Category: Reviews

The RigExpert AA-1000 is one of the most expensive antenna analyzers out there, but it’s also one of the most advanced antenna analyzers money can buy. It goes without saying that this device is not for beginners or those looking for a budget option, but the more advanced users that …

We are usually wary of reviewing very cheap radios on our blog as they often have quality or other issues, but every once in a while we find something that’s a great exception and offers an amazing value instead of just being another cheap radio. And that’s precise why we …

Finding a good two-way radio with all-round performance isn’t exactly difficult with all the options out there, but finding a good two-way radio on a tight budget most definitely is. But if you have been frequenting our blog long enough, you probably already know that we have a habit of …

Most users think they don’t need an antenna analyzer until they are faced with tuning an antenna that gives them a really hard time. And if you don’t already know, they really do most of the time. But if you’re reading this you likely know the issues associated with tuning …

A multimeter can go a long way in helping you get more out of your devices and make them last longer in many cases. It’s a particularly useful devices for radio enthusiasts but it could be just as useful for other users as well that are looking to understand and …

Koolertron has a reputation for offering some great products at surprisingly budget prices. However, the Koolertron GH-CJDS66 signal generator manages to be one of their better offerings even by their own standard. If you’re looking for a highly functional signal generator without breaking the bank, you must stick around as …

Kenwood is known for making advanced CB radios and HAM radios, and the TS-590SG is no exception as a full-featured HF + 6M ham rig. It’s certainly not a beginner radio and the price tag does make that pretty clear, but you still get a great value here as you …

This review is going to be a little different than most other reviews we have on our blog, as we will be reviewing one of the most advanced and powerful CB radios on the market in this post. The TS-480HX is surely not a budget radio by any means, but …

The Kenwood Original TM-V71A is one of the pricier CB radios on the market but also one of the better ones. It’s a fairly advanced CB radio and comes with some great features that make it worth it for users who do not want to settle for something more basic. …

If you want to go shortwave DX-ing at an incredibly budget price, the Kaito KA321 is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s probably priced cheaper than many toys out there, but that doesn’t take anything away from its performance, or even its ability to connect to stations all over the …

The Advanced GQ EMF-390 is simply the upgraded version of the Advanced GQ EMF-380. It comes with pretty much the same features but they are considerably better than its cheaper version, which makes it a good choice for the more advanced users. It looks very similar to the GQ EMF-380 …

Few products on Amazon – especially in the more technical categories – manage to get almost universally positive ratings. The Advanced GQ EMF-380 V2 is one of them. The reason is that it comes with all sorts of features you could probably ever ask for in an EMF meter without …

The Eton Grundig S450DLX is one of the pricier Eton shortwave radios especially when compared with some of the other Eton models like the Field BT or Executive Traveler, but it’s well worth the extra money you spend as it comes with some amazing features that would blow you away. …

Eton has been one of the few brands that manages to offer some incredibly functional shortwave radios at surprisingly budget prices. The Eton Field BT is one of them, as it’s rather just another version of some of Eton’s other shortwave radios like the Eton Satellite and the Eton Executive …

The Eton Executive Traveler is one of the cheapest shortwave radios out there that comes with a decent overall performance. While it does not feature on our shortwave radio buying guide’s list, it sure does turn out to be a pretty good option for its price and portability. If you’re …

The Eton Executive Satellite Radio is one of the best satellite radios for people on a budget. Sure, you have better options if you’re willing to spend over $150 or probably more like $200, but at this price this one is a great deal. Before we discuss this device in …

The DAIWA CN-501H isn’t the most popular SWR and power meter on the market, but it’s one of the most advanced ones in this price range. It comes with some unique features that help it stand out from the rest of the devices in its price range. Let’s walk you …

If you’re looking for a “complete” shortwave radio that offers pretty much everything you can ask for – especially in a travel radio but without breaking the bank – then this is it. You have found exactly what you’re after. Let us walk you through everything this little monster has …

BaoFeng is one of the most reputed names out there when it comes to two way radio transceivers. However, it’s also one of the few brands that offers some great devices in the budget price range without compromising on any of the important features. The BaoFeng GT-3TP Mark-III is one …

