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Editor’s Note: This resource has been revised and updated for 2019.
Short range radio communications have some major advantages at times. First the radios used are often much more functional and rugged for general use than a cell phone and besides the initial purchase price and the cost of keeping up the batteries, they are less expensive than a cell phone. When cells won’t work, your short range radios probably still will.
The MURS system allows civilian users to have a radio network that does not require any special certifications or licenses to get. There is little wonder to the fact that there are a lot of choices for radios.
Backdoor Survival has compiled this list of MURS radios in a variety of price ranges. and some things that are helpful when getting started in the world of radio communications.
Frequencies Dedicated to MURS
- 151.820 MHz (11.25 kHz)
- 151.880 MHz (11.25 kHz)
- 151.940 MHz (11.25 kHz)
- 154.570 MHz (20.00 kHz)
- 154.600 MHz (20.00 kHz)
Limits
There is no age limit to use the MURS system in any way. You are however limited to a transmitter power output of 2 watts. Anything above this is technically an FCC violation.
Practice Using Them
It is easy to put a radio away and forget about it until you really need it. Get out and use your radio a bit so that you are proficient in all its functions. This can be a lot of fun actually. Taking them on an overnight camping trip could make for a good practice adventure.
Others Are Listening
It is important to realize that this is an open system. Others that have their radios on can hear what you are saying so don’t say anything you don’t want a lot of people to know.
Of course, since there is so little privacy anymore, especially when it comes to communications, this should be something you are used to by now!
Creating Your Own Code & System
There is nothing to stop you from creating your own speaking codes or similar. You also need to consider just how many radios you actually need to have good communications with your group or family. You can save quite a bit by purchasing multiple radios.
Every Day Uses
Some of you may be living off grid or farming some acreage. Around a larger property, radio communications can make a lot of sense. There is a reason why so many grounds crews and others still use radios instead of relying entirely on cell phones.
Radios are cheaper in the long run and generally much more rugged. Plus you can rely on battery powered radios to work when the power is out.
Recharging
There are all kinds of re chargers out there to meet any needs. Solar powered chargers have the advantage of being available to charge even when the grid is down. Solar generators and other options are out there as well. It is a good idea to keep some charged up extra batteries on hand at all times.
During an emergency you may be using your radio a lot more than you would ever imagine. When you order a radio, go ahead and get an extra battery so you don’t just forget later. At job sites where they are used often, multiple charging stations and enough batteries to make changes quick and easy are the norm.
Expensive Brands Versus Budget
There is something to be said for buying a brand that is known and trusted. At the same time we live in a day and age when electronics are so mass produced that you may not be getting the difference you expect in terms of quality.
I have no doubt that you will probably be really happy with an expensive Motorola but you might be just as happy with a cheaper Murs radio. This technology is common enough that I don’t think you need to buy the most expensive radio to be happy with the performance.
Ruggedness
The ruggedness of your radio is important. Outside under harsh conditions, waterproof and shock resistant features come into play more often. Check the specs on any radio before you buy it to make sure that it is actually tough enough for the abuse you are going to throw at it.
Murs Radio Comparison Table
Dakota Alert MURS Wireless 2-Way Handheld Radio
BaoFeng Dual Band Two Way Radio
Motorola RMM2050 On-Site Two-Way Business Radio
Some Radios To Consider
BaoFeng Dual Band Two Way Radio
- Frequency Range: Dual band 136-174 / 400-479.995 MHz.
- FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz). LED Flashlight.
- Large LCD Display. Hight /Low RF Power Switchable. 25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable.
- Emergency Alert. Low Battery Alert. Battery Saver. Time-out Timer. Keypad Lock.
This is a solid value priced radio. So far it gets good reviews and for a mere dollar or two extra you can get a 4 year replacement plan on it so that is not bad at all.
A pair of these are good starter radios for kids and teens or if you are just wanting to try out using radios and don’t want to commit a lot of money to it.
Dakota Alert MURS Wireless 2-Way Handheld Radio
This is just a standard two way MURS radio without a lot of special features. It comes from a trusted brand name. It has a function where it will receive any alerts from the MURS system.
