Unless you are a security guard at a supermarket or a construction superintendent, you are unlikely to use a walkie-talkie. But the idea of remote voice chat with loved ones or a group is still attractive enough. Walkie-talkie apps work over Wi-Fi or mobile internet. They use very little traffic due to the high quality audio compression. As a result, they can work even on 2G networks..
Using the walkie-talkie application is faster and more convenient than making a phone call. You can always stay in touch with your friends. If you made a phone call, you would have to interrupt the connection many times and then call again. Many applications for Android and iPhone have the necessary functionality. Let's see what they are.
Zello
Zello is the best walkie talkie you can find for Android and iPhone. Zello offers high quality audio and full support for Bluetooth wireless headsets. You can communicate through public and private channels, the number of interlocutors can simultaneously reach up to 2500 people. The app runs in the background, so you won't miss an incoming call..
But that's not all! Zello also includes text messaging and support for Apple Watch and Android Wear smartwatches. The application uses data from phone contacts, which makes it easier for users to find. To communicate, the interlocutor must also have Zello installed. Contacts can be shared by QR code.
Zello's popularity skyrocketed in the United States in 2017, when several devastating hurricanes hit the country. Despite the widespread fake messages from users at that time, the application will not make your phone a full-fledged radio station. To work, he needs a network connection, even if it is a low-speed connection using 2G technology
Available for Android and iPhone ..
Two way
Two Way couldn't be simpler than it is. Just launch the application, choose any channel and start chatting. There are no subscriptions, logins, passwords, even settings.
But there is no privacy either. All channels are open and public. If you choose a channel that someone is already using, you can not only hear the dialogues of users, but, if you want, take part in the conversation. However, this scenario is rather unlikely, since there are a lot of channels, millions. Avoid channel numbers like 000000 to reduce the likelihood of getting on a frequency used by someone.
For your friends to be able to participate in the conversation, you must share the channel number with them. The app must be running to hear incoming calls. It doesn't work in the background. Nothing superfluous, nothing complicated. In terms of simplicity and minimalism, there is very little that this app can match.
Available for Android and iPhone .
Voxer Messenger
Voxer is a full featured messaging application with radio station functionality. One of the most perfect. It has almost everything you can expect from a messenger, including the ability to create group chats with friends and private conversations over an encrypted channel.
Communication is very easy. Hold the talk button if you want to say something, and release it to hear someone answer you. If the interlocutor is offline, you can leave a voice or text message for him. You can also share files and photos with just one click on the corresponding button.
It is more convenient to work with Voxer if you give the application access to contacts. Before starting work, you will have to create an account and add a phone number to the profile.
Available for Android and iPhone .
Walkie-talkie
Nothing is easier for a full duplex radio than Walkie-talkie. It features great design and ease of use. Works under Android, iOS, via the Web using any browser. Tune the gadgets of all users taking part in the conversation to the same frequency, press the button and go!
No need to create and configure a profile, no licenses or permissions required. One has only to take into account the lack of secure channels - if anyone accidentally gets on your frequency, they will be able to listen to the entire conversation.
Available for Android and iPhone .
ODT Audio
As this app was developed primarily for outdoor sports enthusiasts, it is compatible with Outdoor Tech's Wireless Headset Chips 2.0. But the scope of use of ODT Audio is much wider, it will suit everyone.
To get started, you need to create a profile, but it's easy to do. Then the user needs to create a group and add their friends to it as members. The entire contact list is not added - each person must be found by name or email address and added manually.
The ability to group friends into separate groups makes it easy to use ODT Audio to work on projects and organize events. The user sees who is online now. Good sound quality. There are no other additional functions. In particular, you cannot exchange text messages and files. But the program takes up little memory space and is easy to use.
Available for Android and iPhone .
Modulo
If you've worked with the popular Slack messenger before, you'll quickly master Modulo. It works on the same principles. You create a team, and your friends or colleagues can join it. Then the channels are configured to be used in the group.
The setup process is much more complicated than the other apps we've reviewed. But the result is worth it: you get a safe communication area that only your team can use.
Once logged in, you can chat in real time or leave voice messages for users who are currently offline. Supports text messaging and file exchange with other team members. If you're looking for a business voice app, think you've found it already.
Available for Android and iPhone .
Intercom
If you are looking for a walkie-talkie for use with a wireless headset, then check out Intercom. An excellent choice for communicating with people in a short distance from you: in a school, shopping center or office building. Works without an Internet connection, using the phone's wireless technologies (including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) to communicate with other users.
There is nothing special about Intercom, but this is precisely its appeal. You don't need to register and worry about access permissions. The app simply connects you with people nearby.
Available for Android and iPhone .