For children growing up, a walkie talkie can be their first introduction to the possibilities of technology and communication through devices.
The market offers up a range of devices to suit toddlers right up to more sophisticated walkie talkies for older children. This allows toddlers to incorporate the walkie talkies into their playtime routine and even allows them to keep in contact with parents, like a mobile baby monitor.
Older children can use these devices as part of play, or for more practical reasons such as keeping in contact during camping trips and outside excursions. Modern devices offer flashlights and other such implants to aid in such situations as camping and nighttime exploration.
The wide range of devices available in the saturated market of walkie talkies can sometimes be overwhelming. Here, we break down the pros and cons of a number of leading walkie talkies and what they can offer you and your children.
Best Walkie Talkies For Kids
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Best Overall
1Retevis RT628 Walkie Talkie for Kids
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| 5
Best For Higher Budgets
5DilissToys 22 Channels Walkie Talkie For Kids
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| 6
Best For Low Budgets
6Nestling Long Range Walkie Talkie For Kids
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1. Retevis RT628 Walkie Talkie for Kids
- Lightweight for children at only 90g.
- Comes with a child-friendly belt.
- Hands-free feature.
- Keypad lock feature.
- Automatic squelch function.
The Retevis RT628 is the perfect walkie talkie for more capable children. Equipped with a safety belt that the child can put on themselves, the device breeds a sense of independence for the child.
Lightweight and durable, this is the ideal walkie talkie for those children who love the great outdoors, camping, and being immersed in the wild. With an LCD backlight, the walkie talkie is usable in both the day and evening hours.
With clear sound quality and automatic squelch function eliminates background noise and provides crisp sound even in crowded places. With a modest price tag, this model is a great blend of quality and affordability.
Specifications
Pros
- Long battery life.
- Strong signal and range.
- Safe belt lock.
- LCD backlit display.
Cons
- Multiple buttons may confuse the child.
2. Obuby 22 Channel Walkie Talkie for Kids
- Easy ‘push to talk’ feature.
- Equipped with a high anti-interference function.
- Ergonomically designed to fit children’s hands.
- Earpiece connection.
The Obuby 22 Channels Walkie Talkie is a fantastic toy and tool for even the youngest of users. Its ergonomically designed case makes it easy to grip for infants, creating the perfect toddler walkie talkie.
Reinforced by 99 CTSS sub codes, this walkie talkie is all but completely protected from interference from outside sources.
Its easy push to talk feature means that even the most unaware child can use it with ease. This, combined with features such as built-in flashlights and VOX voice activation, makes this walkie talkie one of the most versatile young children’s toys on the market.
Specifications
Pros
- Perfect for smaller children.
- VOX Voice activation.
- Reinforced by 99 CTCSS sub-codes for extra safety.
- Built-in flashlight.
Cons
- Lots of batteries needed to function.
3. KOMVOX Rechargeable Walkie Talkie For Kids for Toddlers
- A special private channel for no interruptions.
- USB charger included.
- Smooth and uncomplicated interface for easy use.
- LED channel indicators.
The KOMVOX walkie talkie is expertly designed to be used by toddlers and very small children. The small size is ideal for much younger hands and is easily held by users as young as two.
The limited interface also lends itself perfectly for younger users, with only two buttons to choose from. Security is no issue with the KOMVOX walkie talkie, as the specialized private channel allows your children to connect only with the opposing walkie talkie in the pair – eliminating the chance of being contacted by outside frequencies.
Using either rechargeable batteries or a USB interface, this device will not have you spending even more money on throwaway batteries, giving the customer even more value for money.
Specifications
Pros
- Can be charged using rechargeable batteries or USB.
- Smaller size for toddler use.
- The talk button instantly connects with other devices.
- Limited buttons for easier use.
Cons
- No volume button on the device.
4. FLOUREON 4 Pack Walkie Talkie For Kids
- LCD backlight for night-use.
- Noise-cancelling technology for a clearer signal.
- Hands-free option available.
- Scanning feature to find which channels are in use.
