The Best Dual Band Mobile Radio For 2024

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Kenwood Original TM-V71A Dual-Band Mobile Transceiver
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Kenwood Original TM-V71A Dual-Band Mobile Transceiver

This device features a choice of two backlight colors for the LCD panel and offers an expanded transmitter range of up to 2.6 miles. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Yaesu Original FTM-400DR/XDR Dual-Band Mobile Transceiver

This high-performance radio comes as a fully equipped mobile station that delivers 50 watts of power on both 2 Meters and 70 Centimeters. Read Review

3. Best Mini-Size: BTECH Mini UV-25X2 Dual Band Mobile Radio

With this radio, you'll be able to experience new levels of versatility with dual synchronize display mode and mic audio gain settings. Read Review

4. Best With Built-In Cooling Fan: AnyTone AT-778UV Dual Band Mobile Radio

This versatile gadget can be used as a ham radio and scanner, and it also allows you to listen to the police and fire department. Read Review

Many of today’s public safety professionals are tasked with the responsibility of coordinating activities from multiple locations. While this is a simple task in most small organizations, it can become much more challenging for those working in larger organizations with multiple sites or departments.

This is especially true when you take into account that many first responders operate their operations from a variety of locations, including everything from fire stations to remote field locations. To meet these challenges, modern first responder radio users need mobile radios that offer both dual-band and integrated voice and data capabilities.

Therefore, our team has picked out some of the best dual-band mobile radios for your team. Our Kenwood Original TM-V71A Dual-Band Mobile Transceiver has received plenty of praise from previous customers thanks to the clear backlight LCD and high power performance. We dare say it may be the best on the market.