Dakota claims it is capable of sending and receiving at a distance of several miles but this can vary based on the terrain. There are no shortwave or FM features.
RMM2050 Motorola Two-Way Business Radio
The Motorola is the standard for a lot of businesses and others that use their radios on a daily basis. The Motorola has up to the 2 watt power range that is the limit for regular use. These radios are capable of broadcasting up to 20 stories so they are found in a lot of office buildings.
The one disadvantage is that while they are made to handle commercial use, they are not as waterproof and rugged as some that are made for trail use. For a big in place network or getaway though, they are hard to beat. This is a basic two way radio though with no shortwave, FM, LED display or other features.
Good Deal For A Lot Of Radios On A Budget
BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way Radio
If you want a lot of radios for around your place or just a few extra to have on hand then this budget priced bundle is something to consider. These also include earpieces for those that are used to using headphones or earbuds a lot.
The earpieces kind of resemble the Bluetooth headsets that you see people use with cells so much. Battery life is about 8 hours with these but if you have this many then you can just keep a fresh radio charged or get a few extra batteries.
Reviewers comment that they are surprised how weather proof and tough these were out on the trail. This is a good gift set for any outdoors person. Other reviewers have use these on cruise ships for communication with family members and on remote trips.
Midland GXT1000VP4 Two-Way Radio
I have to give these radios credit for offering a lot of features at an affordable cost. This pair of rugged two way radios picks up 50 Channels with up to a 36-Mile range of communication in open areas with little or no obstruction.
Mountains and other obstructions of course can cut down on this a lot. The NOAA Weather channels and alert system can be nice to have if out on the trail or even if just sheltering in place during an emergency. There is a built in distress signal that allows you to alert others you are in need of assistance.
Retevis Digital/Analog Two Way Radio
With so many people using cell phones multiple times a day, it is a good idea to make MURS radios that are very cell phone like in shape, style, and functionality. This radio goes beyond basic two way communications. With the 5W power range when turned to high, you can enjoy clear communications across a greater distance.
The Safety Tracking Device has a GPS function that you can use to send your coordinates out to friends or in an emergency situation. While reviewers say this is an easy radio to use and lightweight to carry, they do mention that it is not programmable by chip and any instructions are hard to decipher.
The headset feature allows for convenient operation and listening. The full digital display and keypad are almost identical to the first Nikon cell phone I had in 2001. It is nice to be able to dial in frequencies precisely rather than using just an up and down function.
Car Or UTV 2-Way Radios
Some of you are old enough to remember when CB radios were a big fad. Everyone had a handle name and Smokey and the Bandit helped fuel the craze.
I am going to throw a few vehicle radios in here because I know plenty of preppers might want the convenience of having a radio in their car, bug out vehicle. or utility vehicle they use for work around the homestead.
XUNERS Dual Band Two Way Car Radio
This radio is easy to mount but it can also just be plugged into an existing 12 volt power system and be ready to go. This portability means you could definitely share it between a few locations if needed. It is nice that you can keep a continuous power supply to it so not so much of the worrying about batteries going on with this option.
The range can vary from 5 KM to 25 KM depending on your terrain. This radio can be programmed using the included cable. Customers comment that the software is usable with Windows 10 so most will be able to install software easily.
The bright LCD display is easy to read. This radio does not use a lot of power so it is not a major battery drain concern when plugged into a 12 volt outlet.
LUITON Two-Way Radio Transceiver Amateur Ham Radio
This all in one radio allows you to enjoy the world of ham radio as well as MURS. The blue digital display is easy on the eyes and the high output means you get a good range of communication. There is an FM band on this radio as well as shortwave.
Easy programming via your computer and the included cable means you can get this radio customized and working great in no time at all. The small size is pretty amazing considering it is a ham radio as well. I remember the ham radio my dad had and it took up the whole top of an end table and weighed over 20 lbs!
Teaching Kids & Teens
It is tempting for kids to say all kinds of things into these radios but it is up to you to instill in them that they are for communications and that you actually can get in some trouble if you are routinely broadcasting profanity and other things.