DMR radios tend to be more expensive than ham radios, but they are much more advanced and secured than the latter. However, there are also some cheaper DMR radio options, but the problem with them is that they often aren’t suitable for professional use. What if you could get the …

First things first, the Astatic PDC1 is one of the cheaper, tinier SWR meters out there, so don’t go comparing it with some of the much more expensive, bigger models you may have owned. With that out of the way, it does the job and works well with a CB …

Reliability, versatility, and functionality. All of these are the features that we’d want in a quality two-way radio. You want a high-quality radio that can help with your communication, but not too loud that you scare off your next trophy. That’s when the Midland GXT1050VP4 comes in. We’ll review its …

When traveling in new areas, it can be easy for you to get separated from your friends and family. Because of this, you’ll need a radio that has an extensive transmission range and quality. Fortunately, the Motorola MTE350R is a two-way radio that can meet up those expectations and more. …

Getting your first marine VHF transceiver can be a long process at first. But the Yaesu FTA 750L is designed for both beginners and professional radio users who need better communication. With its memory recall, built-in GPS, and other features, it can be a great choice if you’re on a …

When airborne, on a vessel, or just lounging at your home, you’ll want a radio that can communicate effectively. The Yaesu FTA550 is designed for VHF frequencies and has enough storage for even the most experienced radio aficionado. When getting the FTA550, you’ll have a radio that’s suited for individual …

Why waste your money on a shortwave radio that doesn’t operate correctly? There are thousands of models on the market, and it can be difficult to decide their quality from afar. That’s why we’re here to review the Tecsun PL880. This device has a battery life of 20 hours and …

The Standard Horizon HX870 is designed for this and so much more. It’s built with its own submersible waterproof construction, waterproof die-cast chassis, and a strong DSC/GPS receiver. You can rest assured that you’ll sail the waters like a true captain. Read this review for a clearer perspective on how …

When looking for a valuable marine radio, you can’t go wrong with Standard Horizon. And their Standard Horizon GX2200 is another interesting addition to their lineup. With the Standard Horizon GX2200, you’ll get a radio that’s great for communication and emergencies. Since it’s so easy to use, you’ll be transmitting …

Accidents and emergencies cannot be predicted when out on the water. Even the most seasoned sailors can fall victim to bad weather or equipment malfunction. When emergencies occur, the one thing that can ensure a quick rescue is a Very High Frequency (VHF) marine radio.  And the Standard Horizon GX1700 …

Utility and performance are important when looking for a good transceiver radio. And the QYT KT-8900R is designed for those attributes and more. With its included programming plug, you won’t have any memory issues either. Through this review, we’d like to highlight what makes the KT-8900R work. This will help …

Two-way radios are known for their ability to help teams communicate and function properly. And the QYT KT-8900D is no different. This is a radio that combines function and form and can have a wide frequency range, making it easier to speak within your area. Once it’s tuned properly, you’ll …

The Motorola Talkabout T460 is rugged enough for any outdoor adventure. In fact, they are perfect for hikes, biking, camping, skiing, and camping. This walkie talkie is simple and provides a longer range, but its powerful features make it a necessary tool to have in your arsenal. In this review, …

A walkie talkie is a reliable and ideal tool for adventure trips with your friends and family. And these devices are always helpful in keeping everyone connected. The Motorola Talkabout MR350R gives you a good range and is effective in communicating in different altitudes. And it’s emergency feature is a …

Let’s face it. Having a high quality walkie talkie can work wonders for team communication. You can have a private channel and have everyone discuss on important matters. Not only is this good for business practices, but for your everyday outdoorsman as well. And the Motorola T600 H200 is designed …

Are you traveling overseas? Or maybe you work in a crowded office and need something to improve communication among your employees and managers. That’s when a two-way radio comes in handy. And the Motorola RDU4100 is designed for such situations. It’s a radio that is designed for improved communication in …

When searching for a ham radio, you have a choice of a few different tiers of products, with models that range from affordable to extremely pricey. If you’re willing to spend some extra cash on your ham radio, you can get a model with some impressive capabilities, but this also …

