Best Long Range Walkie Talkies for 50 Miles? The Talkpod A36PLUS MAX C

In search-and-rescue operations, overland expeditions, or rural coordination, long range walkie talkies are more than gear—they’re a guarantee of connection. And while many products advertise “up to 50 miles,” the reality is more nuanced: distance depends on power, terrain, antenna, and user understanding.

That said, some radios deliver remarkable real-world reach—especially with the right setup. One of the most credible contenders in this category is the Talkpod A36PLUS MAX, a powerful 8-watt dual-band radio with an increasingly enthusiastic following among amateur operators, GMRS users, and communications enthusiasts alike.

Can Any Walkie Talkie Really Do 50 Miles?

The short answer: not under normal conditions.

“50-mile range” claims often rely on ideal laboratory scenarios—line of sight between two mountain peaks with no obstructions or atmospheric interference. In practice, 2–5 miles is common in cities, 5–15 miles in open rural terrain, and 20+ miles possible via repeaters, elevated antennas, or specialized conditions (e.g., open desert or water).

Yet the A36PLUS MAX distinguishes itself by performing well across all of these real-world cases—especially when paired with high-performance antennas and elevation.

“I like this A-36 Plus better than my Yaesu FT4XR... It performed well enough with the factory antenna, better with the FT4XR antenna, and even better with a tuned Smiley antenna.”

What Sets the A36PLUS MAX Apart

This radio isn’t just about raw power (though it offers 8 watts, far above the standard 2–5W). Its appeal lies in the way it integrates:

GMRS, Amateur, and LMR repeater compatibility
Wideband receiver from 29 MHz to 620 MHz, including Airband, VHF Low, and SWL (Shortwave Listening)
Factory Programming + Field Programmable (FPP) interface, including “Developer Mode” for custom frequency entry
Excellent battery life with a 3200mAh Type-C rechargeable pack
A simple, intuitive user interface, preferred by some over more established brands

“The FPP user interface is, to me, far easier to use than the FT4XR. The battery life is very good.”

Airband and SWL Reception—Unexpected Capabilities

One unexpected strength of the A36PLUS MAX is its receive sensitivity in bands typically outside the consumer walkie talkie range—such as civil aviation (118–133 MHz).

“I’ve never been interested in aviation traffic as the nearest airport is 40 nautical miles away. But this Talkpod hears traffic well.”

It also supports tuning into VHF low band (29–54 MHz) and shortwave segments, even if certain modes (like AM for CB) are not explicitly labeled. For listeners and hobbyists, this represents significant value, especially when compact multi-band receivers are increasingly rare.

Is It the Best Walkie Talkie for 50 Miles?

If you're expecting 50 miles direct, handheld-to-handheld—no, physics says no.

But if you're:

Using elevated positions or external antennas
Accessing GMRS or Amateur repeaters
Taking advantage of dual-band flexibility, and
Looking for a radio that can punch above its class when configured correctly...

...then the A36PLUS MAX is as close as a portable device gets to that 50-mile benchmark.

“I don’t have bench analysis tools—only how I can QSO across repeaters. It works. I’ll probably end up acquiring another.”

Conclusion: High Ambition, Solid Execution

The Talkpod A36PLUS MAX isn’t just a long-range radio—it’s an agile, high-power platform for users who understand what makes distance possible: power, positioning, and precision.

For those seeking the best long range walkie talkie not in theory, but in practiced application—and who want to explore the upper limits of what 50-mile claims can mean—it’s a standout choice.

Built for real use, favored by real operators.