For some people, childhood involves playing around with walkie talkies with friends, families, and neighbors. As a child, we’ve once portrayed the role of a scout ranger, police officer, secret agent, or detective while outdoors during playtime. In cartoons and movies, we’ve seen FBI agents and policemen talking to each other through radio. That said, walkie talkies have become an inseparable part of our childhood.
Although it’s already a new decade, walkie talkies still exist. However, they are completely different from the traditional walkie talkies we had in our childhood days. Aside from that, gone are the days where people carry expensive and bulky walkie talkies except if you’re a military or security personnel.
However, if you go hiking or camping, cellular phones aren’t reliable for communication. That said, a walkie talkie comes in handy. With a good walkie talkie, it is license-free and you don’t have to pay associated call fees. Walkie talkies are also simple to use and connect your call easily without any hassle. Lastly, you have secured communication since walkie talkies work on their own network or frequency, without requiring a signal to make a call.
Although many individuals prefer their smartphones and instant messaging apps over traditional walkie talkies, they can’t forget how fun it was to use walkie talkies back then. Aside from that, they come in handy for communicating with someone in case of natural calamities like hurricanes.
To provide you with convenience, we’ve listed down the 15 best walkie talkie apps for Android and iOS for transforming your smartphone into a modern handy walkie talkie.
1. Zello Walkie Talkie
A list for the best walkie talkie apps isn’t complete without Zello. In case you didn’t know, Zello is a frontrunner in the world of walkie talkie apps for Android and iOS devices. It’s a comprehensive walkie talkie app that is fully compatible with several Bluetooth headsets and features high-quality audio. With Zello, you can send instant messages to a maximum of 2,500 people at a time through private and public channels. This walkie talkie app runs quietly in the background, so you won’t miss incoming calls.
Zello is considered a push-to-talk app and is 100% compatible with Android Wear and Apple Watch smartwatches. If someone in your contacts has also installed the Zello Walkie Talkie app, you can easily contact them. Through Zello, you can also share your Zello contact card through a built-in QR code integration.
Little did you know, Zello Walkie Talkie gained popularity in 2017 during the U.S.’s hurricane season. Although Zello doesn’t work as a traditional walkie talkie, you can still use the app even with a 2G connection at the minimum. Aside from that, Zello works over 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi services.
2. Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger
If you are concerned with the safety and security of your communication, the Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger app is an excellent option for you. It’s a full-fledged walkie talkie app that lets you connect someone instantly without waiting for a response or without using a cellular network. Aside from that, you can use Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger as an email, voicemail, or instant messaging app. Like WhatsApp, this walkie talkie app notifies you if your contact is typing, reading, or has seen your message.
With Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger, you can create group chats with friends, family, or colleagues, and exchange encrypted messages. This walkie talkie app lets you start a new conversation with a single tap of a button. All you have to do is long-press on the walkie-talkie button as you speak, and release the button to listen to the other line. Hence, it works like a traditional walkie talkie without an active Internet connection.
Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger’s full features can easily be accessed if you authorize your contacts to communicate with you. That said, you should register an account with Voxer and sync your mobile number.
Through Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger, you can save texts and voice messages, and store them for three months. Aside from that, you can also share GIFs, locations, photos, and videos with your contacts via the Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger app.
3. TiKL Touch Talk Walkie Talkie
TiKL is one of the best walkie talkie apps designed for individuals who prefer voice messages over texting. Unlike traditional radios that don’t send messages anymore once devices are switched off, this walkie talkie app delivers your voice message immediately as soon as your smartphones are powered on.
With the TiKL Touch Talk Walkie Talkie app, you can send voice messages to someone with the help of mobile operators. Aside from that, the app utilizes your mobile data and Wi-Fi services. Tikl walkie talkie app can be set up as a widget on your smartphone. With a few taps, you can call anyone on your contacts or friends on Facebook. Hence, your mobile device is your modern handy walkie talkie. Through this walkie talkie app, you can call someone directly or a group of people.
TiKL guarantees instant delivery of your voice messages to the person you’re communicating with. Also, you can obtain a listening and delivery status of the sent voice messages. All you have to do is launch the TiKL Touch Talk Walkie Talkie app, navigate to Contacts, tap on the person/group of people you’d like to speak with, and tap Done. To speak, hold the center button, and release the button to listen to the other contact.
4. Two Way: Walkie Talkie
If you don’t want any registration process before using an app, the Two Way: Walkie Talkie app is the best alternative for you. Since this walkie talkie app doesn’t save personal data, its energy consumption is very minimal. That said, it is one of the best walkie talkie apps for long use without access to a power outlet.
Two Way: Walkie Talkie’s simple and user-friendly interface lets you join any channel you prefer, and chat with someone instantly. This app offers you the closest experience you can have with a traditional walkie talkie.
