Buying the best GMRS base station can be a bit of a challenge. Looking at the wide range of products available out there, one can be easily confused.
Don’t worry, we are here for you. In this article, we will review and talk about some of the best GMRS base stations.
When buying a GMRS base station, you should consider a few things like the number of available channels, communication range, power, etc.
If you are not experienced with handling GMRS, you should go for the products which are easy to install.
If you are tight on budget, you may consider buying something cheap. There are numerous other factors as well which we will discuss. So, let’s get started.
What is The Best GMRS Base Station?
Midland MicroMobile MXT275 is the best GMRS base station according to our research. It has got everything which you will need.
Why Midland MXT275 is The Best Brand For The GMRS Base Station?
The Midland MXT275 MicroMobile is an excellent GMRS radio which is super easy to install and gives you network coverage of more than 40 miles in absence of any obstruction.
The speaker of the audio gives you a good experience and loud and clear audio.
The speaker reduces background noise along with the NOAA weather scan which automatically searches through 10 different weather channels and provides alerts about upcoming weather.
Its compact structure and cross-compatible nature make it stand out from the crowd.
Now, it’s time to talk about our top product picks for the best GMRS base station.
Comparison Table of Best GMRS Base Station
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Midland MicroMobile MXT275 | |
| BTECH Mobile | |
| Midland MicroMobile | |
| Retevis RT76P | |
| Midland MXT400 | |
| Retevis RT-9000D | |
| Midland GXT1000VP4 | |
| AnyTone AT-779UV | |
| Retevis RB26 | |
| Retevis RB26 |
10 Best GMRS Base Station Reviews
01. Midland MicroMobile MXT275
Highlighted features
- Full 15-watt radio.
- Lightweight, compact, and easy to install.
- Transmits on 15 GMRS non-repeater channels plus 8 GMRS repeater channels.
- Up to 10-mile signal range.
- NOAA weather scan+Alert.
- Comes with a mount detachable antenna and mic holder.
- Compatible with all Midland GMRS walkie-talkies.
Midland MicroMobile MXT275 features a two-way radio allowing you to transmit audio through 8 repeater channels.
This device consists of 142 privacy codes and gives you up to 3124 channel options to keep your conversation personal.
The structure of this device is very compact and ideal for cars with less dashboard space.
The 12-volt accessory plug also allows you to permanently install it in your vehicle.
The NOAA weather scan feature searches through several channels and gives you condition alerts automatically.
The speaker gives good sound with noise cancellation and the product also has a USB-C port for fast charging.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Excellent audio quality and noise cancellation
- Good network coverage
- Can be programmed for local repeater use
Cons
- Handset controls could be better
02. BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1
Highlighted features
- 50-watt powerful radio.
- 23 non-repeater channels and 8 repeater channels with an additional 226 programmable scanner channels.
- Built-in FM radio and NOAA weather scan.
- Keypad lockout feature.
- Multicolor adjustable display.
BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1 is the ultimate powerhouse manufactured by the American company BTECH.
It gives out a power of 50 watts which means you can receive a signal from as far as 44 miles or even more.
You can watch up to 4 distinct stations through this radio without any signal problem.
It consists of 31 pre-programmed channels with 200+ scanner stations for you to tune as you wish.
An inbuilt FM radio along with NOAA weather scan are two additional incredible features of this GMRS base station.
The device works great with all varieties of GMRS and FRS radios.
Pros
- Provides good capacity for an affordable price
- Very simple to install
- Good signal range area
- Can monitor 4 channels at a time
Cons
- Poor background noise cancellation
- Cannot function on higher frequencies
03. Midland MicroMobile MXT115
Highlighted features
- 15-watt handy radio.
- 15 non-repeater and 8 repeater GMRS channels.
- 142 privacy codes.
- Lightweight and sturdy.
- Up to 10 miles communication range.
- NOAA weather scan+Alert.
Midland MicroMobile MXT115 is the best bang for your buck giving 15 watts of power along with a great transmission range.
It is very easy to install and it’s perfect for cars that have less dashboard space.
This useful two-way radio shows up with 15 non-repeater and 8 repeater GMRS channels along with 142 privacy codes to ensure the secrecy of conversations.
