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In this article, I review the best walkie talkies for kids:
- Wishouse walkie talkies for kids
- Retevis RT628 kids walkie talkies
- Obuby walkie talkies
- Inspireyes Walkie Talkies for Kids
If you don’t have time to read the whole article, here is my recommendation:
The best children’s walkie talkies are the Wishouse walkie talkies. They had good power and range and came as a complete package of belt clips, lanyards, rechargeable batteries and charger. Finally they are FCC compliant and you do NOT need a license to operate them.
Buying guide for kids walkie talkies
Walkie talkies are not only great fun for kids to play with, they can also be used to help you keep in contact with them while they are out of your sight.
Before we get to the 5 product reviews, let’s have a quick look at some of the things to consider when choosing kids’ walkie talkies:
Do I need a license for kids’ walkie talkies?
For kids’ walkie talkies, you should be looking for simple walkie talkies that do not require an FCC license to operate. This is an FRS (“Family Radio Service”) / GMRS (“General Mobile Radio Service”) compatible radio that has 22 channels in the 462 and 467 MHz frequency bands, has a maximum power output of 2 watts and is automatically limited to 0.5 watts for channels 8-14. Don’t worry if that all sounds a bit complicated – I have done all the hard work and research for you. All of the walkie talkies in this article are compliant with the above FCC specifications and therefore do not require a license to operate them.
Durability
The walkie talkies need to be durable in case they get dropped on the ground while your kids are playing.
Ease of use
To make them easier to use by kids, check that the walkie talkies have easy-to-use buttons, clear display screens and simple operating instructions.
Portability
Since your kids will be carrying these things around, they need to be reasonably compact, lightweight and have a system to carry them (belt clip or lanyard).
Resistance to water
In addition to durability, resistance to water is another particularly valuable feature of walkie talkies for kids. There are 2 equivalent standards to measure a device’s resistance to water. – JIS rating and the IPX rating. Both of these standards give a waterproof rating from 0 to 7. 0 is the lowest rating (not at all waterproof) and 7 is the highest (completely waterproof and submersible). A rating of 4 means the device is “splash proof”, in other words, it will keep the rain out.
Power source / battery type
Be sure to check how the walkie talkies are powered. What type of batteries do they take and how many? Can the batteries be recharged and if so how?
Battery life
If your kids are like mine, they’ll be playing with these things non-stop! Consequently, a good battery life is a very important feature.
Privacy codes
Privacy codes enable you to filter out all the unwanted
interference and communications from other users using the same channels as you
and your kids at the same time. Not only
does this feature help keep your conversations private, they also improve audio
quality.
The best kids walkie talkies from our review
Wishouse walkie talkies for kids
These Wishouse walkie talkies come in a pack of 2. (Packs of 3 or 4 are also available) Included with the pair of walkie talkies are 6 rechargeable batteries (3 per radio) and a dual charger. These walkie talkies are FCC compliant and you do NOT need a license to operate them. These radios have a bright colorful and fun design that is very popular with children of all ages.
Range: Up to 3 miles (4.8 km) in an urban environment with obstacles and up to 6 miles (9.6 km) in a flat area with no obstacles.
Number of channels: 22 (FRS /GMRS)
Auto squelch – Filter out weak signals and unwanted noise to improve audio quality and reception.
Scan – Automatically scan all 22 channels looking for activity.
Monitor – Monitor the current channel for weaker signals.
Power source: Each walkie talkie is powered by 3x AA 800mAh rechargeable batteries (included). The batteries can be recharged with the dual head charging cable that plug into the mains power. You can charge 2 walkie talkies with the one charging cable.
VOX (Hands-free function) – The radio will detact your voice and transmit it automatically without the need for pressing the talk button.
Privacy codes – There are 120 privacy codes which enable you to filter out interference and to keep your conversations private.
Roger beep – The listener will hear an automatic audible beep when you release the talk button. This lets them know you have finished talking.
Flashlight – Press the “lamp” button to turn the flashlight on/off.
Earphones / external speaker jack – Plug an external speaker (not included) or earphones (not included) into the walkie talkie.
Power output: 0.5 – 1 watts
Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.3 x 1.1 inches (110 x 58 x 27 mm)
Weight: 1.08 pounds (490 grams)
In the box
- 2x Walkie talkies with belt clips.
- 2x Lanyards.
- 6x AA rechargeable batteries (3 for each radio).
- 1x Dual charger.
Pros
- Rechargeable batteries and charger included.
- 1W of power gives a good operating range of up to 3 miles (4.8 km) in an urban environment.
- FCC compliant and no need for a license.
- Great looking design and colors.
- Available in packs of 2, 3 or 4.
- Privacy codes to keep your conversations private.
Cons
- The button layout and screen display could be easier to understand.
- The lanyards are a bit flimsy.
Retevis RT628 kids walkie talkies
These Retevis RT628 kids’ walkie talkies are FRS radios with 0.5 watts of power and are certified by the FCC. They do NOT require any kind of license to operate them and so are perfect for kids and families. They are very small and light (only 3.52 ounces!) to carry and also come with belt clips to make carrying them even easier.
Power sources -3x AA batteries (not included) or 1x Retevis RT628 rechargeable battery (not included). If you choose the rechargeable battery, it can be recharged with a standard micro USB charger cable (not included).
Battery life -No official data was provided by the manufacturer but many users have reported the batteries lasting for several days. The low power output (only 0.5 watts) of these walkie talkies helps to keep their battery life long.
Channels – 22 FRS channels (no need for a license to operate)
Privacy codes – 99 CTCSS privacy codes keep communications private and filter out all unwanted communications from other users.
