Best GMRS radios
For a handheld, get the Midland GXT67 PRO. It uses the full 5 watts GMRS allows, it's waterproof, and it works with repeaters. For a car, get the Midland MXT275. Every radio here needs a $35 GMRS license, which covers your family for 10 years.
Words you'll see
- Repeater
- A radio on a tower or hill that picks up your signal and sends it out again, much farther.
- Privacy codes
- Tones that keep other groups' chatter from coming through. They don't make your talk private.
- IP67
- Dust-tight and survives a dunk in water. JIS4 means splash-proof only.
Handhelds
Best GMRS handheld
Midland GXT67 PRO
- Full handheld power. Midland: “delivers an exceptional 5 Watts of power”
- Waterproof (Midland).
- Works with repeaters (Midland).
- Charges by USB-C (Midland).
Watch for
- Sold as one radio, not a pair. Midland's own range claim is modest: “At 5 Watts, this radio can easily reach up to 5 miles, depending on the terrain”
Sold on Amazon by the maker's own store, Midland Radio.
Best value pair
Retevis RB48PLUS GMRS (2 pack)
- Waterproof (Retevis).
- Long battery (Retevis).
- Repeater ready. Retevis: “Yes, the RB48PLUS has 8 channels that can connect to repeaters.”
Watch for
- Less tested than Midland. We found no independent range test.
Sold on Amazon by the maker's own store, Retevis Direct.
The popular family pair, with a catch
Midland GXT1000VP4
- 50 channels and 142 privacy codes (Midland).
Watch for
- Midland's own manual is honest about range: “The GXT averages 1/2-2 miles in normal conditions.”
- OutdoorGearLab found it best under 1 mile in trees and hills.
Sold on Amazon by the maker's own store, Midland Radio.
Amazon prices as of October 14, 2026, 10:00 PM Pacific. Prices change; Amazon shows the current one.
Car and truck radios
This is where GMRS pulls ahead. "The transmitter output power of mobile, repeater and base stations must not exceed 50 Watts." 47 CFR 95.1767 An outside antenna and a repeater can stretch that further.
Best car radio
Midland MXT275 MicroMobile
Watch for
- Midland's own range chart for this radio runs up to 50 miles, but only through a repeater on a high tower. Car to car, plan on a few miles.
Sold on Amazon by the maker's own store, Midland Radio.
Most power
Midland MXT575 MicroMobile
- The legal maximum for a GMRS car radio (Midland).
Watch for
- More than twice the price of the MXT275. Most families don't need 50 watts.
Sold on Amazon by the maker's own store, Midland Radio.
Every GMRS radio we checked
| Product | Waterproof | Repeaters | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midland GXT1000VP4 | JIS4 splash-resistant (no IP rating); lost when an accessory is plugged in | Not stated | $89.99 |
| Baofeng UV-5G Plus GMRS (2 pack) | Unclear: the listing says both IPX4 and not water resistant | Yes | $64.99 |
| Midland MXT275 MicroMobile | Not stated | Yes | $199.99 |
| Midland GXT3000 | JIS4 splashproof (no IP rating) | Yes | $159.99 |
| Retevis RB48PLUS GMRS (2 pack) | IP67 | Yes | $99.99 |
| Midland GXT67 PRO | IP67 waterproof and dustproof | Yes | $219.99 |
| Rocky Talkie Expedition 5 Watt Radio (2 pack) | IP67 (1 m submersion) | Yes | $390.00 |
| Baofeng UV-9G GMRS IP67 (2 pack) | IP67, 1 m for 30 min | Yes | $74.99 |
| Radioddity DB20-G | Not stated | Yes | $99.99 |
| Midland MXT575 MicroMobile | Not stated | Yes | $439.99 |
Before you buy: the license
"A valid individual license is required to operate a GMRS station." 47 CFR 95.1705 It costs $35, has no test, and covers your family. How to get one, and GMRS vs FRS.