Walkie-talkies are handheld radio transmitters that allow children to communicate from remote locations. Simply said, kids love playing with walkie-talkies. It doesn’t matter if they are engaging in a stealthy spy mission or a routine playdate. Kids can use walkie-talkies to take their pretend play and regular conversations to entirely new levels.
These trusty communication devices can even be used for practical purposes, such as keeping in touch with parents or babysitters.
If you’re looking to purchase a set of children’s walkie-talkies, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve spent days mulling over popular walkie-talkie picks. Below, you’ll find our honest thoughts on seven consumer favorites.
How to choose the best kids’ walkie-talkies
Here’s what you need to look for when selecting walkie-talkies for your kids:
Power Source
We all know how frustrating one-time-use batteries can be, but, with some walkie-talkies, they’re a necessary evil. Even some of the rechargeable models we came across could be paired with AAA batteries.
It makes sense; children get the most enjoyment out of items that offer unlimited run times. We recommend that you pay close attention to a walkie-talkie’s expected power. Are your children going to get an hour or a day’s worth of fun?
Range
The most impressive kids’ walkie-talkies offered three to five miles of range. Of course, the maximum range of a walkie-talkie depends on several conditions.
Large obstructions will weaken the radio’s signals. If you want to make the most of your walkie-talkies, try them out in a large, open field. Otherwise, you can’t expect them to reach their maximum distance range.
Display and Controls
Multichannel kids’ walkie-talkies typically have back-lit LCD screens. The screens inform children what channel they are on.
The screen also illuminates the buttons, making it easier for kids to use their radios in low-light conditions. Walkie-talkies usually have onboard buttons.
These buttons may enable children to transmit audio, send call signals, surf channels, or change the volume. The buttons should have clear labels and be large enough for little hands.
Some walkie-talkies also have VOX (voice-activated exchange) functions. This means that children can transmit audio without pressing any buttons.
Privacy
Parents are often concerned about their children’s safety when using free-range communication devices.
Fortunately, many of today’s walkie-talkies are encrypted. Encryptions make it more difficult for strangers to intercept your children’s conversations.
It’s also helpful if walkie-talkies have multiple channels and call alerts. If concerned about your child’s privacy, you should consider getting an extra walkie-talkie.
This way, you’ll be able to listen to your children’s conversations. You should also consider speaking with your children about privacy and safety.
How should your kids use their walkie-talkies?
We love that walkie-talkies give children a sense of independence. They can use these devices to talk with you or their friends.
Walkie-talkies require communication skills. Your child will also learn to use speech etiquette. Of course, you can always put your walkie-talkies to use in dynamic situations.
As your children get older, they may use their walkie-talkies to communicate with you while maintaining a bit of healthy distance.
When traveling or visiting crowded areas, walkie-talkies can be used as an emergency communication resource.
Our top picks of the best children’s walkie-talkies
Best overall kids' walkie-talkies
Our opinion
The Obuby Walkie-Talkies (check price on Amazon) comes in a set of three. The third walkie-talkie is pivotal in households with three children. However, it can also be used to add a parental figure to the line of communication.
Each walkie-talkie has 22 channels, CTCSS enforcement, long-range capabilities, and much more. We love the voice-activation element, as kids can pipe in without having to fumble around with a keypad.
This function also enables the walkie-talkie to feel more like a smartphone. As a result, kids are more likely to practice their conversation skills. Since the devices feature auto squelch, they can be used in crowded, noisy places.
Each walkie-talkie requires four AAA batteries, so users can expect several hours of use. Although bright colors give these walkie-talkies a kid-friendly appearance, their long-range communication capabilities give real walkie-talkies a run for their money.