Range – up to 1 mile (depending on conditions)
Automatic squelch – This eliminates background noise and provides good sound quality.
Channel scan – Scan for activity across all channels.
Hands-free voice activated communication – The VOX function (when activated) means you don’t have to press the PTT button to transmit. The walkie talkies detect your voice and then transmit automatically.
Keypad lock – To ensure that your kids do not change the channel you both want to use, you can lock the keypad. This still allows the walkie talkie to transmit and receive but simply prevents the user from changing channels and the other settings.
Easy to use – There is a large, clear LCD screen and only a few buttons that are easy to press.
Bright colorful design – Choose from 4 available colors (red, silver, camouflage and black)
Compact and lightweight
Dimensions: 6.24 x 2.15 x 1.1 inches (158 x 55 x 28 mm)
Weight: 3.52 ounces (100 grams)
In the box
- 2x Retevis RT628 walkie talkies.
- 2x Belt clips.
- 1x User manual.
Pros
- Simple to use.
- Compact and lightweight – Easy to hold and carry.
- Belt clips are included.
- Long battery life.
- Privacy codes keep conversations private and free from interference from other users.
- Channel scan feature allows you to scan the channels for activity.
- Keypad lock – Prevent anyone from changing the channel.
Cons
- The instructions for installing the batteries are a bit confusing (but fine once you have figured it out).
- Batteries are not included.
Obuby walkie talkies
These Obuby walkie talkies are sold in packs of 2 or 3. You can buy as many packs as you need and all the walkie talkies will be able to communicate with each other because they all use the same channels and frequencies. They are FRS walkie talkies with 22 channels and 0.5 watts of power. They are compliant with the FCC and they do NOT require a license to operate them.
Operating range – Up to 1.8 miles (3 km) on flat ground without obstructions and up to 1 mile (1.6 km) in a built-up urban environment.
Number of channels: There are 22 channels.
Privacy – The radios have 99 CTCSS privacy codes to keep conversations private and to filter out unwanted conversations from other people.
Earphone / headphones jack – You can plug in an earphone or headphones to listen to incoming conversations rather than listening through the speaker. Earphones and headphones are not included.
Voice activation (VOX) – Transmit without having to press the “talk” button every time.
Built-in flashlight – This is useful at night and in emergencies.
Talk confirmation tone – Each radio will emit a tone after transmission to indicate to the other person that you have finished speaking and it is their turn to speak. It saves you having to say “Roger” or “Over” after every transmission.
Monitor – You can use the monitor feature to check for weaker signals in the current channel.
Call tones – A call tone alerts others that you want to start talking. There are 10 to choose from.
Auto squelch -This filters out static and background noise, ensuring a high level of audio quality.
Keypad lock – Prevent the settings from being changed.
Power source – Each walkie talkie takes 4x AAA batteries (not included). You can use normal alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
Battery life – No data was provided by the manufacturer but feedback from many users is that battery life is very good (several days / weeks). The low output power (0.5 watts) and the number of batteries (4) are the reasons for this long battery life.
Integrated belt clip – Each radio has a belt-clip already attached.
Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches (140 x 64 x 51 mm)
Weight: 9.4 ounces (266 grams)
In the box
- 3x Walkie talkies (packs of 2 are also available).
- User manual.
Pros
- Compact, light and easy to carry or attach to a belt with the belt-clip.
- 22 channels with privacy codes means your conversations will remain private and free of interference.
- FCC compliant and do NOT require a license to operate them.
- Long battery life.
- Colorful design.
- Very sturdy – will survive being dropped on the floor.
Cons
- There are lots of buttons which might be a distraction for very young children.
Inspireyes Walkie Talkies for Kids
These Inspireyes kids walkie talkies come in a pack of 3 with belt clips, rechargeable batteries and USB C charger cables. These FRS radios have 22 channels, 0.5 watts of power, are FCC compliant and do NOT need a license to use them.
Range: Up to 3 miles (4.8 km)
Number of channels: 22
Privacy codes – Keep your conversations private and keep out unwanted interference from other signals.
Auto squelch – Filter out weak signals and unwanted noise to improve audio quality and reception.
Power source: Each walkie talkie takes 1x 1 Lithium Polymer battery (included). They can be recharged using a USB charging cable (included).
VOX (Hands-free function) – When you activate this function, the walkie talkie will detect your voice and transmit automatically without the need to press the talk button. This is particularly useful for small children who forget they have to press a button before talking.
Ring tones – This will emit one of ten ring tones over the channel to inform listeners of your intention to transmit.
Roger beep – When you release the talk button at the end of your transmission, the radio will insert a beep to the end of wht you said. That helps the people listening to know when you have stopped talking and that it is now their turn to speak. Again, this is helpful for children. You can tell them it’s not their turn to speak until they hear the beep.
Flashlight
Earpiece jack – Connect an earpiece for listening (not included).
Channel scan – Automatically scan channels looking for activity.
Dimensions: 1.81 x 1.41 x 4.96 inches ( mm)
Weight: 4.8 ounces (136 grams)
In the box
- 2x Walkie talkies with attached belt clips.
- 3x Rechargeable Batteries (1 for each radio).
- 3x USB Charger cables.
- 1x User manual.
Pros
- Batteries and charger cable are included.
- Kid-friendly design and features.
- FCC compliant and you do NOT need a license to use them.
- Long battery life (several days)
Cons
- They are very small!
Conclusion
So what are the best walkie talkies for children? I recommend the Wishouse walkie talkies. They had good power and range and came as a complete package of belt clips, lanyards, rechargeable batteries and charger. Finally they are FCC compliant and you do NOT need a license to operate them.