In an era of instant messaging and satellite pings, good old radio is making a high-powered return.
The tools we trust say a lot about the times we live in. While smartphones dominate modern communication, they still have one critical weakness: they depend on infrastructure. In moments of disconnect—be it off-grid hiking, severe weather, or managing a team on a sprawling job site—2-way radios fill the gap with remarkable reliability.
And when distance matters, not just convenience, long-range performance becomes the line between signal and silence.
That’s where the Talkpod A36PLUS MAX enters the conversation.
Built to Go the Distance
Unlike the walkie-talkies found in toy aisles or box stores, the A36PLUS MAX is engineered for real users: emergency responders, amateur radio operators, logistics crews, and yes, ordinary people who simply want to stay in touch when cell towers drop off the map.
With 8 watts of transmission power, dual-band coverage (VHF/UHF), and 999 programmable channels, it’s one of the most feature-rich long-range 2-way radios available under $100.
“I like this A-36 Plus better than my Yaesu FT4XR,” wrote one experienced HAM operator in an Amazon review.
“It performs well on GMRS and Amateur repeaters. Battery life is solid, and it just works.”
How Far Can It Go?
The honest answer: it depends.
The 50-mile range you’ll see on some boxes? That’s lab talk—mountaintop to mountaintop, no trees, no buildings. In the real world, users are reporting 2 to 5 miles in urban conditions, and 10+ miles in open terrain—more if repeaters are involved.
The A36PLUS MAX earns praise for holding a clear signal across long distances, especially when paired with its included 771 high-gain antenna.
“I reached 2.64km in a city environment—buildings and all,” said another reviewer.
“This radio did better than most I’ve tried.”
Features That Actually Matter
The A36PLUS MAX isn’t flashy—but it is functional:
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Three antennas included, from compact to long-range
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3200mAh USB-C rechargeable battery for full-day use
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Loud, crisp audio output, even in noisy conditions
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Color screen with intuitive menus
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Field Programmable (FPP) mode, for advanced users who like control
It even picks up civil aviation traffic and shortwave frequencies, something few radios in its category can do. In "developer mode," users have unlocked tuning across 29 MHz to 620 MHz.
Not Just for Emergencies
While many radios market themselves for disasters, the A36PLUS MAX has found a home in more routine roles: outdoor guides, event staff, off-road groups, and backyard HAM enthusiasts. It works well out of the box but gives tinkerers room to customize.
And with Talkpod's growing presence in North America, it’s gaining traction in a market once dominated by legacy brands.
The Verdict
Is the Talkpod A36PLUS MAX the best long-range 2-way radio for most people in 2025? For under $100, with real-world performance and uncommon versatility, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
It’s not just a backup—it’s a frontline tool.
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