Customer Ratings & Reviews

If you're in the market for a reliable set of 2-way radios, the Midland X-TALKER might just catch your eye with its bold promise of a 38-mile range and loads of channels and features. But let's dive into what it really offers and how it performs in real-world conditions, especially in challenging terrains like mountains where I recently tested them. FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND BUILD QUALITY: Right out of the box, these radios feel sturdy and well made, ready for outdoor use. They have a solid grip and are equipped with belt clips, which is a nice touch for hiking or outdoor activities. The design is intuitive; you don't need to be a tech whiz to start using these. Turn them on, find a channel, and you’re set to communicate. RANGE AND CLARITY: Let’s talk about the range, advertised at 38 miles, but remember, this is under ideal conditions. In my recent trip to the mountains, the actual effective communication range was more like 2-3 miles, which is quite standard for walkie talkies in areas with lots of obstructions like trees and hills. The sound quality remains crisp and clear within this range, though, so no complaints there. FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY: These radios are packed with features: 36 channels enhanced by 121 privacy codes to keep conversations secure from eavesdropping, which is a huge plus if you’re using them in crowded areas. The weather scan feature is a standout, providing real-time alerts which can be crucial for outdoor safety. Additionally, they feature hands-free operation (eVOX) with nine sensitivity levels for easy voice activation handy when you’re climbing or when your hands are just otherwise occupied. BATTERY LIFE AND CHARGING: The battery performance is pretty decent. They come with rechargeable battery packs and a desktop charger, which is convenient for recharging both radios at once. The battery indicator is clear and helps you manage your usage on longer trips. PRACTICAL EVERYDAY USE: In practical terms, these radios are great for a wide range of activities. Whether it’s keeping in touch while hiking, coordinating work on a large site, or just having fun on a camping trip, they hold up well. The silent operation mode and the backlit display enhance usability during night time or in low light conditions. FINAL THOUGHTS: While the Midland X-TALKER may not quite hit the optimistic 38 mile range in most environments, they perform reliably within a more realistic range and come with enough features to justify the price for anyone needing a solid, feature rich communication tool for outdoor activities. They're robust, easy to use, and packed with all the functionalities you'd likely need for both casual and intense outdoor use. This may be a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for something that can handle a bit of rough and tumble and keep you connected in short distances, but keep in mind that in real world conditions where there's obstacles the range in about 10% of what they advertise.

I’ve been a customer for over 20 years and what Best buy called it a “valued customer.” The service I received was anything but what a valued customer deserved. I bought all my major electronics from best buy, even my cell phones because they always had great deals. The last 2 purchases I made, in store and just recently on line has confirmed that Best buy is financially not doing well and they will continue to close more stores by 2025. I needed new phone charges, longer extension and a new power surge protector, my first thought was to get it at Best Buy but this was the beginning of a NIGHTMARE purchase. It was simply a about a $142 purchase and it’s been almost a week and I haven’t received the product after it giving me an option of next day delivery. Day of delivery- I was home all day Roadie by UPS texted me and said the delivery is here. I went downstairs and no delivery man was to be found. Search everywhere , basement, outside, lobby. When I returned on best buy site, Roadie said I refused the package. I was disappointed and upset. I called Best Buy to explain how I was home all day. I have an intercom, why didn’t roadie call my intercom to let me know I received my package? Instead, I had a call from Georgia when I am in New York. Nowadays, we all get millions of spam calls, why would I pick up a call from Georgia? Turns out this number was Roadie who supposedly was delivering my packages. Day after day, every Best buy representative I spoke to said, I will get a 24 hour email explaining the outcome of what happened to my package. It’s been almost a week. Yesterday was their second attempt to deliver it, again, my purchase option was only pick up or next day delivery. I refreshed my browser almost every hour and made sure my phone was blasted loud so I won’t miss a call. By 10pm last night, they finally updated the website saying if not delivered by a certain day, refund will be given back to me. That made it clear that I believe the first time Roadie called me was FAKE. Best buy had FALSE advertisement saying what I purchased with a big discount was FAKE. They DO NOT have the product. It made sense why Roadie never used my intercom because he never came and BLAMED ON ME THAT I REFUSED THE PRODUCT. I’m tired of waiting 45 minutes to talk to a live agent in Best Buy, I reached out EVERYDAY FOR A WEEK FOR A $142 purchase. WHAT A NIGHTMARE! Staff that I spoke with Punam, David, Camille, Sureya, Ira, Peter Case ID I was given: 338127263, 338385694, 338398747

Bought these to replace a set of Motorola Talkabouts. These work and sound a lot better and clearer. Hardly any static. More like professional high end radios.

These are excellent for outdoor activities. I personally use then for my off-roading group. They work very well. They are loud enough and clear. They came with rechargeable batteries and a charging base. Do definitely recommend these cool radios. I tried the Cobras 3 pack with red white and silver pack. Returned the next day.

They work well, you can hear the interlocutor very well, the range in the city is not bad, sits well in your hand, comfortable, a great purchase for your money!

Got for chatting….. Can’t receive no located airwaves frequencies….

