When you’re outdoors, working in harsh conditions, or simply enjoying water-based activities, having a waterproof walkie-talkie or two-way radio is essential for staying in touch with your group or team.
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Waterproof two-way radios not only provide clear communication but also withstand exposure to water, rain, and humidity, ensuring that you stay connected even in wet environments.
Here’s a quick summary of our top picks:
- Motorola T605 H2O Talkabout Radio
- Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio
- Midland GXT1000VP4 Waterproof GMRS Radio
- Cobra ACXT645 Waterproof Walkie Talkie
- Retevis RT48 Waterproof Walkie Talkie
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best waterproof two-way radios on the market, highlighting their features and including customer feedback to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Detailed Reviews
Motorola T605 H2O Talkabout Radio
The Motorola T605 H2O is one of the most popular waterproof two-way radios, designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who need durable communication equipment. This radio is IP67-rated, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and still function perfectly. Additionally, it floats, making it easy to retrieve if dropped into water.
Key Features:
- Range: Up to 35 miles (in ideal conditions).
- NOAA Weather Alerts: Includes weather alerts and scanning for local weather channels.
- Waterproof and Floating: IP67-rated and designed to float, with a built-in flashlight that automatically activates when the radio is dropped in water.
- Emergency Alerts: Features an emergency alert button to broadcast a warning siren in case of emergencies.
Customer Feedback:
- Positive: Many customers appreciate the ruggedness of the Motorola T605 H2O. One user said, “These radios are fantastic for kayaking and camping trips. The range is great in open areas, and the waterproof feature has saved me more than once.”
- Negative: Some users report that the range can be limited in urban environments or forests, with one customer mentioning, “The range is good in open spaces, but in the woods, it drops significantly.”
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Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld
The Uniden Atlantis 155 is a VHF marine radio designed for use on boats, making it a perfect choice for those who spend a lot of time on the water. This radio is IPX7-rated, which means it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It also floats, making it easy to recover if dropped.
Key Features:
- Range: VHF marine channels with a range that varies depending on conditions.
- Dual Power: Runs on rechargeable battery or standard AA batteries.
- NOAA Weather Alerts: Includes weather alerts and instant access to emergency channels.
- Waterproof and Floating: IPX7-rated for water protection and buoyant in water.
Customer Feedback:
- Positive: Customers love the affordability and reliability of this radio for marine use. One boater commented, “I’ve used this for years while sailing, and it’s never failed me, even after getting splashed multiple times.”
- Negative: A few users noted that the VHF range could be shorter than expected in some conditions, especially in areas with obstacles or high interference.
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Midland GXT1000VP4
The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a popular choice for those needing a long-range waterproof radio that can handle tough outdoor conditions. Rated IPX5, this radio is water-resistant, meaning it can withstand light rain and splashes, but it is not fully submersible. However, it shines in terms of range and features, offering up to 50 channels and an impressive range of up to 36 miles in ideal conditions.
Key Features:
- Range: Up to 36 miles (in ideal conditions).
- 50 Channels: Provides 50 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels.
- NOAA Weather Alerts: Includes weather alerts and automatic weather scanning.
- SOS Siren: Equipped with an emergency SOS siren.
Customer Feedback:
- Positive: Customers appreciate the extended range and extra features. One reviewer stated, “I use these radios while hiking in the mountains, and the range is excellent in open areas. The NOAA weather feature is a big plus.”
- Negative: Some users have reported limited water resistance in heavy rain, with one commenting, “They worked great in light rain, but after being exposed to a heavy downpour, one of the radios started malfunctioning.”
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Cobra ACXT645
The Cobra ACXT645 is an affordable and feature-packed waterproof two-way radio. It is IPX4-rated, meaning it can handle splashes of water from any direction, making it suitable for light rain and outdoor use. With a range of up to 35 miles, this radio is a good choice for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
- Range: Up to 35 miles in open areas.
- Weather Alerts: Provides NOAA weather alerts.
- Vox Functionality: Hands-free operation with voice-activated transmission (VOX).
- Rewind-Say-Again Feature: Replays the last 20 seconds of incoming audio, ensuring you don’t miss any important messages.
Customer Feedback:
- Positive: Customers love the value for money and ease of use. One user mentioned, “These radios are perfect for outdoor use. They have good range, are durable, and the weather alerts are handy for staying ahead of storms.”
- Negative: Some users noted that the water resistance is limited, with one buyer mentioning, “The radios are splash-proof, but I wouldn’t trust them in heavy rain or if they get submerged.”
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Retevis RT48
The Retevis RT48 is a waterproof two-way radio designed for professional use, particularly in industries like construction, security, and manufacturing. It is IP67-rated, meaning it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes and is also resistant to dust, making it highly durable in rugged environments.
Key Features:
- Range: Varies based on terrain but performs well in both urban and rural areas.
- Durable Design: Waterproof, dustproof, and designed for heavy-duty use.
