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The difference between FRS and GMRS radios

Difference Between Wouxun FRS and GMRS RadiosA frequent question asked by our customers who use the personal radio services is also a deceptively simple one. What's the difference between an FRS radio and a GMRS radio?

It's a logical question, since FRS and GMRS radios have many similarities. So many, In fact, that at one time FRS and GMRS transceivers were commonly sold in the US marketplace as combo radios. This changed in the summer of 2017, when the FCC reformed the Part 95 Rules to further define the two services and end the manufacture, sale and use of these combo units. Ironically, this move created a bit of confusion for some users, both old and new, thus prompting the titular question.

Although they are two separate radio services, the FRS and GMRS co-exist within 462-467MHz frequency range of the UHF band. Both services share the same 22 simplex channels and frequencies. These channel and frequency assignments are standard across the industry. This means that channel 1 on a Midland FRS or GMRS radio is the same as channel 1 on a Motorola Talkabout, or a Cobra MicroTALK, or a DeWALT, Uniden, or Wouxun KG-805F and 805G. Channel 2 is the same, channel 3 is the same, and so on. For this reason, someone with an FRS radio can converse directly with someone who has a GMRS radio and vice-versa.

There is one caveat. A license is required to operate a GMRS radio. It's not difficult to obtain, and the terms are rather generous, but it isn't free. In contrast, an FRS radio is licensed by rule, commonly referred to as license-free, which means that the simple act of buying an FRS radio gives you the license to legally use it.

So, considering the licensing schemes, the interoperability between the FRS and GMRS services provides a unique advantage to both, as licensed and license-free operators can freely communicate with one another on the radios approved for their particular service. And best of all, it's legal!

Which brings us to the obvious question. If FRS and GMRS share the same band, channel assignments and frequencies, and each can communicate between the other, aren't they basically the same? what's the difference between FRS and GMRS radios?

There are 5 primary differences, and they are all important to consider, as any one of them can determine whether you need a GMRS license to operate your radio, or if it can be used as an FRS radio by anyone for personal or business activities, license-free.

Radio Type
FRS radios are limited to portable handheld models only. In addition, mobile and base station GMRS units are not allowed to transmit on channels 8-14 period, and can only receive on those channels. For this reason, some GMRS radio manufacturers omit those channels on their mobile/base units altogether.

Wattage
The maximum allowable wattage of an FRS radio on channels 1-7 and 15-22 is 2 watts, while the GMRS is allowed up to 5 watts on channels 1-7 and up to 50 watts on channels 15-22. Although the power difference is usually the first thing that comes to mind by the average radio operator, it's not necessarily as important as one may think in terms of performance and range, particularly on portable handheld units.

Detachable Antenna
FRS radios must have a permanently affixed antenna, which means you must not be able to remove it, at least not without permanently damaging or destroying any part of the radio. And yeah, we've seen this. Our advice: don't try to remove a permanently fixed antenna from an FRS radio. It violates the rules, it will void the warranty of your radio, and it doesn't look pretty.

In contrast, GMRS radios are not only allowed to have removable antennas, but they can be attached to aerials mounted remotely on a vehicle, building or tower, as long as it is within a certain height limit.

Now, a non-removable antenna does not necessarily mean the walkie-talkie is an FRS radio. On the contrary, there are many older GMRS handheld radios with permanently fixed antennas, particularly those in existence before the Part 95 Reform of 2017. However, if the antenna is removable, that alone does classify it as a GMRS radio by default, since such a feature is not allowed on the Family Radio Service.

The non-removable antenna requirement of the FRS service is another reason why there are no FRS mobile or base station radios, as those types of devices typically require the use of a remote antenna that is connected using a feed line by default.

Repeater Capability
Although both services do share the same 22 channel and frequency assignments, the GMRS also has 8 additional repeater channels available to it, for a total of 30 channels. FRS does not have these repeater channels and is not allowed to transmit on repeater systems.

FCC Certification
In order to be considered an FRS or GMRS radio, it must be Part 95 type accepted by the FCC for that particular service. If it is type accepted for Part 95B, it is an FRS radio. If it is type accepted for Part 95E, it is a GMRS radio. The FCC makes the final determination on this, so if you have doubts about which service your model is made for, locate the FCC ID on the radio and look it up on the FCC website to be sure. Ultimately, the FCC makes the call.

Of course, if your radio does not have an FCC ID, it may not be legal for use on either radio service. All radios capable of operating on any of the personal radio services in the United States must be FCC type accepted for use on that service, and must have a valid FCC ID assigned to that model. We're not the radio police, but is something to keep in mind.

The items listed above describe the differences between an FRS and a GMRS radio. Any one or more of them can determine the service the radio falls under, and whether it requires a license or not.

