleet-friendly: Dealer programming, templates and ongoing support.
• Ecosystem: Batteries, multi-unit chargers, remote speaker mics and discreet earpieces.

Real-world range in the UK

Handset-to-handset range depends on terrain: open hills and coastal paths favour line‑of‑sight, while valleys, woodland and dense streets reduce reach. A strategically sited licensed repeater can bridge campuses, estates and town-centre operations that handhelds alone can’t span.

Battery life and durability

Built for full shifts with swappable batteries and multi-bay charging options to keep teams rotating gear. The robust chassis and quality accessories help withstand rain, knocks and frequent handling.

Licensing and legal use

This is a business‑grade DMR radio. You’ll need an appropriate Ofcom business radio licence and compliant dealer programming to operate legally in the UK.

Price and where to buy

Available via authorised UK Motorola specialists and two‑way radio retailers. Expect quote-based, business-class pricing with bundle options for batteries, chargers and repeater solutions to match your site plan.

4. Hytera HP785: premium audio and endurance

Hytera’s HP785 represents the brand’s modern take on professional digital handhelds—built for teams that need clear voice, reliable coverage and shift-long stamina. Hytera digital radios are known for clarity and reliability, making them a strong choice when you want portable two way radios that stay consistent across changing conditions.

Why it’s a top long-range pick

Digital two-way radios are prized for top audio quality and capacity, and Hytera leans into that with radios that keep speech intelligible as conditions worsen. The HP785 benefits from that focus, delivering confident, clean voice where analogue typically struggles.

Best for

Operations that demand dependable comms all day: security and events, construction and utilities, estates and facilities, and organised outdoor teams that value robust builds and simple fleet growth.

Key features and specs

• Digital clarity: Hytera’s digital portfolio emphasises clear, reliable communication.
• Robust, portable design: Built for daily professional use across mixed environments.
• Repeater-ready expansion: Works within systems that add coverage via licensed repeaters.
• Fleet ecosystem: Batteries, chargers and audio accessories to match roles and shifts.

Real-world range in the UK

Expect stronger intelligibility in open, line‑of‑sight country and reduced reach in valleys, dense woodland or tight urban grids. Deploying a licensed repeater on high ground or rooftops can unlock consistent, site‑wide coverage beyond handset‑to‑handset limits.

Battery life and durability

Digital sets are commonly associated with long battery life, and Hytera’s business radios are built to go the distance. Pair spare batteries and multi‑bay chargers to keep teams powered through back‑to‑back shifts and variable weather.

Licensing and legal use

The HP785 is a business‑grade DMR handheld. Operation in the UK requires an appropriate Ofcom business radio licence and compliant dealer programming.

Price and where to buy

Available through UK two‑way radio specialists and Hytera resellers. Pricing is typically quote-based, with bundles for batteries, chargers, audio accessories and repeater options to suit your coverage plan.

5. Icom IC-F52D: compact, ultra-rugged digital

Icom is one of the leading names in digital two‑way radios, and the IC‑F52D earns its place here for combining a compact profile with a tough, professional build. If you want portable two way radios that don’t weigh you down yet still deliver clean, consistent voice on long days, this model is an easy recommendation.

Why it’s a top long-range pick

Digital voice helps preserve intelligibility at the edge of coverage where analogue breaks up. The F52D’s small form factor also makes it easier to carry high on the body, keeping the antenna clear for better real‑world reach, and it fits neatly into licensed systems backed by repeaters when you need more.

Best for

Security and hospitality teams, event operations, estates management and outdoor groups that value discreet size, dependable audio and the ability to scale coverage with infrastructure as sites grow.

Key features and specs

The focus here is practical performance in a compact, professional package.

• Digital clarity: Clear, consistent voice compared to typical analogue.
• Compact, rugged build: Easy to carry; designed for daily professional use.
• System friendly: Works within licensed digital fleets and repeater setups.
• Fleet ecosystem: Batteries, chargers and audio accessories from UK specialists.
• Programmable operation: Dealer-configured channels and profiles for roles.

Real-world range in the UK

Expect strong results where you have line‑of‑sight—open hills, coastal paths, rooftops—and reduced reach in valleys, dense woodland and tight urban streets. A licensed repeater on high ground or a rooftop can unlock reliable, site‑wide coverage handhelds alone can’t achieve.

Battery life and durability

Built for shift work with swappable batteries and multi‑bay charging options to keep teams rotating power. The tough chassis is ready for regular outdoor use and unsettled weather.

Licensing and legal use

This is a professional digital handset. Operation in the UK requires an appropriate Ofcom business radio licence and compliant dealer programming.

Price and where to buy

Available via authorised UK two‑way radio specialists. Pricing is typically quote‑based, with bundle options for batteries, chargers, earpieces and repeater solutions to match your coverage plan.

6. Motorola T92 H2O (PMR446): waterproof licence-free pick for hillwalkers

When the UK forecast says four seasons in a day, a waterproof, licence-free handheld is exactly what you want. The Motorola T92 H2O is a popular PMR446 choice for walkers who value simple controls, clear voice and a casing that shrugs off rain, spray and muddy pack drops.

Why it’s a top long-range pick

You get the practicality of PMR446—no paperwork, quick pairing for groups—plus a weather-ready build that keeps audio usable when wind and rain try to spoil the day. It’s a confidence booster for teams in mixed terrain.

Best for

Hillwalkers, family groups, Duke of Edinburgh teams and campsite or festival use where simplicity and weather resistance matter more than pro‑fleet features.

Key features and specs

Built for straightforward, outdoor use without the faff.

