Throughout my career in childcare I have used many two-way radios.  I can tell you that not all radios are created equal! I have done the research and product reviews for my program and I want to share my findings so others can avoid the major headache of finding the best two way radio for schools or child care programs.  Below are the six most common two-way radios sold on Amazon, I have summarized the pros the cons, major features and highlighted the best two way radios for schools and childcare. 

FRS & GMRS.. What does that mean?

• There are three different kinds of radio service, FRS, GMRS, and dual FRS/GMRS Radios. 
• Most radios we use in child care are FRS radios but Dual and GMRS radios are also a viable option.

What are FRS Two-Way Radios

FRS stand for Family Radio Service. Compared to other radios, a FRS radio has a low learning curve and are utilized with little training or research right out of the box. Walkie talkies that operate on FRS are usually more affordable than those that operate on the GMRS and require no special license.  

What are GMRS Two-Way Radios

GMRS stands for the General Mobile Radio Service.  The GMRS is most often used by short distance two-way radios. Use of GMRS walkie talkies requires that the user acquires a FCC  license before use. (although most consumers ignore this with no consequences) The license is then good for 10 years before a renewal is required.   

Why do you need a FCC license to use a GMRS walkie talkie?

The FCC regulates the frequencies used by two-way radios and other similar devices.  The FCC requires anyone who operates a device on the GMRS to possess a licensing before use. The license is required for any individual who uses the walkie talkie and currently cost $70.00.  The reason a license is required is because these devices utilize the same airways used by airplanes, police and other government agencies and an unlicensed device may interfere with frequencies if users do not use the proper registration protocol.to apply for a permit visit www.fcc.gov/forms/or call (800) 418-3676.

Dual FRS/ GMRS Two-Way Radios

Many radios offer an option for both FRS and GMRS use.  Dual option radios will specify in their manual which channels are designated FRS and GMRS channels. 

Water and Solid Resistance

All Radios have a water and solid resistance code that tells you how resistant they are to both dust and water.  These codes are portrayed in a JIS Code or an IP code.  The codes are broken down below.

What is a JIS Code  

JIS stands for Japan Industrial Standard.  The JIS ensures that equipment is assessed in a consistent and fair fashion to provide reliable results for consumers.  They measure water resistance and rank them on a scale of 0 -8. 

• JIS-0 means there is no protection against water submersion or splashing  
• JIS-1 Vertically dripping water should have no effect on the equipment
• JIS-2 Water coming in at at 15 degree angle should have no affection on the equipment
• JIS-3 Rain Resistant  (up to 60 degrees from vertical)
• JIS-4 Splash Resistant (water from any direction should have no effect on equipment)
• JIS-5 Jet Resistant (Direct jetting water from any direction should have no effect on equipment)
• JIS-6 Water Tight Seal (Direct jetting water from any direction will not enter the enclosure)
• JIS-7 Immersion Resistant (water will not enter the enclosure when it is immersed in water)
• JIS-8 Submersible (Equipment is usable for continuous use submerged in water)

IP Code

In addition to the JIS standard, sometimes walkie talkies or two -way radios have an IP Code rating.  IP Code stand for the International Protection Code. They also determines water resistance, as well as solids resistance in walkie talkies.   The IP code is a two part code and will appear something like, IP46. In this situation the 4 represents the solid resistance level the the 6 represents the water resistance level.

Standards for solid resistance levels (first number)

• 0 – No protection against contact and ingress of objects
• 1 – Any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part (>50 mm)
• 2 – Fingers or similar objects (>12.5 mm)
• 3 – Tools, thick wires, etc. (>2.5 mm)
• 4 – Most wires, screws, etc. (>1 mm)
• 5 – Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; complete protection against contact
• 6 – No ingress of dust; complete protection

Standards for water resistance levels (Second number)

• 0 – Not protected
• 1 – Vertically dripping water should have no effect on the equipment
• 2 –  Water coming in at at 15 degree angle should have no affection on the equipment
• 3 – Rain Resistant. Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60 degrees from the vertical shall have no harmful effect.
• 4 – Splash Resistant. Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect.
• 5 – Jet Resistant. Water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.
• 6 – Water Tight Seal. Water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.
• 7 – Submersible up to 1 M.  Water will not enter the enclosure when submerged.
• 8 – Submersible. The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer.