At a glance
- Recommended age: 3 to 12 years
- Power source: 12 AAA batteries
- Distance: Up to 3 miles
- Each walkie-talkie has a unique two-color case
- Earpieces and multi-channel communication options allow children essential privacy
- Can be used within a 3-mile range. Has clear, crisp audio with anti-squelch that eliminates background
- VOX function lets kids go hands-free
Upgrade choice
Our opinion
If your kiddo is craving a spy experience, they will love the Spy Gear Video Walk-Talkies (check price on Amazon). These look a bit like old-school flip phones. However, they do not require data or wi-fi.
You can expect to pay more than you would for a traditional set of kids’ wireless transmitters, but the extra cost is entirely worth it. Each device has a small LCD screen and an audio transmitter.
Children press the big red transmit button to establish a live feed between the devices and can then use the video walkie-talkies for stealthy spy missions. They also work great as secret surveillance cameras, though the power shuts off after 15 minutes of inactivity.
The onboard headphone jacks offer an extra level of discretion. With a 160-foot distance potential, these devices won’t limit your kiddo’s backyard footprint.
As long as you have six AAA batteries, your children will be able to communicate without interruptions during their top-secret, stealthy spy missions.
At a glance
- Recommended age: 6 to 8 years
- Power source: Six AAA batteries
- Wireless internet/data not required
- Two-way audio and video makes for an authentic spy experience
- 160-foot range between agents
- Hinged design helps agents keep a low profile
- Good picture and audio quality. Doubles as a hidden surveillance camera
Best budget buy
Our opinion
If three is a crowd, four is a party. When you need to keep your whole tribe connected, this four-pack of Floureon Walkie-Talkies (check price on Amazon) is your best option.
First off, kids love the black and orange color of these two-way communication devices. Meanwhile, parents love getting two sets for the price of one. The walkie-talkies boast lots of entertaining audio features, including call alerts, VOX transmission, and auto squelch.
Children will enjoy scanning through all 22 channels. They might just pick up on some distant radio. These devices have a 3-kilometer range. However, they’ll work better at longer distances if there are no obstructions between them.
We love that kids have the option to plug in headphones. They can also alternate between PTT and VOX voice transmitting options. This kit comes with four paired headphones.
It can be used among friends, family, or other large groups. You won’t have to spend hours syncing multiple devices. Just install batteries and go.
At a glance
- Recommended age: 3 years +
- Power source: 12 AAA batteries
- Distance: 3,000 meters
- Four-pack provides enough platforms for the whole family
- Clear, crisp audio transmission with PTT and VOX options
- Can be used as entertainment or safety gear and works well at long distances
Best for toddlers
Our opinion
These brightly colored Two-Way Walkie-Talkies from Sokos (check price on Amazon) offer enjoyable long-distance communication and provide clear audio transmission across large open areas.
They require three AAA batteries. A fresh set of fuel cells will get you anywhere from three to nine hours of continuous use. Overall, these walkie-talkies feature excellent audio quality.
Users can adjust the volume to better suit individual situations. An automatic squelch function eliminates distracting background noises. For this reason, these communication devices are one of our top picks for crowded areas.
If planning on taking your child to an amusement park or sporting event, these walkie-talkies are an excellent safety precaution. Users can hold the audio button to communicate with their partners. A double click will transmit a loud beep signal.
If you purchase multiple sets, you’ll be able to communicate with all the units within your range. You can even scan and lock channel settings to optimize your kiddo’s privacy.
At a glance
- Recommended age: 3 to 5 years
- Power source: Six AAA batteries
- Distance: 3 miles (5 without obstructions)
- Bright exterior and compact design appeal to young children
- Channel settings help you optimize your little one’s privacy
- Can be linked to other two-way communication devices
- Extensive power stores are garnered from three AAA batteries
- Clear, crisp audio with muted background noise
- Performs well at distances greater than a mile
Best for long range
Our opinion
The “Vox Box” Walkie-Talkies (check price on Amazon) will give your kiddo crisp, clear audio over a large expanse. USA Toyz suggests that these communication devices will work well at a range of a few miles.