This does not offer even the privacy of a cell phone and kids need to be aware of that before being turned loose with them in any situation. Go out with them and show them how to dial in frequencies and use the radio proficiently.
Please Share Your Real Life Experience!
What radios are you using? Some preppers are going to want a radio that is more durable than others so any tips on durability and real world performance are appreciated.
Sometimes it can be hard to make judgment calls on the durability since a lot of the time these radios are not being used in a real survival or SHTF situation. With so many radios out there it was hard to pick just a few so feel free to add suggestions in the comments below!
Author Bio: Samantha Biggers lives on a mountain in North Carolina with her husband and pack of loyal hounds in a house her husband and she built themselves. When not writing she is working in their vineyard, raising Shetland sheep, or helping her husband with whatever the farm and vineyard can throw at them. She an be reached at [email protected]
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35 Responses to “The Best MURS Radios”
I agree with others here. There are only two radios listed here that are FCC type accepted for MURS, the Dakota Alert and the Motorola RMM2050 which can be programmed for MURS. Another good option that is now out there is the BTech MURS-V1 (https://baofengtech.com/murs-v1). Yes, it’s a Baofeng radio, but they’ve apparently now gone through the process of getting it FCC type accepted, and the radio is getting good reviews. As stated elsewhere, non-type accepted radios aren’t designed to work on channelized 12.5 Khz wide MURS frequencies. It’s not as easy as “dial and go.”
Sorry for the harsh criticism, but the only type accepted radio you have in your list for MURS would be the Dakota Alert. The Midland radio you listed isn’t even MURS capable. The BTECH MURS-V1 isn’t even on your list and it is one of the cheapest and only Chinese type certified radios for MURS. All of the other radios are business band radios for part 90 not part 95. Please do your homework before publishing an article. The one thing I will say is all forms of radio communication are legal for emergencies meaning life or death, but if you are on an illegal frequency (meaning you do not hold a license to be on that frequency) be prepared to explain yourself and you will probably still get a fine or jail time if on frequencies like police of military. If SHTF use what you have, but best bet is CB or FRS\GRMS because alot of people have them. MURS will be the odd man out!
Actually, the BTech is not the only certified MURS radio. The TERA TR-505 is a decent little radio (that performs better than the BTech, although with fewer features) with Part 95J FCC Cert. I used to sell them, but recently stopped due to poor QC and lack of dealer support by TERA/Powerwerx (their retail front). Unfortunately, there aren’t many other options (although I’m working on some now) unless you go with older used gear, or grandfathered commercial gear. I actually think MURS will be great for SGHTF for the very reasons that Sean mentioned they wouldn’t be… less traffic!
definately agree!!!
Another device worthwhile to check out in this industry is the M538-HT MURS Handheld 2-Way Radio from Dakota Alert. I highly recommend this because it is one of those MURS radios that you can safely and easily operate even without getting an FCC license. It can be categorized as a very high frequency (VHF) 2-way radio.
This article is about MURS, and you included FRS y FMRS radios, they are UHF frecuencies.
Thank you for sharing your information, Samantha. I believe in constructive criticism, delivered with kindness, is always welcome but I laugh at any “self-proclaimed expert” who attempts to look and feel superior by belittling others. Such a simpleton.
Anyhow, for those who operate their radios in a harsh environment and are concerned about moisture and corrosion causing their radios to become inoperative, I wanted to offer this link for a conformal coating that can be brushed on to a radio’s printed circuit board. It might be especially necessary with manufacturer’s who choose to cut corners and not use conformal coating.
https://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Silicone-Modified-Conformal/dp/B07BSK5S7B
Clickbait article
I don’t know of anyone who actually gets the FCC license for FRS or MURS or whichever one requires it
Everyone just buys the radios at Walmart or wherever and uses them
And if anyone is aware of the feds actually enforcing FRS or MURS post it up , cause I’ve never heard of em doing anything with either
And please don’t recommend radios that use ham freqs as starter radios for kids
And the 36 mile range is laughable
Clearly you’ve never used any of these radios , the range is 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile maximum
Some won’t even broadcast 100 feet , which is 8 stories in a building
Most will only do two or three floors in a building
36 miles is easy if the users could see each other.
