In order to communicate through our GMRS repeaters, you will need a repeater-capable GMRS radio.
Transmit Power
Handheld GMRS radios typically transmit with five watts of power. Mobile GMRS radios, which are designed to be installed in a car or used as a base station, can transmit at up to 50 watts.
Repeater-Capability
Some GMRS radios can only transmit on simplex channels. When buying a GMRS radio, you will want to make certain that it is a repeater-capable model.
Interacting with FRS Radios
Many new GMRS radios have come onto the market in recent years at prices comparable to FRS radios. If you are buying new radios, we recommend that you consider getting a GMRS license and buying repeater-capable GMRS radios for increased power and flexibility.
We have tested four handheld transceivers (HTs) that are both economical and capable.
Baofeng G11S
The G11S has a simple user interface that is easy to learn and remember. If you’re like most people, you won’t be using the radio every day. You may put it in a drawer and leave it there for weeks or months until one day when you really need it. And when that day comes, you probably won’t be in the mood to study the user manual. Fortunately, with this radio, you won’t have to.
Unlike radios designed for power users, this radio has no numeric keypad. Consequently, there is no way to directly enter a channel number. If you frequently switch between channels that are far apart, you may grow tired of pressing the (+) and (-) buttons. Fortunately, the buttons will begin to auto-repeat after you hold them down for a couple of seconds.
The radio operates in Channel (MR) mode only. This means that you can only receive frequencies that you program into the radio ahead of time using a computer. If you want the option of listening to arbitrary frequencies on a moment’s notice, then you should buy a radio such as the Radioddity GM-30 that also supports Frequency (VFO) mode.
At a thickness of only 1.25 inches, this radio fits comfortably in a shirt pocket. But if you stand it upright on a picnic table, a strong breeze could literally blow it over. If you plan on using it as a scanner, you will probably want to keep it in the upright position so that you can see the display. In that case, you might want to purchase a package that includes a charging base.
At the time of this writing (May 2022), no vendors appear to be selling spare batteries or charging stations for this radio. Lithium-Ion batteries typically last 5 to 7 years. Given the low cost of these radios, it may be better to just get a new radio when the battery wears out.
The FM receiver automatically seeks the next strong station when you press [+] or [-]. It skips over weak stations and only stops on strong stations. Consequently, you may not be able to pick up all of your favorite stations. A longer, high-gain antenna should help.
Retevis RB27
The Retevis RB27 is nearly identical to the Baofeng G11S.
In order to remove the antenna, you will first need to loosen a set screw using a 0.5 mm hex key.
To program this radio, you will need a PC03 FTDI cable from Amazon. The PC001 cable from Radioddity does not seem to work with this model.
This model is available with a charging stand.
The battery has a different part number, but it is completely identical and interchangeable with the Baofeng G11S battery.
Radioddity GM-30
The GM-30 is sold exclusively by Radioddity. They carry a full line of accessories, so you can get everything you need on a single order.
PARA members have had good experiences with Radioddity’s technical support. We have consistently received prompt, courteous responses to technical questions.
The GM-30 can store as many as 250 channels. You can immediately select any channel by entering its three-digit number. (e.g. “023”) using the keypad.
The dark gray keypad buttons are labeled with blue text, so they are somewhat difficult to read in low light. The keypad does have a backlight, and this helps, but the backlight automatically shuts off after a few seconds. In a pinch, you could turn on the radio’s built-in flashlight and reflect some of its light onto the keypad. But if you’re planning to use the radio at night, you’ll want to bring along a flashlight.
Baofeng GM-15PRO
The GM-15PRO is nearly identical to the Radioddity GM-30. The differences are mostly cosmetic.
The keypad buttons are much easier to read in poor light than those of the GM-30.
The belt clip has a weak spring, so the radio has a tendency to come loose from your belt or pocket and fall to the ground. The GM-30’s belt clip is 50% stronger.
The programming cable supplied with the radio requires you to install a driver on your computer, and many people have difficulty finding the correct driver and getting it to work. For a hassle-free experience, we recommend that you purchase a programming cable based on the FTDI chipset.