Our Top Picks

  • EchoLink Sysop Mode For Node Terminal Operation Multiple Scan Invertible Front Panel
  • Choice of 2 Backlight Colors (AMBER/GREEN) For The LCD Panel
  • 104-Code Digital Code Squelch "FIVE-IN-ONE" Programmable Memory
  • High RF Power Output (50W) 1,000 Multifunction Memory Channels
  • Dual Receive on Same Band (VxV, UxU) EchoLink MEMORY (Automatic Dialer)
TOP Choice #2 Yaesu Original FTM-400DR/XDR Dual-Band Mobile Transceiver
Our Score:
9.7
YAESU
  • 144/430 MHz Dual Band Transceiver
  • Yaesu System Fusion Dual Mode System (C4FM)
  • 50W Output Power
TOP Choice #3 BTECH Mini UV-25X2 Dual Band Mobile Radio
Our Score:
9.5
BTECH
  • What Makes the UV-25X2 Unique: Dual Synchronize Display Mode, Mic Audio Gain Settings, In depth user's guide, Auto Power Off Function, Channel Mode Editing Settings, Auto Scan, Scanning Resume, and Variable Frequency Scanning, Quad Watch Delay Time, Randomization Privacy Mode, Builds upon previous generation UV-2501
  • High / Low Power Settings (25W/10W); Frequency Range: VHF: 144-148 MHz(Rx/Tx). UHF: 420-450 MHz(Rx/Tx); Broad (Wide) / Narrowband (Narrow) Selectable
  • Recommended Accessories: Pair UV-25X2 with the Nagoya UT-72 Magnetic Mount Antenna for easy installation. The PC04 FTDI Cable is recommended for easy computer programming
  • Kit Includes: BTECH UV-25X2, Speaker Mic, 6 foot DC Cable with Cigarette Plug Connector, Radio & Mic Brackets, Mounting Hardware, and User Guide
  • Quad Watch Receiver: The UV-25X2 operates as multiple radios in one, with either 144 MHz or 430 MHz as the "Main" TX/RX band, while simultaneously watching up to 3 other frequencies or channels; and, if you like, you can configure your UV-25X2 for simultaneous VHF-VHF or UHF-UHF operation, too!
4 AnyTone AT-778UV Dual Band Mobile Radio
Our Score:
9.3
AnyTone
  • ☛Narrow Band compliant,Lighted Keypad mic, Built-in Speakers in both Radio & Mic,Built-In cooling Fan,DC power cable with fuse holder & More!!Single call, group call, selective call and emergency call are all available.
  • ☛25W/15W/5W DualBand VHF/UHF Mobile Radio Transceiver! 180 degree rotatable FTF LCD displayFull alloy body for heat radiation. It is with VOX Function too.
  • ☛ Please download the Programming Software from support in AnyTone website.You can find the AnyTone website address in the user's manual.
  • ☛AnyTone AT-778UV Mobile Radio is complied with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. complies with Part 15B and Part 97 of FCC rule, FCC ID is T4K-778UV. Frequency Range: VHF:136-174MHz UHF:400-490MHz
  • If you are not satisfied with it in 1 month. Please feel free to Contact with us if you have any query. We will give you prompt reply and good after service
5 QYT KT-8900D Dual Band Mini Radio
Our Score:
9.1
QYT
  • PTT ID, DTMF, Remote stun, Remote Kill, Repeater, Alarm, Monitor, High (25W) / Low (20W) Power Settings
  • QYT KT-8900D Dual band Quad-standby Mini Mobile Transceiver Car Radio
  • Kit Includes: KT-8900D Radio, Speaker Mic, 6 ft DC Cable with Cigarette Plug Connector, Radio & Mic Brackets, Mounting Hardware, User Guide and Programming Cable.
  • Bigger LCD Screen, Cooling Fan, Long-distance Communication, Easy to Install (Program Software supported by CHIRP or MIKLOR)
  • Working Frequency: VHF UHF
  • 50 watts of output on VHF and UHF
  • VHF/VHF, UHF/UHF simultaneous receive
  • Easy controller mounting with the optional MBF-1
  • Easy-to-See large white backlight LCD
  • Optional VS-3 Bluetooth headset
7 Radioddity DB25 Pro Dual Band Mobile Radio
Our Score:
8.7
Radioddity
  • ▼ QUAD BAND ANTENNA: Say goodbye to awful using experience like signal dropping or excessive distortion! With the 50W powerful high gain quad band antenna we specially design for Radioddity DB25 Pro, you will receive stable signals at any frequency and keep a high quality communication.
  • ▼DUAL BAND QUAD STANDBY & MINI: This is a mini dual band radio with quad-standby and four colors screen display. Broad (Wide) / Narrowband (Narrow) Selectable. Remote Stun, Remote Activate, Remote Kill. With size just 3.8 * 1.7 * 5 inch, convenient to carry and won't occupy a larger space when placed in your car or truck.
  • ▼ ABOUT PROGRAMMING: Please download the programming software on Radioddity site or message us for it. If you use Chirp, please choose QB25 and do not write any frequencies out of the VHF UHF bands.
  • ▼ MULTI FUNCTIONS: Radioddity DB25 Pro is the latest dual-band car radio model of Radioddity, which features dual synchronized display mode, mic audio gain setting, alarm function, DTMF function(2/5 tone), auto power off, channel mode editing setting, auto scan, scanning resume, variable frequency scanning, quad watch delay time, randomization privacy mode, 25W/10W selectable, etc.
  • ▼ WHAT MAKES US BETTER: Different from most other dual band car radios on the market, DB25 Pro is with louder and clearer sound, making sure you can get all the info. Second, we also offer you a cable and Win 7/10 drive with instructions to help you program, easy and fast. Besides, the temperature cooling fan is with smart mode, only when temperature ≥ 45℃ (113℉) will the fan start to work.
  • 4. Function: Cross Brand Repeater, 800 AlphaNumeric Memory channels, CTCSS, DCS (PL & DPL), DTMF, 2 Tone, 5 Tone, ANI, Display Brightness Setting, Channel Spacing 5/10/12.5/15/20/25KHz
  • 2. Quad-band Transmit, Twin Receive, Dual Display; TX: 28-29/50-54/144-148/420-450MHz; RX: 26-33/47-54/110-180(with AM Air Band)/350-399/430-512/750-947MHz; Power Output Setting: VHF: 50/20/10/5W UHF: 35/20/10/5W, Pair with Quad-Band Antenna
  • 3. CHIRP Software for Easier Programming or FREE download the programming software on TYT official website
  • 5. Kit Includes: TYT TH-9800D Mobile Radio, Speaker Mic (DTMF Function), DC power cable with fuse holder, Radio & Mic Brackets, Mounting Hardware, User Guide and TYT Programming Cable
  • 1.▲▲☞FONGHOO☜▲▲ Official Distributor of TYT. Great Radio At Great Price, "Plus" Version of TYT TH-9800, Remote Mountable Faceplate, Twin simultaneous Receive, Seperate Vol & Squelch Controls, Multiple Tuning Steps
  • 3. Size: 4.2" (W) x 1.8" (H) x 5.4 (D)" (107 x 45 x 125 mm); Frequency: VHF(144-148Mhz/2m), UHF(420-450Mhz/70cm), Output Power 25W/20W, 200 Channels, CTCSS/DSC, DTMF, Priority Channel Scanning, 2Tone/5Tone, Remote Kill/Stun/Activate, 1750Hz Burst Tone.
  • 2. Rugged Compact Reliable MOBILE RADIO (Ham), New Addition to Any Motocycle or Off-road Vehicle. Super IP67 Dust/Waterproof, Full Color Screen, P1-P4 Programmable Functional Keys, Dual Band, Dual Display, Dual Watch.
  • 4. A MUST HAVE Programming cable (Window 10 Supported, Driver Installation Needed) included for easier Computer/PC programming with software, FULL Reviews/Instructions/FAQ/video tutorials about operations on the internet. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
  • 1. HESENATE x TYT Mobile Transceiver Series, ONE YEAR U.S Based Warranty, Warehouse (Domestic Return) in CA State--No Further Return Issue.
  • 5. Kit includes: TH-8600 Mobile Radio, Microphone, Mounting Brackets & Screws, Programming Cable, and User Manual. Software Download at TYT Official Website.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best dual band mobile radio?