Ham radios can often get pricey, and finding affordable ones often feels like you’re navigating a minefield of poor quality products that will be likely to fail on you at any moment. If you don’t want to be worrying about your ham radio all the time, then you’ll need to …

Picking the right ham radio can be a challenge, especially if you don’t get a chance to try it out for yourself before you buy it, but there are a few ways to be a more informed buyer. One of the best ways is to take a look at reviews …

When shopping for radio equipment, you usually want to be sure that you know all of the info that you need about the product that you’re planning on buying. If you’re not adequately informed, then you run the risk of picking up a product that doesn’t fulfill your needs, but …

Amateur radio, which is also known as ham radio, is a popular hobby worldwide, but choosing the perfect model for your needs can often seem impossible. You typically need to try out a radio so that you can get an idea of whether or not it’s worth your money, but …

A digital police scanner allows you to listen in on far more frequencies than just the ones the police use, and they only have that name because it’s relatively short and convenient. Whether you want to hear train conductors, race crews, pilots, firefighters, or anyone else on unencrypted radio, a …

When picking between handheld and desktop digital police scanners, you’ll want to consider how often you move around and whether you’ll need your scanner on you at all times. Most of the time, the convenience of a handheld scanner wins out, and that’s why they’re more popular than their desktop …

Digital police scanners are some of the best scanners available because they can work across most trunking systems, unlike analog models, which can leave you out of some of the newer networks. If you want to hear everything possible, then the simple fact is that you need the best digital …

While analog police scanners are responsible for most of the popularity around products of this type, they have since been superseded by the next generation of digital police scanners. With the improved technology behind them, digital police scanners are far more capable, but they also tend to be a lot …

If you need a reliable radio that can give you all of the emergency coverage that you need without tearing a hole through your wallet, the Whistler WS1088 handheld digital scanner is a great place to start. In this review, we will discuss all the key features and details needed …

There is a huge variety of police scanners available on the market, and they can cater to all budgets and needs when it comes to their capabilities. If you’re looking for the best scanner around, then it can be pretty hard to find the right one because everyone has different …

Some of the best two-way radios may not be the most popular options on the market, which is why it helps to do as much research about them as possible before buying one. Taking a little longer to make your purchase can be the difference between a product that works …

If you’re looking around for the best digital police scanner around, but you don’t know which product you should pick, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to take a look at the Uniden HomePatrol 2 so that our readers can figure out whether this scanner will …

A police scanner needs to be a few different things so that it can be worth the money that you spend on it. First, you’ll want to make sure that a product is as reliable as possible before you make your purchase. You’ll also want it to have a good …

Getting your hands on the best police scanner used to consist of 50% research and 50% trial and error, as you ordered units and found out that they performed nothing like they were advertised. To ensure that our readers don’t have to go through that, we’ve decided to review some …

When looking for a police scanner, you’ll want it to be as reliable as possible, feature a reasonable price point, and it should have a set of helpful features that make it easier to use. Unfortunately, finding the right product is often a challenge due to the huge range of …

Although shortwave radio is not as popular as it once was, they are still used faithfully by many radio enthusiasts and ham radio users all over the world. One shortwave band receiver that has held up its reputation throughout the years is the Sony ICF-SW7600GR for its reliability, range, ease …

Using radios as a communication method has proven to be superior to the ways of the internet in times of need, but what about when it comes to everyday use in work environments or the home? If you are looking for a practical and affordable way to use radios in …

As you may know, hand radios are excellent at giving us the ability to communicate with others in times of crisis without depending on the internet. But, there are a myriad of other uses for them as well, especially when it comes to the workplace and large organizations. The best …

Whether you are fascinated by the HAM radio hobby and its large community or want to be ready and armed in the case of a disaster, an investment in amateur radios can be beneficial for everyone. Because it can be quite challenging to know where to start, we are going …

If you want to make sure that you get your hands on the best police scanner around, you’re going to want to do some research to find the right product. Today, we’re going to review a high-end scanner from Uniden, and we’ll describe what you need to know about it …

If you want to be sure that you’re spending your money the right way, then you’ll need to be as informed as possible before you decide to make a purchase. When buying a police scanner, you’ll want to be sure that you know what to expect from it so that …