At the time of this writing (May 2022), the GM-15PRO has only been on the market for three months. The manufacturer has not yet provided programming software for this radio, but the software designed for the Radioddity GM-30 can also be used to program the GM-15PRO.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Unit | Baofeng G11S | Retevis RB27 | Radioddity GM-30 | Baofeng GM-15PRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-P11UV | 2ASNS-RB27 | 2AN62-GM30 | 2AJGM-GM15PRO | |
| FCC Acceptance | Jan 19, 2021 | March 3, 2021 | April 19, 2021 | Feb 24, 2022 | |
| Reception | GMRS NOAA Weather FM (88-108 MHz) VHF (136-174 MHz) UHF (400-512 MHz) | GMRS NOAA Weather FM (88-108 MHz) VHF (136-174 MHz) UHF (400-512 MHz) | GMRS NOAA Weather FM (88-108 MHz) VHF (136-174 MHz) UHF (400-520 MHz) | GMRS NOAA Weather FM (88-108 MHz) VHF (136-174 MHz) UHF (400-520 MHz) | |
| Transmission | GMRS Only | GMRS Only | GMRS Only | GMRS Only | |
| Repeater-Capable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Memory Channels | 30 GMRS + 69 Flex | 30 GMRS + 69 Flex | 30 GMRS + 220 Flex | 30 GMRS + 220 Flex | |
| Channel Scanning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Sensitivity | µV | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity | dB | >55 | >55 | >55 | >55 |
| Battery Model | BL-11UV | BL27 | BL-13UV | BL-13UV | |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion | Li-Ion | Li-Ion | |
| Battery Voltage | V | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Battery Charge Capacity | mAh | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 |
| Battery Energy Capacity | Wh | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.1 |
| Charging Methods | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | |
| Antenna Jack | SMA-Female | SMA-Female | SMA-Female | SMA-Male | |
| Antenna Impedance | ohms | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Documentation | User Manual | Brochure User Manual | User Manual | User Manual |
PARA Test Results
| Parameter | Unit | Baofeng G11S | Retevis RB27 | Radioddity GM-30 | Baofeng GM-15PRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Radio Purchase Date | 5/2022 | 5/2022 | 5/2022 | 4/2022 | |
| Channel Scan Rate | ch/s | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.8 (sync=on) 4.3 (sync=off) | 3.8 (sync=on) 4.3 (sync=off) |
| Standby Current | mA | 0.042 | 0.042 | 0.042 | 0.042 |
| Scanning Current | mA | 110 | 110 | 100 | 100 |
| Receive Current – no signal – min audio – max audio | mA | 35 110 250 | 35 110 250 | 40 130 250 | 40 130 250 |
| Transmit Current | mA | 1460 | 1460 | 1280 | 1050 |
| Power Output | W | 4.4 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 3.9 |
| Radio Weight | oz | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Battery Weight | oz | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 3.4 |
| Combined Weight | oz | 8.6 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 9.0 |
| Thickness | in | 1.25 | 1.25 | 1.45 | 1.45 |
| Antenna Length | in | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.1 |
| Belt Clip Clamping Force | oz | 9.2 | 9.2 | 6.8 | 4.4 |
Recommendations
Radio Type
All of the radios listed above have similar capabilities. If you prefer a simple, easy-to-learn user interface, you should consider the G11S or the RB27. If you are more of a power user, then you should consider the GM-30 or the GM-15PRO. You might also wish to consider other makes and models that we have not yet tested.
Radio Quantity
If you are buying the radio primarily for emergency use, then a single radio may be sufficient. But if you are planning to use the radio for recreational purposes with friends and family, then you should consider buying two or more radios.
Programming Cable
You will need a programming cable to load the MVRN channel list into your radio. For a hassle-free experience, we recommend that you purchase a programming cable based on the FTDI chipset. If it doesn’t say FTDI in the description, then it’s not an FTDI cable and it will probably require you to install a driver that may not work properly in Windows. Steer clear of non-FTDI cables, even if one is included with your radios.