With Two Way walkie talkie app, you can use the map integration to select a channel number or location of the user you want to communicate with. Take note, you have to be on the same channel with your contacts to start a conversation.
Although this walkie talkie app doesn’t store personal information, all channels are open to the public. That said, your conversations aren’t secure and confidential. Two Way: Walkie Talkie app runs in the background on your smartphone; thus, you can easily receive someone’s call, or listen to their response anytime.
5. HeyTell
Like Two Way: Walkie Talkie, HeyTell lets you easily communicate with your contacts without any registration required. It’s one of the popular walkie-talkie apps that you can use anytime, anywhere with a mobile data connection or Wi-Fi service. Since this walkie talkie app isn’t particular when it comes to a data connection, HeyTell allows you to call someone even when you have an intermittent network signal.
HeyTell is completely easy to use and you can immediately send voice messages after downloading and installing the app. All you have to do is launch the HeyTell app, choose a contact, and start communicating with the person.
With support for PUSH notifications, HeyTell won’t let you miss an important call, message, or any other transaction. Aside from that, HeyTell can be used with Apple Watch so you can easily communicate with someone without accessing the app on your smartphone.
Speaking of HeyTell’s security, you can configure from three levels of privacy settings from the app. That said, you can adjust the privacy settings such as authorizing specific users to call you. Although the HeyTell app is free to download, you need to spend for accessing its premium security features.
6. Intercom
Another app that offers you a simple and straightforward experience with a modern version of a walkie talkie is InfiniteBuffer’s Intercom walkie talkie app. One of Intercom’s unique integration is its Bluetooth connectivity for using the walkie talkie feature. Hence, it’s a perfect walkie-talkie app for contacting individuals nearby such as office buildings, shopping malls, schools, or parks.
With Intercom, you can call someone even without an active Internet connection. Instead, it only uses Bluetooth connectivity. This walkie talkie app is integrated with a voice recognition feature; hence, it eliminates unnecessary background noises between you and your contact. Aside from that, Intercom also lets you listen to your contact’s voice messages for later use. That said, Intercom saves a copy of your conversations.
Like other instant messaging apps, you can add emoticons, GIFs, and stickers to your messages. Through Intercom, you can easily create personal conversations and group chats within your network.
7. Online Walkie Talkie Pro
Online Walkie Talkie Pro is another walkie talkie app that doesn’t require an account to use its features. This walkie talkie app requires access to your smartphone’s memory, camera, and microphone. To record an audio message, long press on the voice recording button. Its camera feature is only available when you’re recording a short clip or photo.
With Online Walkie Talkie Pro, you can enjoy push-to-talk features in your free subscription. It also includes 50 channels for communicating with your friends. For instance, you can notify your friend to configure their device to the 9th channel and connect through it. Once configured, you can instantly exchange voice messages with one another. The only drawback with a public channel is that other people on the channel can hear your conversations. If you’re concerned with safety and confidentiality, you can choose other walkie talkie apps from this list.
Online Walkie Talkie Pro’s scanning feature provides you with information if someone else is active on the channel. That said, you can choose uncrowded channels and invite your contacts to communicate from there.
Although you can download this walkie talkie app for free, Online Walkie Talkie Pro offers paid subscriptions that let you access the app’s premium features such as Anonymous ID.
8. Talkie
Talkie is one of the best walkie talkie apps that provides you with a straightforward experience out of a modern walkie talkie. Regardless if you’re using a Wi-Fi service or cellular data, Talkie allows you to communicate with someone instantly using the app.
With Talkie, you can contact a friend, family, or colleague inside trains, airplanes, concert halls, stadiums, mountains, and forests. Aside from that, Talkie is one of the best options if you have a weak signal in dormitories, schools, offices, and homes.
Depending on the hotspot and connected smartphones, Talkie’s Wi-Fi range is within 50 meters indoors, and 150 meters outdoors. Some of the features of Talkie voice calls include noise cancellation, compatibility with wired and Bluetooth headsets, speakerphone mode, and unlimited voice calls.
The advantage of using Talkie is that you don’t only access basic walkie-talkie features but the app also lets you share folders and files when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi service. Aside from voice messages, you can start group conversations and private messages with Talkie.
9. Walkietooth
Walkietooth is an all-in-one for your walkie talkie needs. This walkie talkie app doesn’t only use your smartphone’s Wi-Fi service and mobile data connection, but it also utilizes a shared Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth. Hence, you can easily speak with someone via Walkietooth even without an Internet connection.
If you’re using an Android smartphone, Walkietooth is one of the best walkie talkie apps to download and install. With Walkietooth, users can instantly see someone through a live video when exchanging voice messages.
Whether you’re a team of photographers shooting an event, or during game time, Walkietooth is your comprehensive walkie talkie solution that offers a simple and easy to navigate interface on the mobile app.
