Updated February 7, 2025.
We often receive questions about the range limitations of consumer FRS and GMRS two way radios. In fact, it is probably one of the most commonly asked questions about them, and for many, it seems to be one of the most important considerations when shopping for a handheld radio. This is certainly understandable, of course. Everyone wants the ability to communicate with others across great distances, and certainly more than just across their front yard.
However, since radios communicate line-of-sight, and given the power and other limitations of the typical FRS/GMRS handheld walkie talkie, coupled with the uncertainty of weather conditions, location and terrain, the average range of direct radio-to-radio communications with the typical consumer radio may not meet some applications.
In such a scenario, one may need more than just a standard walkie-talkie. One may need a handheld radio with the ability to operate through a repeater.
Although the FCC does not allow the use of a repeater on FRS frequencies (and given the 1/2 watt limitation of channels 8-14 on the FRS and GMRS services, it isn't practical anyway), it does allow the use of repeaters on the GMRS. Yes, there are GMRS repeaters out there, not too many, but they do exist. But what about repeater ready GMRS radios?
Yes, they do exist as well. We receive frequent inquiries and requests from customers who are searching for GMRS radios with the ability to operate through GMRS repeaters. While they aren't common, they certainly are out there, and they aren't too hard to find.
This chart lists brand name portable handheld GMRS radios currently available with repeater capability. Click on the name or image of each model for details and more specifications on each radio. All models listed in the chart are available from Buy Two Way Radios.
GMRS Two Way Radio Comparison Chart
| Model | Interference Eliminator Codes |
FRS/GMRS Channels |
Weather Channels |
Repeater Capable |
Repeater Channels |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Midland GXT67 Pro | 285 | 99** | 10 | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Midland GXT3000 | 285 | 50* | 10 | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Motorola Talkabout MR355R |
121 | 22 | 11 | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Motorola Talkabout MS350R |
121 | 22 | 11 | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Motorola Talkabout MS355R |
121 | 22 | 11 | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Olympia R500 | 121 | 50* | 11 | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Wouxun KG-805G | 155 | 128** | - | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Wouxun KG-905G | 155 | 256** | - | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Wouxun KG-935G | 155 | 999** | 7 | ✔ | 8 | |
|
Wouxun KG-935G Plus | 155 | 999** | 7 | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Wouxun KG-Q10G | 155 | 999** | 7 | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Wouxun KG-S65G | 155 | 400** | 7 | ✔ | 8 | |
 |
Wouxun KG-S88G | 155 | 400** | - | ✔ | 8 | |
|
Wouxun KG-S88G Plus | 155 | 400** | - | ✔ | 8 |
*According to the manufacturer, the 50 channels consist of 22 FRS/GMRS and 28 "extra" channels.
**The total number of channels includes 22 FRS/GMRS channels, 8 GMRS repeater channels and extra user programmable channels
Additional resources:
Radio 101 - What is a Repeater?
TWRS-68 - An Introduction to Repeaters
Radio 101 - How To activate repeater channels on a Motorola Talkabout radio
Radio 101 - How to Set Repeater Channels on the Midland GXT3000
Radio 101 - How to Set Repeater Channels on the Midland GXT67 Pro
TWRS-188 - Censorship on GMRS Repeaters?
"Are there gmrs repeaters available when you go hiking?" - There very well could be.
"do you have a gmrs license to use the repeaters?" - Having a GMRS license has nothing to do with using a repeater. You need a license to use certain frequencies at certain power levels. You SHOULD get an owners permission to use a private repeater.
I will check it out.
BTW I spoke too soon, it looks like the Olympia R500 has weather alerts...just not sure if it is "all hazards" and can be set to local alerts because what I'm worried about is forest fire.
The blog to which you left your comment is an excellent source for more info and radios. Subscribe to stay informed on the latest news about FRS/GMRS two way radios and technology.
In answer to Bernt, Robert and Tim, high powered GMRS radios/repeaters seem only to exist in the past (as business radios that were part 95 certified.)
Ebay, local amateurs/GMRS operators or GMRS websites are your best source for more info and radios.
The article says that there are GMRS repeaters available, but does not identify any specific make/models. I'm looking to install a GMRS repeater; can anyone point me in the right direction? All I'm finding are "repeater controllers" which require two GMRS radios (with specific connection ports) to be plugged into them. Is there a commercially available GMRS repeater out there?