A programming cable will have a USB connector on the end that connects to your computer and a different connector on the end that connects to your radio. The programming cables listed below have a “K” type connector that is compatible with the radios we tested. If you buy a different type of radio, you need to order a programming cable with the right type of connector for your radio.
High-Gain Whip Antenna
The stock antennas that come with handheld radios are a compromise between size and capability. They work well in areas where signals are relatively strong. In areas where signal conditions are more challenging, a high-gain whip antenna will significantly improve your radio’s ability to hear and be heard.
Amateur radio people have a saying: “The antenna is 90% of the radio.”
This means that a mediocre radio with a great antenna will frequently outperform a great radio with a mediocre antenna. An extra twenty dollars spent on a high-gain antenna will probably buy you more performance than an extra fifty dollars spent on a better radio.
A handheld radio and a stock antenna typically have a combined length of about ten inches. Replacing the stock antenna with a high-gain whip doubles that length. High-gain antennas are clearly not appropriate for every situation. Fortunately, if you have both types, you can swap them in less than a minute.
Extra Batteries
All of the radios we tested have USB type C charging capability, so you can recharge the radio in any place where you can recharge a cell phone. But charging takes time, and if you’re going on a hike in the woods, charging probably won’t be possible. If you are able to purchase extra batteries for your radios, they may come in handy.
Another option is to buy an external cell phone battery pack ( “portable charger”) that is capable of recharging your radio and your cell phone many times from its own, much larger battery.
Charging Station
A charging station is designed to hold a handheld radio securely in an upright position while also charging its battery. None of the radios we tested require a charging station, but none of them would be very stable in the upright position without a charging station to support them.
Some radios are available in packages that include individual charging stations, and some vendors sell charging stations separately. If you plan to use your radios in a stationary location to monitor or scan various radio channels, you will probably appreciate the extra stability that a charging station provides, especially if you are using a high-gain whip antenna.
Most manufacturers advise against operating a radio while it is charging because this will confuse the charging circuit and cause it to continually overcharge the battery, thereby shortening its life. You can avoid this problem by simply unplugging the charging station when the radio is in use and plugging it back in when the battery needs a charge.
Earpiece Headset
An earpiece headset allows you to listen to your radio privately. This can be useful if you’re using the radio while hunting or fishing. A small pushbutton switch attached to the wire contains a tiny microphone. Just clip the radio to your belt and attach the earpiece to your ear. The switch and microphone will be at shirt-pocket level. When you need to transmit, just press the button and speak into the microphone.
Shoulder Speaker Mic
If you keep your radio clipped to your belt or backpack, a shoulder speaker mic will make it easier to answer a radio call. Just clip the mic to your shirt or jacket at a position where your can hear the speaker. When you need to transmit, just grab the mic, press the button, and start talking.
Before You Spend Money…
- Be sure to check the repeater coverage maps to ensure that a good signal is available in the areas where you plan to use the repeaters.
Where to Buy
| Baofeng G11S | Retevis RB27 | Radioddity GM-30 | Baofeng GM-15PRO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Radio | Amazon Retevis | Radioddity | Amazon | |
| 2-Pack | Amazon Radioddity | Amazon Retevis | Amazon | |
| 5-Pack | Amazon Retevis | |||
| 10-Pack | Retevis | |||
| FTDI Programming Cable (required) | Amazon Radioddity | Amazon* | Amazon Radioddity | Amazon Radioddity |
| High-Gain Antenna (SMA-Male) | Amazon Radioddity | Amazon Radioddity | Amazon Radioddity | |
| High-Gain Antenna (SMA-Female) | Amazon | |||
| Extra Battery | Radioddity | Radioddity | ||
| Charging Station | Radioddity | Radioddity | ||
| Portable Charger (10,000 mAh) | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
| Portable Charger (20,000 mAh) | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
| Earpiece Headset | Radioddity | Radioddity | Radioddity | Radioddity |
| Shoulder Speaker Mic | Radioddity | Radioddity | Radioddity | Radioddity |
* The FTDI cable sold by Radioddity is not compatible with the Retevis RB27.