It has a good transmission capacity and can convey signals as far as 40 miles with the help of repeaters.
The NOAA weather scan and USB-C port are other great features of the product. But you may need an external speaker as its internal audio quality is not very good.
Pros
- Easy to install
- NOAA weather scan gives you weather updates
- Compact and solid structure
- Provides access to a large number of channels
Cons
- Poor internal audio quality
04. Retevis RT76P
Highlighted features
- Durable and long-lasting product.
- 30+ channels.
- SOS Alert button.
- 1400mAh battery.
- Voice assistant and hands-free experience.
Retevis RT76P is a perfect handheld and portable GMRS radio. These walkie-talkies are wireless and they feature 30+ channels including NOAA weather scan.
Its robust design can withstand long-term friction so you don’t worry about accidentally dropping it.
The GMRS radio transmits and receives clear audio. It has a 1400mAh battery which can last up to 12 hours of continuous usage.
You can charge it easily from anywhere through its USB-C port. One of the most unique features is its voice assistant allowing you to control and control it without using your hands.
The downside is that you may find its PTT switch a bit too sensitive.
Pros
- Can program channels without updating firmware
- Can send SOS signal in case of emergency
- Good battery capacity
- Gives a completely hands-free experience
Cons
- The PTT button needs improvement
- The display can be a little bigger.
05. Midland MicroMobile MXT400
Highlighted features
- Full 40-watt powerful radio.
- 15 non-repeater and 8 repeater GMRS channels.
- 142 privacy codes.
- Noise cancellation and silent operation.
- Detachable mounting bracket.
- Strong and friction-resistant.
Midland MicroMobile MXT400 is a 40-watt powerful radio which is ideal for long-distance communication.
It easily mounts in most vehicles and has 15 non-repeater channels and 8 repeater channels.
It is built to last and it is considered the most powerful GMRS radio built by Midland.
This device has 142 privacy codes providing a connection range of more than 30 miles.
Unlike other Midland radios, this one doesn’t include NOAA weather alerts.
You may also find it difficult to establish a stable connection with other brand GMRS radios.
For the best performance, use a Midland antenna, mount, and cable.
Pros
- Can run on medium power (15 watts) giving clear audio
- Very good network coverage
- Easy to install
Cons
- Doesn’t work well with other brand GMRS radios
- Repeater functionality cannot be enabled per individual channel
06. Retevis RT-9000D
Highlighted features
- Compact and durable design.
- Clean LCD display.
- Overall 200 channels GMRS channels.
- VOX hands-free experience.
- Emergency alarm feature.
- 9-level squelch function.
Retevis RT-9000D is one of the finest creations of the company giving lots of features at an affordable fare.
The biggest thing about the radio is that it’s very simple and easy to install and manage.
It lets you acknowledge smooth transmission from 200 channels and connect with people easily.
The SOS alarm is also a good trait that can be used during an emergency. This product has a bright display that can be adjusted to a day or night setting.
It also has a voice assistant giving you a hands-free experience. The microphone could have been better as the transmitted audio gets distorted sometimes.
Pros
- Very simple and user-friendly layout
- Speaker audio quality is loud and clear even at maximum volume
- The power level can be adjusted for different channels
- Affordable price
Cons
- Microphone could have some improvements.
07. Midland GXT1000VP4
Highlighted features
- 50 channels+142 privacy codes.
- Network coverage up to 36 miles in absence of obstruction.
- Lightweight, water-resistant, easy to carry.
- NOAA weather scan+alerts.
- AC, DC adapter.
- Voice assistant and hands-free operation.
Midland GXT1000VP4 is a wireless and easy-to-handle walkie-talkie cum radio featuring 50+ channels.
The device gives you clear audio with 9 tiers. Furthermore, it includes a voice assistant for touch-free usage.
It is very compact and easy to bring around. The nicest thing about this radio is that it’s water-resistant.
The box includes both AC and DC adaptors with mic headsets. NOAA weather scan searches through different stations and gives you time to time updates.
The range of this model is also pretty decent. The battery life and design could have some improvements.