18 thoughts on “The difference between FRS and GMRS radios”

  • JOHN RHodes

    Just acquired a GMRS handheld TIDRADIO -? Nice unit. LOADED !!! If I am only using it to listen or monitor 99% of the time do I need a license? I have no problem submitting form 605. Just wondering how necessary that is? This is a new hobby, but I kind of feel it may be a necessity in the coming years. I know that radios and the Radio world is stable. I don't need a server or wi fi or internet to communicate. I / we used the GMRS of course in the military, never really had much training on the units in the vehicles. Just pic up the mic and press tx. Now at 75 I am seeing a need! This new Rad. is highly complicated, How does one go about locating classes or forums to openly discuss operation principles and techniques? This is my first venture into your forum, first reply, first day to read, I just printed the Freq. list you offered that was very helpful.

    Reply
  • Don_Arlington

    Frs will be preassigned channel numbers , usually 13 for generic or 22 for name brand radios. The GMRS raidos will usually have the frequency displayed and the channel. The frs radios be under 2 watts and reach 1/2 mile, the GMRS will be bigger and use higher volt battery packs, chargers.

    Reply
  • Ken wood

    Thanks Rick. One more question if you get this. If the frequencies are "open" then whats the point of the "programing" from a laptop or app? Why not just pick some random channel and talk?

    Reply
    • Rick

      What I meant by open is that the communications on the FRS and GMRS frequencies can be heard publicly by anyone tuned to those specific frequencies. They are not private. FRS and GMRS radios are already pre-programmed to their assigned channels and frequencies and do not need to be programmed by the user. In fact, all of the FRS radios sold in retail stores are not programmable by the user at all. Only some of the higher end GMRS radios that offer additional programmable channels are user programmable, and even then, they only allow the user to program the same assigned GMRS frequencies to transmit on those extra channels for additional feature customization, such as adding a CTCSS tone or DCS code. The type of radio that requires programming is one that uses licensed business, commercial or other frequencies that are intended for professional use, and not for use on the FRS or GMRS.

      Reply
  • Ken wood

    So if I buy 2 radios, say the gmrs. Can I put a signal to both that NO one can tap into? Or can someone hear us? Also, does the second person I give the radio to also have to get a license?

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi Ken, GMRS channels are open, which means anyone can listen to other transmissions. The FCC does not allow scrambling or voice encryption on GMRS communications. As for the GMRS license, if the second person you give the radio to is an immediate family member, that individual is covered under your license. If not, they would need to obtain their own GMRS license.

      Reply
  • Prin

    I did not know I needed to know the difference between FRS and GMRS before purchasing/using two way radios.

    Reply
  • Robert Clark

    Setting up the frequency on the radio is quite simple. It is nothing more than adjusting the UHF and VHF settings to compensate for the curvature of the earth.

    Reply
  • craig w davis

    Where would one go/ how does one obtain an FCC license?
    Also, who uses these? Truckers? Emergency personnel?

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi Craig, to obtain a GMRS license, you will need to go to the FCC ULS page, fill out form 605, pay the $35 license fee and you will be issued a GMRS callsign.

      GMRS radios are used by a lot of folks, including, but not limited to, hikers, campers, preppers and other outdoor enthusiasts. They have become rather popular with offroaders in particular as of late, replacing the CB. In fact, GMRS has replaced CB as the radio of choice for many, and we covered this topic at length in episode 157 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast.

      Reply
  • GP

    You missed another big difference: channel bandwidth. FRS bandwidth is half that of GMRS (12.5 kHz vs 20 kHz, tho it's 25 kHz in some radios, as that used to be the GMRS standard).

    So while they can talk to each other, FRS will sound quiet/weak on GMRS radio, and a transmission from GMRS radio will sound loud but clipped/choppy (over modulated) on a FRS radio. Still can communicate, but quality of audio is best if both sides use same class of radio. (Note that a few GMRS radios come set up by default for narrow bandwidth, and almost all can be switched between wide/narrow if you are communicating with FRS radios.)

    The lower FRS bandwidth makes its radios more efficient with fewer watts and also gives the wider, more powerful GMRS signal a better chance to override a simultaneous FRS transmission, hopefully giving the priority to licensed users (although mere interference is a possibility too).

    (Editor: if you edit the article to include bandwidth, feel free to delete my comment.)

    Reply
  • DANIEL M CLEMENT
    DANIEL M CLEMENT August 22, 2022 at 1:46 pm

    So how far can you talk and receive plus who can you talk to

    Reply
    • Rick

      Those are very broad questions that aren't answered in a simple comment. However, we have numerous articles, podcasts, videos and other resources across the site that provide the answers. Obviously GMRS will have a wider reach than FRS based on the differences listed in the article. Our GMRS Radio Range Chart helps calculate distances based on the factors that determine range. As for who you can talk with, that's completely up in the air. The short answer is anyone else that is using an FRS or GMRS radio.

      Reply
  • Clyde

    Uh what does FRS and GMRS stand for .. guess I gotta google it.

    Reply
  • David Henderson
    David Henderson July 17, 2022 at 7:25 pm

    I have some radios but I do not know if they are FRS or GMRS. They run on 3 AAA batteries if that helps. How can I tell which they are?

    Reply
    • Rick

      Is there a brand name or model number on the radios? There should be an FCC ID printed somewhere on the radios as well, usually inside the battery compartment. If so, you can use it to ID the radios on the FCC web site.

      Reply

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