A police scanner can be used for a lot more than just keeping an ear out for police frequencies. You can hear civil aviation broadcasts, railway transmissions, and a lot more with one of these devices. Unfortunately, finding the right one is often harder than you would expect due to …

Using a radio can be a fun hobby, but if you want to become more serious, then you can start the process to become a licensed ham radio operator. This process can be relatively tedious, but if you’re prepared for it, then you shouldn’t have any trouble passing the test …

Communication is a must whether you’re at home, work, out traveling around the world. That’s where the Motorola CP200D comes in. This two-way radio has a durable and lightweight design. It’s easy for employees to hold and carry through the day but can withstand daily use. And throughout this review, …

The Motorola CLS1410 is designed to give your business a simple to use wireless solution and a competitive edge against other organizations. The CLS1410 allows employees to have instant access to each other all while having a private communication channel in the process. In this review, we’d like to highlight …

The Midland GXT1000VP4 has a range similar to any commercial device. In terms of audio quality, it has a “boom” style headset. This headset is great for outdoor activities, making it a great travel device. For instance, if you like using walkie talkies when playing outdoor games like paintball, you’ll …

Whether you’re on or off the road or traveling abroad, you’re going to need a two way radio that has good connectivity, apps, and features to assist you during an emergency. And the Kenwood TM-281A is a great choice, especially for first-time users. This is a functional radio, depending on …

Are you planning on buying your first satellite phone? Wouldn’t it be fun if you could use your smartphone regardless of your location, and still receive signal in remote locations? If this solution appeals to you, then you’ll be excited to learn more about the Iridium Go! Whether you need …

Whether it’s your first time traveling, or you’re an experienced adventurer, you’re going to need a satellite phone for when emergencies arise. With these phones, you can get an alert sent about your location and stay safe from imminent danger. And the Iridium Extreme is a great phone for that …

When searching for a satellite phone, you’ll want something that’s reliable and provide the connection you need to make a call. Fortunately, the Iridium 9555 is equipped with the latest technology and features to do so. If you’re traveling in remote destinations, then you’ll know that having one bar of …

Are you going on the next trip on the wild? Are you planning to go overseas? Before you head out, you might want to get ahold of your gear first. The vast and wild waters are known for taking away the signal strength to your cellphone. Meaning that in situations …

When shopping around for the right radio, you’re better off taking your time than ending up with a product that you’re going to regret buying. Unfortunately, there are some things that you can’t determine based off of a list of features and a description from the manufacturer, but we have …

Finding the right high-frequency radio can often be a stressful proposition, especially if you’re in the market for a mid-range product which can cost you several hundreds of dollars, if not thousands. HF models typically make for excellent long-range radios. Today, we’re going to review the IC-716 HF from Icom. …

Amateur radio, also known as HAM radio, is a hobby that has been going strong for ages, and new people are always looking to get into it. Unfortunately, it can be intimidating for beginners with no experience, and thankfully, there are plenty of valuable sources of knowledge for those who …

If you want to avoid the hassle of returning a radio that you’re unsatisfied with, it’s always a good idea to do your research, especially if you’re paying over 100 dollars for it. The subject of today’s article is the BTECH Mobile UV-50X2, a mobile HAM radio with a few …

A quality radio can be a challenging thing to find, and that’s because you typically need to use one of them to determine whether or not they’re worth your money. We want to make buying a radio less tedious, so we’ve decided to review some of the best models around, …

A portable radio can come in handy in a wide variety of situations, ranging from work to emergencies, and in either of those cases, you’ll want to be sure that you can rely on it. We’ve decided to review some of the best portable radios on the market so that …

Communication has long been a point of focus for the human race, and that’s to be expected from a fundamentally social species. For much of the 20th century, radio was the most advanced form of communication used by people worldwide, and it’s still prevalent in a wide range of industries. …

Kids love to play and explore, but in today’s day-and-age, many parents have become fearful of letting their little ones out of their line of sight. Some parents opt to purchase their children cell phones, but many moms and dads don’t think it’s an ideal solution; not only are the …