The best dual band mobile radio is assessed based on many factors. best dual band mobile radio research varies depending on the type, feature, and quality of this product. It is not too complex to cover, yet we will give you some buying guide and solutions to these problems.

Please take a closer look at best dual band mobile radio characteristics below would be beneficial for you. Let’s look through and keep in mind:

Weatherproofing

You can't keep your two-way hidden in your bag, but there is a good chance it will be exposed to other conditions than the cool, mild, early summer sun when there is a gentle breeze blowing. It is important to consider the weatherproofing of your two-way. If you reside in an area with moderate temperatures and light to predictable rains, some models can withstand splashing water.
An entirely waterproof radio is an option. Many models are waterproof and can withstand severe rain. Some models can be submerged up to 30 minutes without causing any damage. A model that floats will be your best option if your radio is used for fisherman, fishing or crossing open waters. If you drop your model accidentally, it can be easily picked up from the water surface.

Channels & Privacy Codes

Two-way radios that are license-free have a fixed frequency they can transmit on. PMR446 The majority of two-way radios without a license have 8 to 16 channels. These tune the frequency at which handsets communicate. There are usually privacy codes in addition to channels. These codes do not protect your transmissions, contrary to the title. They allow you to talk freely and without being interrogated by others. This can prove problematic if your use them in an area such as a ski resort, where many other two-way radios are in use.

Weight And Size

Both weight and size play a major role in carrying all you need. Two-way radios are small and lightweight, so they can be carried in a bag or attached to your belt. Although smaller units can be more affordable than larger models, they might not offer as many features or provide the same protection. Heavy-duty, impact-resistant two-way units that are heavier and more durable are a better choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to be tough.

