Walkie Talkies

Walkie talkies are licence-free two way radios, ready to use straight from the box with no Ofcom paperwork. In the UK they run on PMR446, which makes them the easy choice for shops, hospitality, small sites, events and outdoor leisure.

Every model here keeps to the licence-free rules: 0.5 watts, a fixed antenna and PMR446 type approval, so there is nothing to apply for and nothing to pay. If you need more range or your own clear channels, step up to licensed two way radios, and complete your kit from our accessories range.

How to choose a walkie talkie

Analogue or digital PMR446? Analogue gives you 16 channels and pairs with almost anything else on the band; digital dPMR446 adds up to 32 channels, clearer audio and longer battery life for busy sites where several teams share the air. How much range do you really need? PMR446 is line-of-sight — a few hundred metres around buildings, up to a couple of kilometres in the open — so be realistic; our PMR446 walkie talkie guide explains it in plain English. Where will they be used? For wet or dusty work choose a waterproof model — see what the ratings mean in our IP rating guide.

Who uses licence-free walkie talkies

Shops, cafés, small sites, events and outdoor leisure run perfectly well on licence-free radios — no Ofcom paperwork, no monthly bill. They are also the natural starting point for many schools, churches and smaller care homes, each of which has a dedicated kit-and-price guide. Complete any set from our accessories and headsets.

When to step up to a licensed radio

If you keep running out of range, fighting interference on busy channels, or need radios across a large or multi-storey site, move to licensed two way radios. They cost more and need an Ofcom licence — which we handle — but deliver the range and clear channels a growing operation needs.

Walkie talkie FAQs

Do walkie talkies need a licence in the UK?

No. UK walkie talkies run on PMR446, a public band anyone can use licence-free, as long as the radio keeps to the rules — 0.5 watts, a fixed antenna and PMR446 type approval. Every model here meets them, so there is nothing to apply for and nothing to pay.

How far do walkie talkies reach?

PMR446 is line-of-sight: expect a few hundred metres around buildings and up to a couple of kilometres across open ground. Walls, steel and hills cut that down. On a single floor, a shop, a school or a small site it is usually more than enough.

Analogue or digital PMR446 — which is better?

Analogue PMR446 gives 16 channels and works with almost any other PMR446 radio. Digital dPMR446 adds up to 32 channels, clearer audio, longer battery life and features like text messaging — useful when several teams share the air at a busy event.

Can I use walkie talkies for my business?

Absolutely — plenty of UK shops, cafés, sites and events run on licence-free walkie talkies. We can put together a ready-to-go set with chargers and earpieces to match how you work.