VHF and UHF are generally used by transmitters above average terrain, i.e. on mountains, communicating with those they could see with the appropriate optics, i.e. binoculars, telescopes, or rifle scopes.
Had some midland radios to use for communications ( short range) and with all the other preps. made, I didn’t check out the radios. During the storm we lost internet, cell phone service, land lines and of course electricity. The rechargeable battery in one of the radios went dead as soon as it was turned on. Last communication I had from a family member was ” shingles are peeling off, siding coming off, house being picked up and dropped on the blocks ” …… All new batteries now and spares too !
Reading the article and the comments, there is a reason for the tight controls on the Ham radio frequencies. The CB boom in the 70’s with CW McCall and Smokey and the Bandits caused everyone to go out and buy a CB radio. At that time, a license was required to transmit on CB but no one got a license. With all those unlicensed and some very rude people, CB radio was almost worthless for communication. The FCC dropped the license requirement for CB but let be known that they would enforce the federal laws for the other frequencies. If you listen to the Ham frequencies today the Hams are 99.999% polite and follow correct radio procedures. This is vital for emergency communications and there are thousands of cases where the only communication was through Ham radio with lives and property being saved. This is why licensed Ham is considered to be a national asset.
Yet another irresponsible article by someone who can’t discern the different types of radio services and the laws regarding each of those services. I really liked the part where she says about MURS that anything above 2 watts output is “technically” illegal, which reflects the attitude of a lot of preppers and SHTF people (it’s only illegal if you get caught, right?).
If you need legal, unlicensed short range communications, your best bet is unmodified CB radio gear or strictly FRS (no GMRS) handheld transceivers. Leave the dirt cheap Chinese radios on eBay, they are not FCC type accepted and are illegal for use on any frequency whether you hold a license for GMRS or Amateur services. Recommending your readers to buy and try those radios is akin to asking them to break FCC laws. Why would you do that? Do more research and rewrite this article.
It is more indicative that they can’t use search engines and lack the knowledge required to a get a Boy Scout merit badge in radio communications.
As others have stated, most of the radios listed here are not type-accepted (i.e. legal to transmit with) for MURS or GMRS, so the article should state that these options should really only be considered for SHTF situations.
There is one great commercial-grade radio that’s certified for both MURS and GMRS (the only one that I know of), which is the TERA TR-505, sold by BetterSafeRadio.com – Note: It’s only legal to use when programmed to transmit on one band at any given time, but it is a true dual-band radio with both Part 95E and 95J certifications.
There are pre-programmed MURS and GMRS versions, and can also be programmed for both (for SHTF/Emergency use). Hundreds of satisfied users own these radios, and it’s a favorite for CERT users, as they can be easily reprogrammed (via software) for MURS or GMRS use.
In reading this article, I am rather concerned that some misinformation is being spread. The bandwidth of the MURS frequencies is narrower than most VHF radios (11.25kHz versus 12.5kHz and 20kHz versus 25kHz), making such VHF radios completely unsuitable for MURS transmissions, but more importantly MURS radios have to be specifically authorized by the FCC to transmit on MURS frequencies. Therefore, just because a VHF radio can be programmed for a MURS frequency does not make it legal to transmit. Example: the UV-5R you mention is not authorized by the FCC for MURS transmissions, regardless that it can be programmed for those frequencies, albeit you can monitor MURS on such a radio if you choose. A VHF ham radio is NOT an acceptable choice for MURS use and are NOT “….good starter radios for kids and teens or if you are just wanting to try out using radios and don’t want to commit a lot of money to it.” To transmit on such UHF and VHF radios one needs at least a Technician class license. I noticed you also refrence some FRS/GMRS radios, which are again completely separate from MURS. So this ends up being a hodgepodge of incorrect and/or misleading information that has nothing to do with legitimate MURS usage and FCC authorized MURS equipment. In a nutshell, FRS/GMRS are completely different frequencies from MURS, with GMRS requiring a purchased license, and UHF/VHF ham radios are not a legal substitution for authorized MURS equipment.