Pros
- Good communication range
- Gives you call alerts and vibrations
- Affordable price
- Includes a whisper mode
Cons
- Battery life is not good
- Not very durable
08. AnyTone AT-779UV
Highlighted features
- Stout and stable structure.
- 500 channels (programmable by software).
- LCD brightness control.
- Key lock function.
- Noise reduction and voice assistant.
- Amateur and professional mode.
AnyTone AT-779UV is a valuable GMRS radio and it is perfect for people who like to customize and program their radios.
It is made with superior quality materials and its high-quality radiator ensures stable operation.
It is very easy to install and it comes in two alternate modes- professional and amateur.
500 available channels can be programmed accordingly with the help of official Any Tone software.
It also features noise reduction and comes with a voice assistant for a hands-free experience.
The product description says that it supports HAM radio frequencies but that’s doesn’t happen.
They aren’t making false claims, they just didn’t mention that it only works with European HAM radio frequencies.
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Transmission is very clear and loud
- High power output
- Channels can be easily programmed by software
Cons
- Does not support US HAM radio frequencies
09. Retevis RB26(Pack of 5)
Highlighted features
- 2000mAh Lithium-ion battery
- USB-C port for fast charging
- Durable and lightweight
- 30 GMRS radio channels
- Has advanced Voice activation (VOX)
- Shock, splash, and vibration proof
Retevis RB26(Pack of 5) is a wireless walkie-talkie cum GMRS radio which gives you access to 30 GMRS channels.
The product comes with a pack of 5 and you can charge all of them simultaneously with the 5 Type-C charging lines.
Each talkie has a battery life of 2000mAh which can last up to many hours. You can also charge the devices by other means like power bank, wall plug, computer, etc.
The device gives a strong connection for long-distance communication.
It also comes with an emergency button and VOX hands-free experience.
The structure and design of the talkies are rugged and shockproof.
Another cool feature is that it comes with a built-in flashlight which will help you to navigate your way easily at night.
It’s simple and easy to use and you can start using it right out of the box without any installation.
Pros
- Shockproof and corrosion resistant
- Has a built-in flashlight for increased safety at night
- hands-free experience
- Clear and distinct audio
Cons
- The communication range is only about 0.5 mile
10. Retevis RB26 (Pack of 10)
Highlighted features
- 2000mAh Lithium-ion battery
- USB-C port for fast charging
- Durable and lightweight
- 30 GMRS radio channels
- Has advanced Voice activation (VOX)
- Shock, splash, and vibration proof
Retevis RB26(Pack of 10) is a wireless walkie-talkie cum GMRS radio which gives you access to 30 GMRS channels.
The product comes with a pack of 5 and you can charge all of them simultaneously with the 5 Type-C charging lines.
Each talkie has a battery life of 2000mAh which can last up to many hours. You can also charge the devices by other means like power bank, wall plug, computer, etc.
The device gives a strong connection for long-distance communication. It also comes with an emergency button and VOX hands-free experience.
The structure and design of the talkies are rugged and shockproof.
Another cool feature is that it comes with a built-in flashlight which will help you to navigate your way easily at night.
It’s simple and easy to use and you can start using it right out of the box without any installation.
Pros
- Shockproof and corrosion resistant
- Has a built-in flashlight for increased safety at night
- Hands-free experience
- Clear and distinct audio
Cons
- The communication range is only about 0.5 mile
Buying Guide of Best GMRS Base Station
We reviewed and talked about all the different kinds of best GMRS base station. But, which one should you buy? Which one is perfect for you?
Well, we can help you with that. We will narrow down the products and arrange them by different features. Judging by that, you can choose the best one for your needs.
Easy to install
If you are not experienced with GMRS radios, you might consider buying something quite easy to install.
Most of the products which we mentioned have a super easy installation process.
We recommend buying the Midland MicroMobile MXT275 or Midland MicroMobile MXT115.
The BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1 and AnyTone AT-779UV are good options as well.
If you don’t want any installation troubles, you can opt-out for Retevis RB26 or Retevis RT76P.
Fast charging
If you are always on the go, you would want a radio which gets charged in a flash.
Midland MicroMobile MXT275, Midland MicroMobile MXT115 GMRS radios support USB-C fast charging so they are good options.
