Connect, organize and conquer! You’ll be amazed at how two-way radios can improve your work environment, recreational activity or family trip. Whether you’re using your two-way radios to make employees more productive, keep friends organized on a skiing trip or stay in touch with family members on a shopping excursion, there are huge benefits. But the many kinds of radios can be overwhelming. Which is the best for YOU?

Before making an investment, make sure you purchase the radio with all the features you’ll need, and none that you don’t need (which may add to the price). Here are 5 key questions to ask yourself before purchasing a two-way radio.

1. Where will you use your radio most?
   Is this a radio for work, for home use, while on vacation or out in the wilderness? This is an important question that will help narrow down your choices. Choose a heavy duty two-way radio with rugged features for outdoor use, and go with VHF radios (or digital radios) for a wide-open area, such as while skiing, hiking or on a golf course. Something that’s short-distance and lightweight is more appropriate for indoor use, especially for service jobs such as restaurants and hotels, where employees must have something small and discreet that can be worn on a uniform and used without being overheard. Office workers and security personnel also benefit from small, lightweight two-way radios that offer discreet, secure communications.
2. Does your radio need to be compatible with other radios?
   If you (or someone you’ll be communicating with) already own two-way radios, make sure that your new radio is compatible with those you want to communicate with. Not all two-way radios will work with one another. Check the specifications carefully before you make your purchase.
3. What type of activity will you be doing most?
   There are business two-way radios, designed with the features that companies need, and family radios, made specially for personal and recreational use. A two-way radio for a family vacation will be easy to use for children, while a two-way radio for offices, restaurants and other businesses will have additional features for secure communications. Service workers who interface with the public will need a two-way radio that is compact. discreet, and can be worn on a uniform. Manual labor workers need a radio that’s built to be especially durable.
4. How many groups of people will be talking on the radio?
   This determines how many channels you will need. For communicating with your family or a few employees in a small business, you may need only 1 channel. However, a larger organization, such as a hotel with front desk staff, supervisors, security, restaurant staff and cleaning crew, will need multiple channels for the different departments.
5. How long will you need to use the radio in an average day?
   If you’ll be on an overnight camping trip with no access to electricity, you should invest in a radio with a long-lasting lithium-ion battery. For indoor use, you’ll be able to recharge the battery with your charger. If you need to charge multiple units at once from one electrical outlet, there are multi-chargers available.