Released On 20th Feb 2023

Our Experts Crown the Two-Way Radio Champion

We've tested, compared and reviewed some of the most popular Hytera and Motorola radios, as well as other brands, for coverage, design, audio and value, and we've found the radio we consider an all-round champion. 

RadioTrader is constantly asked which is the best two-way radio, but it's a question with a number of variables, so it can be difficult to give a straightforward answer. For example, a user working in a loud manufacturing plant has different requirements to someone in an educational setting.

We decided to test, compare and review some of the most popular radios currently on the market, including a variety of Motorola, Hytera, Kenwood and Caltta radios, to give you some idea of the top performing two-way radios you should consider buying. We put the radios through their paces in several different ways to provide the most comprehensive and in-depth review we could. The test categories included:

1. Coverage
2. Design
3. Audio
4. Value
5. Overall Champions

The radios in our tests were all programmed in Digital mode and used in UHF frequency. The models included:

• Motorola R7 NKP Premium
• Hytera HP785
• Hytera HP605
• Motorola SL1600
• Caltta PH600
• Caltta PH660
• Motorola DP4400e
• Motorola DP2400e
• Hytera BP515
• Hytera BD615
• Hytera BP565
• Hytera PD405
• Caltta DH500
• Kenwood NX-1300DE3 

Coverage

The most common question we are asked is how far a handheld radio can communicate with another handheld radio? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer for this question, as no two user-environments are ever quite the same. Different terrains, building density in the immediate area, whether you're transmitting inside or outside a vehicle or building, even the weather conditions, all impact a radio's range and performance.

Our methodology

For our coverage test we created a route with certain points along the way that included a number of these challenges, from built-up areas containing a number of buildings, areas at the bottom of a hill, and wide open areas surrounded by fields. 

The locations

Base - The main location

Point 1 - This location was 1.25 miles from Base.

Point 2 - This location was 1.75 miles from Base and is a built up area with buildings on either side.

Point 3 - This location was 1.95 miles from Base and is a dip in the landscape.

Point 4 - This location was 2.10 miles from Base and surrounded by buildings

Point 5 - This location was 2.65 miles from Base and is surrounded by stubborn terrain and buildings

Point 6 - This location was 3 miles from Base and factors in multiple types of terrain and obstacles.

At each location we replicated the same test for each radio, in the same order, and recorded the results. When the radio lost coverage, it was taken out of further tests and placed in that position in the results. The results were surprising, but this test also highlighted areas where the radio had achieved good coverage, but may have been let down elsewhere.

The results

Point 1 - As expected, all radios performed well at this point. We also, out of interest, used some licence-free radios, which included the popular Motorola T82 Extreme. At this point the licence-free models were on the very edge of coverage.
Point 2 - No radios were lost at this point.
Point 3 - Unfortunately, this proved a step too far for the Caltta handhelds;  we lost the PH600, PH660 and DH500.
Point 4 - A tough location in a built-up area, so we expected to lose some more radios here. The Hytera BP515 was a faller here.
Point 5 - We expected to lose all of the remaining radios here but to our suprise, we still had coverage on more radios than we expected. The Hytera PD405 and Hytera HP605 lost communication here, and some others were on the very edge of their range.
Point 6 - At this point we did not expect to communicate on any radios. We did lose communication on the Motorola SL1600, Kenwood NX-1300DE3, Motorola DP4400e and Motorola DP2400e. The Champions below are the only survivors.

Coverage Champions

1st - Motorola R7 NKP Premium
Built to replace the Motorola DP4400e, this radio certainly ticks the coverage box. The R7 range of radios feature superior receiver sensitivity, which ensures the radio sends and receives messages on the very edge of coverage, something other radios may struggle with. Learn more about the Motorola R7 NKP Premium.

2nd - Hytera BD615

An outstanding performer in the coverage test and a total outsider; if this was a horse it would have been at least 40/1! This radio features excellent reception sensitivity, which certainly shows. We are very impressed with the performance. Learn more about the Hytera BD615. 

3rd - Hytera HP785

The new Hytera flagship model certainly did not disappoint, and was only marginally behind the other radios. If not for a slight loss of communication in receive it may have finished higher. Learn more about the Hytera HP785.

Motorola R7 Range Overview

Design

As mentioned, this is not a test on coverage alone, as this isn't always the top performance priority for some  radio users. However, design is subjective and so we have used our own experience alongside customer feedback to determine a fair reflection overall.

Notable Mentions

Kenwood NX-1300DE3
The Kenwood NX-1300DE3 features highly in the design aspect thanks to its IP55 rating, lightweight design and slimline Li-Ion battery. This radio also features a 7-colour LED indicator that can be tailored for each use.

Hytera BP515
One of the newest radios in the line-up, the Hytera BP515 certainly has an impressive design. The BP515 features an IP54 rating (IP67 also available), scratch-resistant casing, high-energy battery which takes two hours to go from 0% to 100%, and an easy-to-use, responsive PTT button.

