For example, if you and a friend are using handheld transceivers (HTs) with a typical output power of 5 watts, you can expect your range to be about 5 miles maximum . If you’re using a repeater, however, you should be able to talk much farther.
Read moreHow far can a 5 watt radio go?
5 W will provide maximum achievable range in most conditions. That is because “maximum achievable range” is the horizon, which on average handheld-to-handheld is around 2 miles .24 Kas 2012
Read moreHOW FAR CAN 2 watts transmit?
So, a 2-watt walkie-talkie might broadcast within a range of 1.5 miles ; 3 watts = 2 miles; 4 watts = 2.5 miles; 5 watts = 3 miles; and so on. Actual distances may vary widely based on weather, UHF vs. VHF, etc. But these are good, general rules of thumb to go by when shopping for a new radio system.
Read more