Two-way radios may be needed on many jobsites and can also even be used at home. They're a standard piece of equipment in construction and contracting fields and are often needed for apartment complexes and campgrounds, where personnel may be located anywhere on the grounds or a jobsite. They can also be used on large homesteads to quickly reach someone out in the yard or who is working a farm. When you're in the market for two-way radios for use at home or in a business, you want to ensure you get something more powerful than a child's toy but also don't want to overspend on features you may not need. Note a few simple tips for choosing the best type and model for your use.

1. VHF versus UHF

Very high frequency or VHF radios are very different than ultra high frequency or UHF radios; understanding those differences can help you choose the right type for your use. UHF frequencies are better for getting through obstacles like buildings or small hills, whereas VHF frequencies travel a greater distance because they stay lower to the ground. They may not be as strong as UHF signals when it comes to penetrating through surfaces, so choose UHF for areas like an apartment complex where the frequency needs to get through buildings in order to be received. However, for a family farm or area with fewer obstacles but more ground to cover, VHF can be the better choice.

2. Channels

If you'll be operating your two-way radios in an area where there may be other two-way radios in use, you'll need a larger number of channels so you can find an open one. For construction sites in a city where there may be other crews working nearby, you need more channels available as those other crews may be using radios as well. However, for a family farm where it's unlikely you'll find two-way radios in use nearby, you might opt for a set with just a few channels. These can be more affordable but aren't offering more channels than you'll ever need.

3. Batteries

It may seem like a small thing, but note if the radios allow you to use rechargeable batteries. Some are not designed to work with these types of batteries, but if you use your radios constantly, you may find that you go through new batteries very quickly. Rechargeable batteries also keep old batteries out of landfills and cuts down on this resultant pollution.