• Licence-free PMR446: Ready to use in the UK straight out of the box.
• Waterproof housing: Designed to tolerate wet, rough conditions on the trail.
• Outdoor-friendly ergonomics: Big, glove‑friendly controls for quick comms.
• Accessory support: Clips, carry options and audio accessories from UK retailers.

Real-world range in the UK

Like all PMR446 portable two way radios, range is terrain-led. Expect best results with clean line‑of‑sight on moorland and coastal paths; valleys, dense woodland and city streets will shorten links. Carry the set high on a shoulder strap to help.

Battery life and durability

Built for day walks and changeable weather. Cold reduces endurance, so start fully charged and keep the radio warm; consider spares where compatible and use a protective pouch to resist knocks and grit.

Licensing and legal use

PMR446 is licence‑free in the UK. Stay on approved PMR446 channels, don’t modify antennas or power, and avoid repeaters—keep operation exactly as supplied to remain compliant.

Price and where to buy

Widely available from authorised UK two‑way radio specialists and general electronics retailers. Expect consumer-friendly pricing; look for bundle deals with accessories to round out a hill-ready kit.

7. Hytera BD505LF (PMR446 digital): clearer voice without a licence

If you want clearer, more consistent voice than typical analogue PMR446 sets—without stepping into Ofcom business licensing—the Hytera BD505LF is the sweet spot. Hytera digital radios are known for clarity and reliability, and this licence‑free handheld brings that reputation to everyday outdoor and events use.

Why it’s a top long-range pick

Digital PMR446 helps keep speech intelligible where analogue gets hissy or choppy, so you understand the message the first time. That makes a real difference in mixed UK terrain or noisy venues where you can’t afford repeats and confusion.

Best for

Hillwalking groups, volunteer marshals, school trips, community events and small businesses that want better audio and simple group comms from portable two way radios without the admin of a business radio licence.

Key features and specs

Start with the essentials that boost real-world usability, then build out with accessories.

• Digital PMR446 clarity: More intelligible voice at the fringe.
• Licence‑free simplicity: Ready to use in the UK out of the box.
• Rugged, portable design: Built for regular outdoor and site use.
• Accessory support: Clips, earpieces and chargers from UK specialists.

Real-world range in the UK

Range is terrain‑led: expect best results with line‑of‑sight on moorland and coastal paths; valleys, dense woodland and urban canyons shorten links. Digital voice maintains clarity deeper into the fringe, helping teams stay coordinated.

Battery life and durability

Digital efficiency supports strong day‑walk endurance. Keep the set high on your kit to improve performance, carry a spare battery where compatible, and use a protective pouch to handle rain, knocks and grit.

Licensing and legal use

PMR446 is licence‑free in the UK. Stay within PMR446 parameters—no antenna or power mods, no repeaters—and use the radio as supplied to remain compliant.

Price and where to buy

Widely available from authorised UK Hytera resellers and two‑way radio retailers with bundle options for earpieces, chargers and carry gear. Expect accessible pricing versus business‑licensed digital handsets.

8. Baofeng UV-5R: budget long-range for licensed amateurs

The Baofeng UV‑5R is the go‑to budget handheld for licensed amateur operators who want maximum learning and coverage per pound. Used legally and set up correctly, it opens the door to repeater‑backed comms that outpace most direct handheld‑to‑handheld links.

Why it’s a top long-range pick

On its own, any handheld is limited by terrain. But when programmed for local amateur repeaters on high ground, the UV‑5R can achieve practical, day‑to‑day “long‑range” coverage that makes coordinating across towns and valleys far more reliable.

Best for

Licensed users who value low-cost access to flexible, repeater‑supported comms.

• Newly licensed amateurs: Affordable way to learn radio practice.
• Hiking and club groups (licensed): Simple portable two way radios with repeater access.
• Budget fleets for experiments: Training, nets and event support within licence terms.

Key features and specs

Focus on versatility at a low price, with plenty of ways to tailor the setup.

• Budget-friendly handheld: Accessible entry into licensed long‑range operation.
• Programmable channels/profiles: Configure via software and a programming cable.
• Repeater-capable: Join local amateur repeaters where permitted.
• Accessory ecosystem: Spare batteries, earpieces, antennas and carry options widely available.

Real-world range in the UK

Expect terrain‑led results handheld‑to‑handheld: best on ridgelines and open moorland, reduced in valleys, dense woodland and urban canyons. With a well-sited amateur repeater, coverage can extend across towns and regions—your mileage depends on local infrastructure.

Battery life and durability

Plan for day use with sensible duty cycles; carry a spare battery and keep the radio warm in cold weather. A protective pouch or belt clip helps the set survive knocks, showers and frequent handling.

Licensing and legal use

This is not licence‑free. UK operation requires an appropriate amateur radio licence, adherence to band plans and power limits, and correct programming. Do not use the UV‑5R on PMR446, business, or emergency-service frequencies—stay strictly within amateur allocations and licence conditions.

Price and where to buy

Widely available from UK radio retailers and Baofeng specialists at very accessible pricing. Look for starter bundles with programming cable, spare battery and carry gear to get on air quickly and legally.

Wrapping up

If you’ve read this far, you know the winning formula: pick the right class of radio for your use (licence‑free PMR446 for simple group days, licensed DMR for serious coverage, amateur sets for licensed users), then stack the odds with smart placement, spare power and rugged carry. Terrain rules range in the UK, but digital clarity, well-sited repeaters and tidy kit habits make the difference between missed calls and smooth coordination.

Your next step is simple: decide your licence path, shortlist a model that matches your terrain and group size, and round it out with waterproof carry, audio accessories and reliable charging. Need a quick win for your kit bag and free UK delivery over £50, plus 14‑day returns and friendly advice? Build your go-anywhere comms setup with Take a Hike UK and head out knowing your team can hear—and be heard—when it matters.