PMR 446 Two-Way Radios Review

22/07/2008

What are PMR 446 Two-Way Radios?

PMR 446 two-way radios offer voice only two way communication without incurring any costs on the calls, no matter how long the conversation is. Think of them as mobile phones but without the dreaded monthly bill.

PMR stands for Personal Mobile Radio and is a licence-free service meaning you do not require a radio licence, which can sometimes be quite costly. It is therefore, unsurprisingly, a tremendously successful product with millions of units sold and used in the UK alone.

PMR446 Review

To give a fair review I must mention a few possible downsides to this technology. One being its limited capacity. PMR 446 radios only have 8 channels available, so in heavily populated urban areas channel sharing is sometimes inevitable and unlike other portable communication devices like mobile phones, the PMR 446 two-way radios have a maximum range of up to 8km, making them unsuitable for longer distances. However, for use over shorter distances, like on building sites, farms, factories and within office buildings they offer a cost effective alternative to mobile phones and landline phone use.

PMR 446 Range

The range found on PMR 446 two-way radios can vary between makes and models, with some radios giving you up to 3km and others up to 8km. The range is dependant on many factors, like the environment in which they are used. The environment the radios are being used in can sometimes slightly affect the range, for example, in built-up areas it may be more difficult to get crystal clear use over the maximum distance and as such may be limited to a few kilometers instead.

Lower Costs with Two-Way Radios 

The cost of PMR 446 two-way radios is fixed with no on-going line rental charges. You pay for the radios, charge the batteries if needed and away you go - there are no costly base stations or antenna needed as with licensed radios.

The initial price you pay for a PMR 446 two-way radio can vastly differ as models range from light use no fills models to robust heavy duty models, which are built to military standards and are packed with advanced features. The majority of the entry level PMR 446 radios are supplied in a twin pack, with some manufacturers even supplying batteries and charging docks to complete the package. The high-end models tend to be supplied singularly and almost always with batteries and a charger. 

Who Uses PMR 446 Two-Way Radios?

Business users aside, PMR 446 two-way radios are hugely popular with private users, from parents keeping in touch with their kids, whether they’re at home playing in the street, on an outing or even on holiday. Outdoor sports enthusiasts are also benefiting from the practicalities of these cost effective radios with some models designed for people on the go by being small and easy to carry and with features like VOX (voice activation) rather than the normal push to talk feature, perfect for mountain bikers and rock climbers. Accessories like headset and waterproof carry cases are commonly found throughout the ranges.

How Do I Choose a Two-Way Radio?

When buying two-way radios don’t be daunted by the many models out there, it’s pretty much a case of thinking what environment the radios are needed for – indoors, outdoors, light use or heavy duty use and then choose the PMR 446 two-way radio that has the features and functions that fit your needs. With leading manufactures like Icom, Motorola, Cobra, Kenwood and Entel on the job, you’re sure to find one that ticks all your boxes.