- Rechargeable Battery: Comes with a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
- Clear Audio: Built-in noise reduction for clear communication in noisy environments.
Customer Feedback:
- Positive: Users appreciate the rugged build quality and long-lasting battery. One construction worker stated, “These radios have been lifesavers on-site. They’re tough, and the battery life lasts through long shifts.”
- Negative: Some users mentioned that the range can be shorter in very crowded or built-up areas, with one user saying, “They work great in open spaces, but the range drops off a bit in urban settings.”
Summary: Which Waterproof Two-Way Radio Is Right for You?
Choosing the best waterproof two-way radio depends on your specific needs and the conditions you expect to face. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
- If you need a fully waterproof and floating radio for water-based activities like kayaking or sailing, the Motorola T605 H2O and Uniden Atlantis 155 are excellent choices.
- For those looking for a long-range radio with extra features like SOS alerts and NOAA weather warnings, the Midland GXT1000VP4 is ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
- If you’re seeking an affordable and feature-rich radio for light rain and outdoor use, the Cobra ACXT645 is a great option.
- For professional use in rugged environments, where durability and water resistance are crucial, the Retevis RT48 is highly recommended.
Each of these waterproof radios has its strengths, and customer feedback highlights their reliability and value in various situations. Whether you’re braving the elements on the water, tackling the mountains, or working on a job site, these waterproof two-way radios will help ensure that you stay connected, no matter the conditions.
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💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions people ask about waterproof two-way radios – answered clearly and simply.
1. What makes a two-way radio waterproof?
A waterproof two-way radio is designed with sealed casings and protective gaskets to prevent water ingress. These radios are typically rated using the IP (Ingress Protection) system, which indicates their level of resistance to dust and water. For example, an IP67 radio can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
2. What does IP rating mean on two-way radios?
The IP rating (e.g., IP54, IP67, IP68) shows how resistant a device is to dust and moisture.
- The first digit refers to dust protection (0–6 scale).
- The second digit refers to water protection (0–9 scale).
For example, IP67 means “dust-tight” and protected against temporary immersion in water.
3. Can waterproof radios float on water?
Not all waterproof radios float. Some high-end marine or outdoor models include floating designs and bright colors to make recovery easier if dropped in water. Check the product description for “floating waterproof design” if that’s important for your use case.
4. Are waterproof two-way radios also dustproof?
Yes, most waterproof radios are also dustproof because they use sealed enclosures. Models with an IP65, IP66, or IP67 rating offer strong protection against both dust and water.
5. What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof radios?
- Water-resistant radios can handle light rain or splashes but should not be submerged.
- Waterproof radios can withstand full immersion in water, depending on their IP rating.
If you plan to use your radio near water or in heavy rain, go for IP67 or higher.
6. Can I use waterproof radios for marine or boating activities?
Yes. Many waterproof two-way radios are specifically designed for marine use and comply with VHF marine radio standards. These models are perfect for boats, kayaking, and coastal activities, often featuring NOAA weather alerts and emergency call functions.
7. Do waterproof two-way radios work underwater?
No. Radio signals, especially VHF and UHF, cannot travel through water effectively. Waterproof radios are designed to survive water exposure, not to communicate underwater. For underwater communication, you would need specialized diver communication systems.
8. How far can waterproof two-way radios transmit?
Transmission range depends on terrain, power output, and frequency band.
- In open areas or over water: up to 20–35 miles.
- In forests or urban environments: typically 1–5 miles.
Waterproofing doesn’t affect range, but high-quality waterproof models usually have stronger transmitters.
9. Can I use waterproof two-way radios in the rain or snow?
Yes. That’s exactly what they’re built for. Radios with IP65–IP67 ratings can operate in heavy rain, snow, or dusty environments without damage.
10. What battery life can I expect from waterproof radios?
Most waterproof two-way radios offer 10–20 hours of battery life on a full charge. Some models use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, while others support AA or AAA backup batteries for emergencies.
11. Are waterproof radios compatible with regular two-way radios?
Yes, as long as they operate on the same frequency band (e.g., FRS, GMRS, or VHF/UHF). Always make sure both radios are set to the same channel and privacy code for communication.
12. Which waterproof rating is best for outdoor adventures?
For outdoor or adventure use, look for at least IP66 (splashproof and rainproof). For kayaking, boating, or fishing, choose IP67 or IP68, which ensures protection against full immersion.
13. Do waterproof radios have emergency features?
Many modern waterproof radios include emergency alert buttons, NOAA weather alerts, SOS sirens, or flashlights — ideal for outdoor, marine, or survival scenarios.
14. Can I charge waterproof radios using USB?
Yes. Many newer models include USB-C or micro-USB charging ports with waterproof covers. This makes them easy to recharge from a power bank, car, or solar panel during outdoor trips.
15. How do I maintain and clean waterproof radios?
Rinse the radio with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or mud, and dry it thoroughly before charging. Always keep the battery compartment and charging ports sealed properly to maintain waterproof integrity.