Champions for Radio Design

1st - Hytera HP785

Adding to its third place above for Coverage, the Hytera HP785 wins the Design category thanks to its very impressive 2.4 inch colour display, ergonomically designed keypad and incredible speaker performance. We believe this is the loudest and clearest radio on the market and the AI noise-cancelling technology can decrease 30dB of background noise and howling. The Hytera is also IP68 rated, making this radio capable of submersion in up to two meters of water for four hours.

2nd - Hytera HP605

In second place is the Hytera HP605, thanks to its small and light design and a clever 0.91 OLED display. The Hytera HP605 also features AI noise-cancelling technology, similar to the HP785 which is the market leader when comparing other manufacturers' noise cancelling technology. Learn more about the Hytera HP605.

3rd - Hytera BP565

The Hytera BP565 is one of the latest DMR radios in the Hytera catalogue, and ticks all the boxes in the design category. The radio features a half keypad under an impressive 1.77 inch colour display which is bright, easy to see, and the radio has an anti-abrasive housing for better handling. Learn more about the Hytera BP565.

Hytera HP785 Product Video

Audio

One of the most important features in a two-way radio is the quality of the speaker inside. We put each radio through its paces and decided to conduct the tests in very windy conditions. This test provided some surprising results, none more so than the difference in sound quality between the Hytera HP7 and the Motorola R7 NKP Premium in windy conditions, which can be seen in this clip below:

Notable Mentions

Hytera BD515
The Hytera BD515 was unlucky not to make the champions cut, boasting a very impressive 3W loudspeaker, a high-sensitivity receiving module, and high-efficiency monopole antenna. This radio is certainly up there with the best for audio quality and clarity.

Audio Champions

1st - Hytera HP785

This is the third placement, and the second first-place award so far for the Hytera HP785 in this test! As can be seen in the video clip above, the HP785 certainly produced the loudest and clearest audio. This may largely be down to the AI base noise cancellation which reduces background noise and enhances speech. This radio also features and anti-magnetic design which prevents the absorption of metallic waste, often seen in manufacturing facilities.

2nd - Hytera HP605

Another one-two result from the very impressive Hytera HP range - we simply can't fault the audio quality in the new ranges. Again, as with the HP785 the HP6 Series uses AI-based noise-cancellation technology to reduce background noise and howling, which maintains the high audio clarity.

3rd - Kenwood NX-1300DE3

Kenwood are renowned for producing fantastic audio quality and the NX-1300DE3 is no different, thanks to its TX / RX audio profile and optimisable digital processor that features a noise suppressor, audio equaliser and audio gain control. Learn more about the Kenwood NX-1300DE3.

Hytera HP605 Audio Quality

Value

Perhaps the most important aspect when looking at any two-way radio: how much does it cost? Unfortunately at the moment, due to supply-chain issues that are outside of manufacturers' control, pricing seems to be on the increase. However, there is still a range of feature-rich radios that represent fantastic value for money.

Value Champions

1st - Hytera BD615

The Hytera BD615 is the new, pound-for-pound champion in the radio world. This radio amazingly finished second in our coverage test and where it lacks in sound quality compared to other radios it more than makes up for in value for money. This IP66 rated bumble bee is a standout performer with a fantastic price tag.

2nd - Hytera BP565

It's getting a bit boring now isn't it? Another Hytera. The BP565 delivers everything you could possibly want from a radio at a price no like-for-like competitor can match. It already looks the part, it shares the same audio as the BP515 and it features that impressive screen. Just add it to your cart.

3rd - Hytera BP515

Hytera are getting it right at the moment and the Hytera BP515 is no exception. This radio is quickly becoming one of the most popular models on the market today.  Other manufacturers don't appear able to compete with Hytera for value for money.

The Overall Champions

It's only right after such an in-depth test that we provide the overall champions. We ranked each radio individually and scored them from 1 to 5 in each category, totalled up the numbers and agreed with the results. As mentioned at the start of this article, we weren't just looking for the radio with the greatest range, and nothing says this more than the Motorola R7 finishing in 7th place, largely down to its hefty price tag.

1st Place - Hytera HP785

A well deserved first place for the Hytera HP7 Series handheld radio. This radio featured in the Top 3 of every category we tested, bar value-for-money. However, given the incredible features this radio offers there is a strong argument for inclusion.

2nd Place - Hytera HP605

The Hytera HP605 is a solid, all-round performer that has been very popular since its release. Rugged, reliable with fantastic audio quality, all at a competitive price for a higher-end radio.

3rd Place - Kenwood NX-1300DE3

We expected nothing less than a solid showing from the NX-1300DE3 and it did not disappoint. Versatility edges it into third place as this radio performs in any sector; be it education, hospitality or even in harsher manufacturing environments, this radio ticks all the boxes.

The Kenwood NX-1300DE3 might have had the edge on versatility but there were two other radios that finished level and they were the Hytera BD615 and Hytera BP565.

Please enquire about any of the radios we've featured in this review, or ask our experts for further guidance.