Really hard to operate those walkie-talkies and and I quickly realize I didn’t want Anything else to do with them anymore

I recently had the opportunity to test out the Midland X-TALKER 38-Mile 2-Way Radios, and overall, I was quite pleased with their performance. These radios are designed for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and anyone who needs reliable communication in remote areas. First and foremost, the range of these radios is impressive. Midland claims a 38-mile range under optimal conditions, and while I didn't have the opportunity to test them over such long distances, they did perform admirably in various terrains. Whether I was in open fields, dense forests, or hilly areas, the signal remained strong and clear. Of course, it's important to note that the actual range will depend on factors such as obstacles, weather conditions, and terrain. The X-TALKER radios offer 36 channels, providing plenty of options to find a clear and interference-free channel. Additionally, they feature 121 privacy codes, which add an extra layer of security and ensure that you can communicate without unwanted interruptions from other users nearby. One aspect I particularly liked about these radios is their compact and ergonomic design. They are lightweight and fit comfortably in the hand, making them easy to carry around during outdoor activities. The buttons are well-placed and intuitive to use, even when wearing gloves. The radios also come with a belt clip, allowing you to attach them securely to your clothing or backpack. Battery life is always a concern with portable radios, but the X-TALKER radios impressed me in this regard. They run on three AA batteries and can last for hours, depending on usage. I found the battery life to be more than sufficient for a full day of outdoor adventures. Another notable feature of these radios is the weather alert function. They can receive NOAA weather alerts, keeping you informed about any severe weather conditions in your area. This feature is especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts who need to stay updated on changing weather patterns. In terms of audio quality, the X-TALKER radios deliver clear and crisp sound. The volume can be adjusted to suit your preference, and even at higher levels, there was minimal distortion. The radios also have a built-in speaker, but if privacy is a concern, they also support the use of headphones or earpieces. One area for improvement is the lack of a rechargeable battery option. While the AA battery option is convenient in terms of availability and being able to swap batteries when needed, having a rechargeable battery option would be a nice addition for those who prefer a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. Overall, the Midland X-TALKER 38-Mile, 36-Channel FRS 2-Way Radios are reliable and feature-packed devices for outdoor communication. They offer an impressive range, excellent audio quality, and a user-friendly design. Whether you're camping, hiking, or exploring remote areas, these radios are a solid choice to stay connected with your group.

Exceptional range and sound quality. Bought for off grid use and they work perfectly.

This may sound a bit odd, but I bought these for the day when I really need them. Not until. If the internet goes down, the phone's all fail to work, or the electricity is turned off... I'm ready! My family and I will be able to communicate. Kind of like a fire extinguisher... you only need one if you need one!

Great for work or outdoor adventures. We tested them on a hiking trip in Colorado and they worked perfectly well. We use them at work within two warehouses and across the street in an open yard with great results. This was our second purchase. The previous set is still holding on well however the base of the first set stopped charging but we can still charge the radios directly with the USB charger or on the 2nd purchase charger. They hold their charge extremely well, are tough when dropped, and are audible in loud work areas.

The Midland X-TALKER radios are exceptional. With a 38-mile range and 36 channels, they offer reliable and clear communication. The compact, durable design is perfect for outdoor use, and the battery life is impressive. Features like NOAA weather alerts and easy channel scan make these radios a top choice. Highly recommended!

Good for short range communication between cars on a trip. Absolutely do not believe the 38 mile range rating- that will almost never happen in the real world in anything less than completely flat land where you have line of sight to the other person. I wish they wouldn’t give people such high / false hopes for real world use. Aside from this, they are easy to use, hold good charge, and seem durable. Recommended as long as you have proper expectations on range!

Works great for us. I use it when I walk the dogs. My husband has the other radio and I feel more secure knowing I can call him if we have problems. The battery charge has lasted a long time. Of course, I have only used it up to 1 1/4 miles so far but the communication is clear.

very good distance coverage. even my 4 yr old grandson can use it

These are great radios. However, that is not what makes them rather unique. They are chargeable via USB! There are micro-USB ports on the sides, and it also comes with a cradle featuring a micro-USB jack, and can hold and charge both radios at the same time. The only other company doing this is Cobra, but they have apparently discontinued all of their GMRS products... Take that for what it is worth. These radios feature all of the usual stuff that you would expect in a higher-end model: decent amount of power, the full 21 channels, coded squelch, and NOAA weather receive. One thing to note is that this model ONLY has 21 channels, as that is all that you can have by LAW. Channels 22 and up are just a repeat of the other channels and up, but with preset coded squelch: in other words, a useless marketing gimmick. Also keep in mind that the FRS-only frequencies are limited to 1/2 watt by law, and the manual does not go out of its way to tell you this.

Working great so far. Im at elevation and can get signals from all over the valley. Sound is clear. User interface is a little clunky though.

Works well I do have issues with the battery just dying no warning! Just dies. Otherwise they work better than anyone else’s at work!

This is one of the best deals I've come across. Great mix of high quality with ease of use along with great pricing. Excellent product, packaging and delivery. Highly recommended

The last pair of FRS radios I bought, about ten years ago, worked pretty good, but burned through batteries. My initial experience was concerned with batteries again, this time with problems charging. After a call to the manufacturer, a replacement set of batteries arrived. Upon reading the instructions that came with the replacement batteries, I realized they could go in two ways while still keeping the correct polarity. I flipped the battery pack over and the batteries charged! I made the same change on the batteries that came with the radios with the same results. Both the original and replacement batteries appear to be good. In summary, the replacement batteries came with clear placement instructions. I can sometimes transpose instructions so will accept operator error on my part. These radios work great and operate days on a single charge with great range.