Picking out the best two-way radio can often be a challenge if you’ve never tried out any of the models available. To make the process easier for you, we’ve gone ahead and reviewed the AT-778UV from AnyTone, which is one of our favorite products in its class. To give you …

The shortwave radio was developed in the early part of the 1900s and laid the foundation for wireless communication as we know it today. Of course, technology has come a long way since then, but shortwave radios are just as useful now as they were back when they were first …

Want to keep your hands free while you’re using a two-way radio? Even if your handheld two-way radio features VOX technology, it’s not always reliable; plus, it doesn’t keep your communication private. A two-way radio headset and earpiece allows you to keep your hands free and ensure private, reliable communication. …

Staying connected is vital, and thanks to the cell phones, keeping in touch is easier than ever before. There’s no denying the benefits of cellular phones; however, if you don’t have access to a cell signal, these devices are rendered useless. In remote areas and locations where cellular signals cannot …

Weather is quite remarkable. In what seems like the blink of an eye, dark, ominous clouds can engulf a clear blue sky, blowing in wicked storms that can uproot trees, down power lines, and cause flash floods. Mother Nature is certainly awe-inspiring, but she can also be incredibly dangerous. Despite …

There’s nothing better than hitting the open road on the back of your Chopper, Cruiser, or whatever type of motorcycle you ride. But while going wherever the road takes you is certainly exhilarating, you do need to reach a destination at some point. Trying to keep track of paper maps …

If hunting in the backcountry, hitting the open trails, or scaling remote mountains – or any other activity that involves being removed from civilization and has the potential of being hazardous – you know how crucial it is to take strides to protect yourself. There are various types of equipment …

You’re driving down the road with the windows open, the radio blasting your favorite tunes, and you’re just cruising and feeling great. Suddenly, you see the flash of red and blue lights in your rearview mirror and hear the dreaded wail of sirens. Your heart sinks and you feel panic-stricken …

When you want to make a phone call, there’s no doubt you pick up one of two devices: a cell phone or a landline phone, of course. While these two modes of communication are certainly handy and the most widely used for making connecting with other people, they can’t always …

If you’re planning on traveling to a remote location, staying connected can be tough. Cell phones are often rendered useless in remote areas, as access to cellular signals is limited or non-existent. When an emergency strikes or you just need to get in touch with someone else; perhaps someone who …

If you’re like most people, you rely on your smartphone for virtually everything, including how to get from point A to point B. While these devices can certainly help you get to your location, they have limited capabilities, so they’re only suited for local destinations. If you’re planning on driving …

There’s nothing better than sailing the high seas; but, when inclement weather rolls in or some other emergency arises, a peaceful day at sea can suddenly turn into complete chaos. Even if you have years of experience under your belt, there’s always a chance that something can go wrong when …

Whether you hike, camp, hunt, or boat, or do any other off-the-grid activity, a handheld GPS is a must. Just like a car GPS can help you find your location and other useful information while you’re on the road and a marine GPS can assist you with your sea travels, …

Whether you’re the captain of a schooner, a speed boat, or a dingy, you know how important it is to make every effort to ensure you’re safety. There are tons of devices that mariners can use to guide them and secure safe travels; a marine VHF radio, a high frequency …

Are you planning a fishing trip with your buddies? Do your weekend plans include setting sail on the open seas with your family and friends? Whatever your plans may be, if you’re going to be traveling on a boat, you want to make sure that you invest in a marine …

If you’re planning on installing a marine VHF radio on your vessel, you’re definitely going to want to install a durable, premium quality marine VHF antenna, too. Just like any other antenna (a CB antenna for a CB radio, for example), a marine VHF antenna helps to improves the transmission …

Walkie talkies (also known as two-way radios) are a great way to stay connected when you’re in remote locations where cellular service is limited. They’re also ideal for use in situations where you may not want to damage your smartphone; for example, a business two-way radio is ideal for use …

Hopefully, you’ll never be in a position where you’re experiencing a crisis situation; however, you can never tell what’s going to happen. However, if you ever are in a state of emergency, having an emergency radio is a great tool to have. This device can keep you connected and provide …