Best Value Two Way Radio for Schools: Motorola T260TP

Pros:

• Very easy to use, very little setup or reading required
• Affordable – which makes it the best value two way radio for schools and childcare
• Whisper Feature allows you to speak softly and still be heard clearly
• Weather radio feature alerts you when bad weather is in the area
• Direct calls allow you to connect to others within your group without alerting the entire group
• Back lit display allows for easy visibility day or night
• Silent operation to mute button noise
• Dual power option allows you to charge the radio or use batteries 
• JIS4

Cons:

• Battery Life is less than advertised, on average about 8 hrs.
• No Flashlight like similar models
• Hands free headset is uncomfortable, if this is important to you consider the price of purchasing an alternative headset

Best New Two Way Radio for Schools: SAMCOM FPCN10A

Pros:

• Paging feature allows easy communication between radios
• Channel scan lets users easily connect with other walkies
• Key pad lock prevents accidental channel changes 
• Hands free capable (Headset not included)
• 33 hr battery life allows you to go days before charging
• high quality yet simple radio
• Come with very crisp and clear audio and noise suppression function
• Back lit LCD display can easily read the channels status.
• ​JIS4

Cons:

• Mile range is low
• No weather radio or security features like flashlights or SOS signal
• No power option.  The radio only works on the rechargeable internal battery.​

Most Durable Two Way Radio for Schools: Dewalt DXFRS300

Pros:

• Easy to program and lockable to prevent program changes
• Features a battery saving mode; If there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, the unit will automatically switch to battery save mode.
• Enhanced vibrating feedback to notify you of incoming transmissions
• Calling option to allow easy communication between radios
• ​Very durable, designed to holdup to rough use
• LCD monitor allows for clear visibility
• Life time limited warranty 
• Complete dust and grease resistance
• Water tight seal submersible up to 1 meter
• Headset option (not included)
• IP67

Cons:

• No flashlight or other safety features such as an SOS signal
• Low mileage range

Best Pool/Water Side Radio for Schools: Uniden SX377-2CKHS

Pros:

• ​Weather radio feature to alert you when bad weather is in the area
• Submersible, safe for the beach or pool
• Direct Call feature lets you call anyone in your group while everyone else’s radio remains quiet​
• Channel Scan featured
• Keypad lock to avoid unintended channel changes
• Offers dual power option with charger or 3 AA batteries
• JIS7

Cons:

• Loud receiver with a lot of background noise
• Distance is far less than the 37 miles it claims, closer to 2 miles.

​

Best Two Way Radio for Schools if you Can Afford It: Kenwood TK-3402U16P

Pros:

• Kenwood has a long standing reputation for quality
• Durable radio that will withstand a lot of use
• Basic radio, easy to set up and use
• Hands free headset option (not included)
• offers channel scan
• key pad lock​
• convenient calling and paging feature
• IP54

Cons:

• The price.  With each radio costing upwards of $250 it is not a practical option for most organizations.
• Operates on only the GMRS, which means you will need to purchase a FCC license to use the radio legally
• No safety features such as weather alerts or SOS signal

Hard Pass: Midland – GXT1000VP4

Pros:

• Price: at 64.99 per set of 2 these walkies are ringing in under $33 per radio
• Calling feature allows easy communication between radios
• Offers a Channel Scan feature 
• Key pad lock prevents accidental channel changes
• weather radio alerts users when bad weather is in the area
• Hands free headset included
• warranty is longer than most similar products
• clear back lit monitor allows for ease of use
• JIS4

Cons:

• Battery life is shorter than advertised, closer to 6 hrs than 24 hrs.
• A few of these radios died, just stopped working, within a few months of use.  Midland did however replace the non functioning radios.
• The onscreen battery indicator does not seem to work consistently on all radios.