Number Of Handsets

You will need as many handsets as you can afford when purchasing two-way radios. While a twin-set may suffice for camping trips, busy warehouses might need more to ensure everyone is connected. The price per handset drops when you purchase in bulk. To meet every customer's requirements, we offer many two-way radio packages. If you need to add more handsets, we also have single handsets.

Maximum Range

When choosing a 2-way radio, the first thing to think about is how far you want them to travel. Consumer 2-way radios with a transmit power of 0.75W and the PMR446 frequency can travel up to 10 km. This could be possible only in the ideal circumstances: high above ground with no obstructions between radios. This range is unlikely to be achieved unless you use your walkie-talkies to connect between mountaintops. The maximum range in a dense urban setting is more likely to be lower. A good radio will provide sufficient range to reach the majority of people. You will require more power and range than that. They are more costly than the license-free model and require a license.

Emergency Features

Your two-way radio is a great tool for emergency planning, whether you are camping, hiking or hunting. An Emergency Alert radio sends an alert to all radios within your radio group in case you need immediate help. There are many types of emergency alerts available, and they vary from brand to model. Some alerts combine a beacon flashing S.O.S with international Morse Code, others send a loud alarm to members of the group. These alerts block any activity on radios and get louder until someone responds.

Battery Type

Many two-way radios can be powered with regular alkaline batteries. Others have rechargeable batteries that include a dock. Two-way radios should not be used for longer than one day without power access. A model that takes both regular and multiple batteries is a better option if you are going on camping trips. We recommend regular 2-way rechargeable radios. This is because used batteries are expensive and can cause damage to the environment.

FAQs

How Far Do 2 Way Radios Broadcast?

Broadcast distances of commercial-grade hand-held radios are generally between one and two miles. While VHF radios can broadcast further, they do not penetrate as far. UHF radios transmit a greater distance and have better penetration.

Can I Change The Frequencies On My 2 Way Radios?

Many commercial-grade 2 way radios can be programmed from either a computer onboard or via a PC. Although you cannot change VHF to UHF, the radio can be programmed with a PC or on-board programming. However, it can alter the frequencies in the band.

How Many Radios Can I Use One Location?

You can use as many radios at any location you wish, regardless of the license. To manage communication better, we suggest that the channel's users be limited to ten.

What Is 2 Way Radio VOX?

Voice activation is VOX. VOX promises hands-free operation. "Speak and the radio will open to broadcast your message." However, voice activation should actually be called sound activation. The VOX function on a 2-way radio can't distinguish between a call to help or the usual grunts, groans and grunts of normal physical activity. VOX may cause more problems than it solves. We do not recommend VOX being used in commercial applications.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of A 2 Way Radio?

Two-way radios of commercial grade are made to comply with Military Specifications as well as Intrusion Protection standards. These radios can live for a long time if they are maintained and used in accordance with the specifications. Two-way radios can last up to 10 years. But radio batteries rarely last more than 3 to 4 years.

Why Do 2 Way Radios Have Multiple Channels?

Every channel can be programed at a different frequency. Most modern 2 way radios can have between 4 and 16 channels, although some radios may have up to 256 channels. Channel one will be the only channel that broadcasts on the frequency being used. It is beneficial for commercial applications to have different communication depending on the work group or whereabouts. Radios can be used by schools to broadcast the news. Teachers and administrators might prefer one channel.

Is VHF Or UHF Better?

The frequency band that a radio can operate within is called VHF (very high frequency), or UHF [ultra high frequency]. VHF operates between 136 and 174 MHz, while UHF operates between 400 and 512 MHz. Wave length is shorter the higher frequency. A signal will travel farther if it has a longer wave length. It is easier for the signal's to penetrate if the wave length is shorter. VHF broadcasts better over open water and from an unobstructed location to another. For broadcasting through buildings or other obstructions, UHF is better than VHF.

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About Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who loves home theater and HiFi audio. As the editor of TheAudioInsights, he has helped countless people enjoy the best possible sound quality in their homes. He is an audiophile who takes great pleasure in helping others find the perfect audio equipment for their needs. When he's not writing or editing, Dan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.