If you’re interested in staying current with up to the minute news and information within your community, a digital police scanner is a great device to have on-hand. With a police scanner, you can find out the latest local news, including emergency events, such as burglaries, fires, and traffic accidents. …

Are you looking for a device that will keep you connected when you’re on the road? If so, you might be considering a ham radio, a two-way radio or a CB radio. Of the three options, most people recommend the third choice for in-vehicle communication only. While a handheld ham …

CB radios are two-way radio devices, or perhaps better defined as long range two-way radio devices that have been around since the 1940s. They were designed to offer professionals, as well as average people, stay connected when they’re on the road. They’re similar to walkie talkies or long range walkie …

Whether you are an EMS official, you are a law enforcement official, or you are a civilian and you just want to stay aware of any major events that are occurring in and around your area, a police scanner is a great device to invest in. Police scanners connect to …

Communication is the key to success on any worksite; but, staying connected is difficult when you’re working in a remote location. Perhaps you’re building a resort on an island where there’s limited cellular service or maybe you’re doing an archeological dig in the mountains. Whatever the case may be, a …

If you’ve always had a liking for radio and you’re interested in taking up a new, educational, and enjoyable hobby, amateur radio, or ham radio is something that you should definitely consider investigating. It’s a way to connect to and interact with other people around the world, and it can …

Handheld two-way radios (also known as walkie talkies) are an excellent way to stay connected when other forms of communication, such as cellular service, are limited or not available. These devices work with radio signals, sending out and receiving them; in other words, users use these devices to talk to …

Hunting is a great pastime, but it’s extremely important that you protect yourself when you’re out in the wild. Having a reliable form of communication is one of the best forms of protection when you’re out hunting. But, what happens when you’re in a remote area and there’s limited or …

Two-way radios (also known as walkie talkies) are a great way to stay connected in remote locations. Because they operate on radio frequencies, which are available everywhere, they are almost always usable; unlike cell phones, which require cellular signals that aren’t always accessible. Because of their ability to communicate over …

If you’re looking for a new pastime and radio and communication pique your interest, ham radio (also known as amateur radio) is an excellent hobby to get into. Not only does it provide hours of enjoyment and allow you to communicate with people around the world, but it’s also a …

Cell phones are great; but what happens when you can’t get a signal? If you’ve ever been stuck in a dead zone, you know how frustrating it can be; even worse than the frustration, not having access to a cell signal can put you in a serious predicament if an …

A two-way radio (also known as a walkie talkie) is one of the most reliable communication tools. They transmit and receive messages over radio frequencies, which means that you can stay in contact in remote locations where other communication devices, like cellular phones, won’t work. Since they’re so reliable, there …

Whether you’re new to the world of ham radio or you’re well-versed in amateur radios and you’re looking for a new device, we’d like to recommend the Yaesu FT-60R. Yaesu is a highly reputable manufacturer of two-way radios, as they offer an extensive collection, and all are thoughtfully designed with …

If you’re on the market for a reliable, easy to use, versatile handheld ham radio that’s outfitted with the most advanced features, we strongly urge you to consider the Kenwood Original TH-D74A. It’s well-designed, intuitive devices like this one are the exact reason why Kenwood is one of the most …

If you’ve been considering purchasing a durable ham radio for your vehicle, then the ICOM 20300H 05 144MHz Amateur Radio is certainly worth looking into. It’s sleek design makes it the perfect fit for virtually any car, truck, van, SUV – or any other type of vehicle; plus, it’s loaded …

BaoFeng is one of the best-known manufactures in the ham radio industry. They offer a variety of transceivers that are designed to meet the needs of all ham users, including two-way radios that are thoughtfully designed and offer the latest features and technologies to ensure effective communications. The UV-5R from …

For anyone who is just beginning to pursue ham radio communication or for avid hams who are looking to invest in a backup transceiver, the BaoFeng BF-F8HP is an excellent choice. This handheld ham radio is a dual band walkie talkie type two-way radio that offers all of the necessary …

In a world where it technological advances are being made every single day, there’s one type of technology that has been around for ages and remains just as popular as it did when it first came onto the scene more than 100 years ago: the ham radio. These devices can …