We stock three kinds of two-way radio: CB, GMRS, and HAM. All three let you talk to the people around you without cell service, a data plan, or trading phone numbers first. Which one is right for you comes down to who you need to reach and whether you are willing to get licensed.
Whichever you choose, the antenna is what determines your range. A good antenna, mounted high and tuned correctly, does more for you than any radio you can buy.
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CB — no license, no fees, and every CB sold in the US transmits at the same 4 watts. Still the standard on the highway and on the trail. Not sure which one to get? See our picks for the best CB radios — the models our customers buy most and send back least.
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GMRS — more power than CB and access to repeaters, which is why overlanders and off-road groups have moved to it. It needs an FCC license, but there is no test and one license covers your whole family.
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HAM — the most range and the most capability of the three. It does require passing a licensing exam, so it suits people who want to go deep rather than just talk to the truck behind them.
- Then pick your antenna. Our antenna selection guide covers what actually matters: length, mounting height, and getting the SWR tuned.
