Many of the charts & tables found on this site are PDFs.

The FCC limits the power and range of FRS radios, but there are differences between brands and models. In our review of seven popular radios, the Motorola Talkabout T5200 rates highest and is our Best Buy, followed by the Uniden Ecolink and GE Deluxe.

From the left: Cobra MicroTALK FRS 220, GE Deluxe ûFamily Radio 35840, ICOM IC-4008A, Midland SpeakEasy û#75-517, Motorola TalkAbout T5200, Standard SportTalk ûHX625A and Uniden Ecolink FRS500.

Five years ago, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized the use of 14 high-frequency channels for low power “walkie-talkies,” its intent was to reduce congestion on traditional marine and land-based radios, such as VHF and CB. Judging by the popularity of Family Radio Service (FRS), it was a well-timed move. The number of companies making FRS units is at least in the dozens, and the number of total models in the hundreds. You find them in marine stores, sporting good outlets, department and discount stores, and on numerous websites. …