FLOUREON offers a set of walkie talkies that bridge the gap between child’s toy and useful tool in the working world and the interface of these walkie talkies speak of a device that has more than fun in mind.
With noise-canceling technology and extra long-ranged signal, these walkie talkies add a touch sophistication to the range of devices available for children. Its LED light system combined with its inbuilt flashlight makes it a great device to use during camping trips or those dark winter evenings.
When purchasing this model of walkie talkie you will in fact be buying a set of four, all linked in alining channels. This makes the perfect device for a group of children or even an entire family of four.
Specifications
Pros
- Long-range, up to 5km in open areas.
- Access to both the FRS and GMRS bands.
- Made from durable and environmental-friendly materials.
- Built-in flashlight.
Cons
- Maybe hard for young children to operate.
5. DilissToys 22 Channels Walkie Talkie For Kids
- High definition sound.
- Long-distance communication up to 4 miles.
- Auto squelch function to minimize background noise.
- Labeled buttons for easy use.
Compared to many other walkie talkies on the market, DillissToy’s walkie-talkie is perhaps the most child-friendly. The relatively small size of the device is perfect for smaller children to handle and use without too much fuss.
The VOX feature also works well with this design, enabling children to keep in contact with each other without struggling with buttons or controls. The sensitivity of the walkie talkie can be set to two or three and clipped to the child, this allows an instant and opens transmit from one device to the other.
The added feature of a headphone jack allows children to play hands-free while also being in contact making it possibly the best walkie talkie headset for kids.
Specifications
Pros
- Ergonomically designed to fit the child's hand.
- Includes a flashlight and backlight.
- Voice-activated speaker.
- Extra-long range, up to 5 km.
Cons
- The talk button is placed on the front of the device and can be awkward to use.
6. Nestling Long Range Walkie Talkie For Kids
- Built in mini LED flashlight.
- Keypad lock to prevent personal settings from being changed.
- VOX voice-activated hands-free feature.
- Automatic channel scan.
As the name suggests, the Nestling Long Range Walkie Talkie prides itself on its far-ranging abilities and it definitely lives up to its name.
Besides its far-reaching signals, this device offers up users a number of specialized features, including keypad lock, low battery alarm, and a built-in LED flashlight
Automatic channel scan can quickly locate other devices for instant communication in even the most disruptive signal areas.
And, with belt clips and headsets included, the Nestling Long Range Walkie Talkie offers an entire package for the kids to play with and enjoy.
Specifications
Pros
- Ergonomically designed with added grip marks.
- Auto squelch function to eliminate sound.
- Durable and environmentally safe material.
- Low battery alert sound and message.
Cons
- Settings can be hard to navigate for a child.
Kids Walkie Talkie Buying Guide
Range
Even though we are dealing with what is essentially a toy, the advances in technology have pushed the boundaries of the walkie talkie range further than ever before.
Not all products are created equal and you will see a wide variety of ranges in each product.
Although there have been advances in technology, ranges all depend on optimal conditions for the stated ranges to work. Any interference from buildings or natural barriers will affect the strait of the signal and reduce the range.
When using your walkie talkies, take the range measurement as an optimistic one and work within the stated boundaries.
Rechargeable vs Batteries
Walkie talkies that sit in the lower price range tend to be equipped with batteries, whereas the newer and higher-priced devices tend to come with rechargeable batteries or even USB charging stations.
Being able to quickly replace your batteries at a second’s notice without setting into a charging station can be appealing to many people.
Choosing the right brand and type of battery will go a long way, whether they are rechargeable or not. In a world of less single-use plastics and wastage, opting for rechargeable or USB based power is a favorable option.
Uses
Along with being a great toy for the kids, walkie talkies can be adapted and used in a variety of different situations. The first is giving the children some independence on a camping trip, allowing them to communicate with different family members while enjoying a little bit of freedom.
Taking long hikes and walks might mean your group split up and choose different paths. Equipping your child with walkie talkies in a destination where they may be no phone signal can be extremely beneficial.
