Start with the people you want to talk to. Their service, channels, and operating modes matter more than the wattage on a box. Once those match, choose equipment that fits where you will use it.
These are U.S. personal radio services. CB here means the CB Radio Service (CBRS) on 27 MHz.
| Service | Who it connects you with | Authorization |
|---|---|---|
| GMRSUHF · 462/467 MHz | A group already using GMRS, with handheld, vehicle, home, or repeater operation. | Individual GMRS license; eligible family members may operate under it. |
| FRSUHF · 462/467 MHz | A group wanting simple radios with integral antennas; shared channels allow voice contact with compatible GMRS radios. | No individual license application; operation is authorized by rule. |
| CB (CBRS)HF · 27 MHz | Contacts using CB. Match the channel and AM, FM, or SSB mode supported by both radios. | No individual license application; operation is authorized by rule. |
| MURSVHF · 151/154 MHz | A group using the five MURS channels, with equipment authorized for MURS. Repeaters are prohibited. | No individual license application; operation is authorized by rule. |
Sources: the service rules linked above and §95.305, authorization to operate. License-by-rule services still have equipment and operating requirements.
FRS and GMRS share 22 channel frequencies, but an FRS radio cannot transmit on GMRS repeater inputs. CB and MURS use different bands. Match the channel, voice mode, and any receive tone settings; a “privacy code” does not create a private channel. Buying a GMRS radio and selecting low power does not turn it into an FRS radio.
Each format below is described from manufacturer and FCC information; check the exact model before buying.
A radio, battery, and antenna carried together. Available for GMRS, FRS, CB, and MURS, but the size, controls, antenna options, and supported modes depend on the service and model.
A vehicle installation adds mounting, power wiring, and usually an outside antenna. GMRS and CB have familiar vehicle-radio options. MURS remains limited to 2 W transmitter output; using FRS in a vehicle does not permit an external antenna modification.
A home setup may use a handheld or an appropriate radio with a DC supply and outdoor antenna. The equipment and service determine the power and antenna limits; putting a radio on a desk does not increase them.
Compare the total cost: radio, batteries or supply, antenna where permitted, mounts, cable, and installation. A radio-only price can hide much of the cost of a vehicle or home station.
A frequency range in a listing is not an equipment authorization.
For a new purchase, check the model, U.S. version, FCC ID, and grant for the intended service: FRS (Part 95B), CB (Part 95D), GMRS (Part 95E), or MURS (Part 95J). An FCC ID alone is not enough; read what the grant authorizes. A brand may sell several unrelated radio types.
§95.335 requires equipment certification for the service, subject to applicable exceptions. Older grants and grandfathered equipment require their own checks; a generic programmable business or amateur radio is not automatically suitable for MURS or GMRS. Do not use firmware unlocking as a substitute for authorization.
A low-cost handheld sold for amateur radio can cover GMRS frequencies without being authorized for GMRS. A GMRS transmitter must be FCC-certified for the service (47 CFR §95.1761), so check the authorization before comparing features.
See an example GMRS station