Retevis RB26 or Retevis RT76P can also be charged with USB-C chargers and they also support other charging methods like power banks, laptops, computers, wall cables, etc.
Good communication range
Suppose you are not tight on budget and the only thing which you want is excellent network coverage.
BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1 gives you 50 watts of power and you can communicate with people who are as far as 44 miles.
Midland MicroMobile MXT400 is also ideal for long-distance communication with a transmission range of up to 30 miles.
But good things come for a price. The high-power GMRS radios will cost you a few more bucks.
You can also buy other cheap products and use w repeater to increase signal strength.
Affordable
If you don’t want to overspend on a GMRS base station and you are ok with a lesser communication range, you can go for an affordable one.
Retevis RT-9000D, Midland GXT1000VP4, Retevis RB26 give you a good connection along with a wide variety of channels at a very affordable price.
AnyTone AT-779UV is also another good option. We called BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1 affordable in our review section but took it in the good communication range section.
Why? Well, judging by the awesome features it has, it is cheap indeed.
Portable design
Going for one of the walkie-talkies will be the best choice if you are planning to carry the radio with you.
The portable ones generally have lesser power and communication range but you can take them to different places easily.
Retevis RB26, Retevis RT76P, or the Midland GXT1000VP4 are truly wireless and lightweight.
You can just put it into your backpack and take it out whenever you need it.
Yes, it’s that simple. The Midland MicroMobile MXT275 is also lightweight and easy to carry but it is not a walkie-talkie.
Hands-free experience
If you think that your hands will be busy while using the GMRS radio then you should go for a device that has a voice assistant.
All the Retevis products mentioned in our article are included with a voice assistant.
Retevis RB26, Retevis RT76P, Retevis-RT9000D have the best voice assistants and gives you a completely hands-free experience.
Midland GXT1000VP4 and AnyTone AT-779UV are good options if you are planning to install the radio in your car.
While driving, you can use the VOX feature and control the radio with your voice.
Audio quality
Let’s say you want to talk to someone quite close to you. Then, the GMRS radio must transmit and receive good quality sound, or else the conversation may not be up to the mark.
Midland products give good quality audio even at higher volumes.
We recommend going for the Midland MicroMobile MXT275 or the Midland MicroMobile MXT400 for best results.
However, Midland GMRS radios are not compatible with some other brands and often the audio gets distorted.
So, you can also go for the Retevis RT-9000D which gives crystal clear audio irrespective of brand.
Customization
If you are a pro with GMRS base stations, you will want to do some customizations to get the best setup.
Among our top pick products, AnyTone AT-779UV is the perfect one for customized radio fans.
It’s affordable as well ensuring that you don’t need to spend too much on the radio itself.
You can do some experiments with the Midland MicroMobile MXT275 or the Retevis RT-9000D.
Durability
Durability is a must for all types of GMRS radios and all the mentioned ones are built to last.
But some of them stand out from the crowd when it comes to durability. The most durable radio on our list is Retevis RB26.
It has a compact structure, good design, and finish along with being shockproof, vibration proof, and splash-proof.
The company’s engineering team worked hard just to make it long-lasting. Midland GXT1000VP4 is a waterproof unit.
So, it is also very durable. Midland MicroMobile MXT115 and MXT275 also deserve special mention.
Emergency alarm
If you are an adventure lover and often venture to places susceptible to dangers, an emergency alarm in our radio may come in handy.
The alarm will send a signal to nearby receivers and you can call them for help in case of emergency.
All the Retevis products come with an emergency alarm which you can activate anytime.
You can pick anyone from Retevis RB26 or Retevis RT76P or Retevis RT-9000D as per your convenience.
Overall we think Midland MicroMobile MXT275 is the best among our top picks.
It has got almost everything which you will seek in a GMRS radio.
But we are not telling you to buy that only. You should compare all the products and find the perfect one for yourself.
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed reading our article about the best GMRS base station.
We have tried our best to sort out the variety of products available in the market and we hope that this article will eliminate or reduce your confusion.
Another thing which you should keep in mind is that you’ll need a license to use these GMRS radios in the USA.
If you don’t have one, you can apply for a 10-year license for just 70$. That’s it for today. See you soon in another article. Till then, bye.