Perhaps your child isn’t quite old enough for the own cell phone. Delaying your child or young teen from getting that often expensive cell phone is sometimes a must. Using a pair of walkie talkies can be used as a bridge gap before getting a cell phone and still allows you to keep in contact with them and know that your child is safe
Walkie talkies can also be used to coordinate and communicate between cars on a big trip, helping to keep in contact with each other.
Features
Deciding on which walkie talkie is best is difficult in the modern world of fancy features and designs. Alongside the ability to talk at the range, many newer devices come equipped with a wide range of features that offer much more than just a simple talking device.
LED-lit screen and built-in flashlights are now commonplace in many walkie talkies, making them perfect tools to use during night excursions and camping trips.
Features such as VOX and auto locks can also make certain walkie talkies more accessible and user friendly for younger children.
The auto squelch function has become commonplace in many modern devices, and this is ideal for blocking out unwanted background noise, ultimately providing users with far clearer communication and signals.
Privacy
It is important to many parents that the privacy of children is respected every time they use their walkie talkies. The technology of walkie talkies relies on the matching of frequencies between the devices. This can mean that anyone using the same frequency can, in theory, communicate with the user – this is undesired when children are involved.
If you choose a walkie talkie that has only a few channels, this can raise the chances of people accessing the frequency. Some devices offer privacy codes that can be used in addition to numerous channels, this is a worthwhile feature when considering child safety.
No technology can replace child safety education. Make sure you are able to communicate with your children the importance of keeping safe and ensure they know what to do if a problematic situation arises.
Display
Each walkie talkie display comes with different formats based on its quality and, often its price. Higher-end models may come equipped with LCD or LED display systems. If your child is hoping to use their walkie talkies during the night then opting for a display that lights up is a great start.
Parents willing to push the boat out in terms of price can even opt for a touch screen display, though these are not advisable for many clumsy hands or a child walkie talkie.
Voice Activation
When you think of children’s walkie talkies you expect to just hold the button and talk. Although this is still the case with most walkie talkies, modern models also come with supported Voice Operated Exchange (VOX.) This voice activation is often triggered when it detects the sound of a certain level.
The voice-operated exchange feature is found mostly in the higher price range of kids two-way radios and is something that is not always necessary for the enjoyment of the device.
Flashlight
Having a flashlight built into a walkie talkie may seem like a little bit of gimmick but the ability to have illumination and communication in one device is a great comfort to parents.
Using flashlights walkie talkies during things such as camping trips allow children to stay in safe contact and aware of their surroundings while also having fun.
Flashlight walkie talkies also free the child from carrying two items at once, a task that will often see them lose one or the other.
Size
When we are considering devices for children, size and weight are key points to bear in mind. The size of the device is a trade-off between being small enough to be gripped by a child’s hand and big enough to contain all the desired features and buttons that make the walkie talkie viable.
When it comes to the weight of devices, the trade-off here is between the lightweight desirability for small children and the dives battery life.
The majority of a walkie talkie’s weight comes from the battery and many walkie-talkies take 3 or 4 AAA batteries which are fairly heavy. This is something that is worth keeping in mind when shopping around.
Pricing Range
The price range of kids’ walkie talkies can differ greatly from model to model and largely depend on the durability, features, and quality of signal given. The lower end price range hovers around the $15 mark and can rise to around $30 for high-end devices that are equipped with numerous features.
Extremely high-end walkie talkie devices can venture into the heights of $80-$100 for a set of four, yet this is often out of the realms of what is considered an appropriate walkie talkie for children.
Our Verdict
Finding the right walkie talkie for you all depends on the situation in which it will be used.
Buying a small child or toddler their first walkie talkie might mean that you only require the power to reach small distances and, therefore a weaker signaled device is fine. There are numerous devices on the market that can reach this demand, and are in name and practicality, only toys.
Those willing to spend just a few more dollars can invest in a walkie talkie for kids that also has the capabilities of a full-blown communication device.
Along with knowing what you want the device for, is knowing the surroundings you will be in. The power of the device’s range and certain features can and will be affected by the surroundings they are used in and knowing these differences will stop you from being disappointed in your purchase.