10. Dingtone
Like the TiKL walkie talkie app, Dingtone is primarily developed for people who prefer voice messages rather than texting. You can easily initiate a conversation through Dingtone with a few taps of the button. It’s a comprehensive walkie talkie app that has the basic features of a walkie talkie but combined with more advanced features of calling. That said, Dingtone allows you to make international calls, unlimited free texting, and unlimited local SMS.
With Dingtone, you can enjoy international calls with excellent audio quality at extremely low fees. Aside from that, you can call someone abroad without background noise and interruptions. This walkie talkie app also lets you register numerous SIM cards all at once. Hence, you can choose which mobile number to use to call someone from the app.
Aside from texting and calling features, Dingtone provides users with the opportunity to forward calls, record voice messages and calls, as well as set up call blocking. Hence, it’s more than just a typical walkie talkie app that you can install on your Android or iOS device.
11. Walkie-Talkie
Another addition to the best walkie talkie apps that don’t require an account registration is Walkie-Talkie. It’s an easy to use walkie talkie app that works on iOS, Android, and web browsers. All you have to accomplish is join in the same channel, tap the record button, and start a conversation with someone.
Although you don’t need any sign-up or special permissions, Walkie-Talkie’s channel is public. Hence, your selected channel doesn’t have a secure and confidential platform. If a stranger is on the same channel as you and your contact, that person can also listen to your exchange of voice messages.
12. Talk Now! Walkie Talkie
One of the highly-rated walkie talkie apps on the App Store is Talk Now! Walkie Talkie app. It’s an excellent alternative for someone who doesn’t own a smartphone or someone who would rather not pay a monthly phone bill. If you’re traveling overseas, you can still communicate with a loved one who’s only using an iPad as a device for contacting you.
With Talk Now! Walkie Talkie, you can join in a public channel with your family and friends. If you prefer a secure and confidential way, you can also create your own channel and share the invite code to allow others to join in the same channel. You can invite more than 20 people on the channel all at once.
Talk Now! Walkie Talkie is integrated with a push-to-talk feature so you can communicate instantly with someone. For a more interactive and fun walkie talkie experience, Talk Now! Walkie Talkie app allows you to choose the color of the app.
Although this walkie talkie app is free to download, you can upgrade with a paid subscription to access some of its premium features.
13. Marco Polo – Stay In Touch
Marco Polo walkie talkie app offers a more unique and fun experience of communicating with someone. With Marco Polo, you can have a similar experience with Instagram on a walkie talkie app. That said, you can enjoy face-to-face messaging with someone.
Aside from that, you can also create group conversations with your friends, family, and colleagues. With Marco Polo’s video streaming feature, you should ensure that you are connected to a Wi-Fi or 4G mobile network for the best results. Since it is integrated with video content, Marco Polo can easily deplete your smartphone’s battery.
Through this walkie talkie app, you can see someone who’s broadcasting and has seen your texts. You can also archive messages since the app doesn’t automatically delete them.
Marco Polo is also integrated with interactive features such as emoji reactions, stickers, video, and voice filters when someone is watching your live broadcast.
14. MODULO Walkie-Talkie
Do you have any experience with Slack? If yes, MODULO Walkie-Talkie already has the familiar interface of the app and you can easily use it without any confusion. With MODULO Walkie-Talkie, users can create a team and they can invite their colleagues and friends to join the team. Aside from that, you can organize your channel and create groups within the channel.
Although MODULO’s setup can be complicated to some, you can have a more secure and private channel to exchange messages within your network. Once you’re signed in to MODULO, you can instantly chat or leave voice messages with anyone on the same channel.
MODULO Walkie-Talkie app lets you text someone, share photos, videos, and other files within the channel.
15. Walkie Talkie: Talk To Friends
Walkie Talkie: Talk To Friends doesn’t offer basic features out of a walkie talkie app. If you’re a fan of making friends around the globe, you can download and install this app for free. It’s an all-in-one walkie talkie solution with more advanced features.
This walkie talkie app works with an active Internet connection to use its basic and premium features. Like other walkie talkie apps, Walkie Talkie: Talk To Friends also features a push-to-talk integration. You can also initiate a live group conversation with people on the same channel.
With Walkie Talkie, you can browse through different public channels and get to know people who have the same interest as yours. If you want to communicate with your new-found friends outside your social media apps, you can invite them to download and install Walkie Talkie. Once done, you can create a private channel and ask them to join. Hence, you now have an exclusive community for clubs, games, travels, sports, and other interests.
Aside from that, Walkie Talkie lets you join a chat room similar to Skype, attend a video conference like Zoom, communicate with your teammates like Discord, as well as use the app for streaming, broadcasting, and setting up a study lounge with your classmates.
