No license, limited range
FRS (Family Radio Service) radios require no license and are available at any electronics store. They are limited to 2 watts of power with fixed antennas, giving a practical range of about half a mile to 2 miles depending on terrain.
FRS is the simplest entry point for family communications. Buy a pair, assign a channel, and practice using them. Their limitation is range: in hilly terrain or dense buildings, signal drops quickly.
Licensed, longer range
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) requires an FCC license ($35, no exam, valid 10 years, covers the whole family). In return, GMRS allows up to 50 watts, removable antennas, and repeater access, extending range to 5-25 miles or more.
A GMRS license is the single best communications upgrade for a household that wants reliable radio contact beyond walking distance. Many communities have GMRS repeaters that extend range dramatically.
Start with FRS, upgrade to GMRS
Many radios sold today are dual FRS/GMRS, capable of both services. Start by using FRS channels (no license needed) and upgrade to GMRS when you are ready for the license. The same hardware often works for both.
- FRS: no license, 2 watts, half-mile to 2-mile range
- GMRS: $35 FCC license, up to 50 watts, 5-25 mile range
- License covers the whole family for 10 years, no exam
- Many radios are dual FRS/GMRS capable
- GMRS repeater access dramatically extends range
- GMRS — FCC GMRS licensing and rules.