They work even better in wide-open areas, such as fields and waterways. These two-way walkie-talkies provide older children with enhanced freedom. However, their user-friendly LCD screens and large buttons are suitable for children as young as 3.
We wouldn’t call the “Vox Box” walkie-talkies high-tech, but they do have a lot of extra tech features. They even offer well over 100 channels, enabling your child to engage in multiple conversations at the same time.
Walkie-talkies such as these provide parents with a direct line of communication with their children. With these two-way communication devices, you’ll never struggle to find your child at dinner time or during their curfew.
These walkie-talkies are equipped with earbud jacks and LED flashlights. As such, your child will be able to communicate discreetly during the day or night.
At a glance
- Recommended age: 3 years+
- Power source: Eight AAA batteries
- Distance: 2 miles
- Perform well at distances over a mile
- The manufacturer offers a full refund to dissatisfied customers
- Voice-activated audio transmission
- Bright, backlit LCD screens with onboard LED flashlight
- 22 main channels and 99 subchannels
Best rechargeable walkie-talkies
Our opinion
One of our biggest pet peeves is having to buy batteries. We just can’t seem to keep these little things in stock. That’s why we’ve come to love rechargeable toys like the Retevis RT-388 Kids Walkie-Talkies (check price on Walmart).
These two-way communication devices come with rechargeable batteries, but can also be paired with regular AAA batteries. The audio transmission function of the walkie-talkies is also quite nice.
Children enjoy the VOX (voice-activated exchange) option for hands-free communication. However, small children will also find it easy to engage the large talk button.
These devices come with bright pink plastic casings and backlit LCD screens. We love that children can use them in low-light conditions like sleepovers and backyard excursions. Kiddos can even personalize the onboard keypad.
At a glance
- Recommended age: 3 to 12 years
- Power source: Rechargeable battery pack or four regular AAA batteries
- Distance: 9,000 feet
- 10 unique call tones give your children protection when reaching out to new channels
- Can be paired with an earpiece for more discreet communication
- Brightly lit LCD screen provides illumination in dark environments
- Rechargeable batteries offer 3 to 4 batteries, and AAAs serve as reliable backup option
Best Disney walkie-talkies
Our opinion
Your little one will feel like Disney royalty when using their Enchanted Princess Walkie-Talkies (check price on eBay). While these devices have playful exteriors, they also offer long-range communication with plenty of high-tech perks.
Children can share conversations from across the hall or street. This set is perfect for chatty siblings or inseparable friends. They also provide parents with a way to tune in to their children’s conversations.
The audio on these walkie-talkies couldn’t be sharper. If the walkie-talkies are within a mile of each other, you will not hear static or background noises. The plastic casings are decked out with enchanting accessories and princess motifs.
The antennas are topped with hearts while the front panels are smattered with Disney princess graphics. Gold crowns and decorative white trim serve as the icing on the top of this regal cake.
Each radio transmitter requires four AAA batteries. Fortunately, they have onboard power indicator lights, so your little one will know exactly when it’s time to replace her fuel cells.
At a glance
- Recommended age: 3 to 6 years
- Power source: Eight AAA batteries
- Distance: 1 mile
- Overt Disney Princess Theme
- LED power light indicator
- Promotes conversation skills and healthy communication
- Perfect for sharing top-secret royal information
Wrapping things up
We hope you enjoyed this look at the top kids’ walkie-talkies! These two-way radio devices can be a lot of fun. If we had to choose a favorite, it would be the Obuby Walkie-Talkies (check price on Amazon).
The Obubys come in sets of three, making them a great option for households with multiple children. They also offer excellent audio, multiple channels, and an extensive distance, while kids have several transmitting and listening options they can explore.
Walk-talkies can be used for both entertainment and practical purposes. You may use these devices to sustain a line of communication with your children when they are playing at a distance.
Meanwhile, children may use them for simple communication or pretend play. We hope our guide has made it easier for you to hone in on the best walkie-talkies for your children!
