Which Radio should I buy?
Which Radio Should I Buy?
Choosing the right 4G radio depends entirely on how and where you plan to use it. Here is a breakdown of the best choices for each scenario:
| Buying Criteria | Recommended Choice | Key Feature / Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | Entry-Level | Basic hardware with lowest cost per unit. No Band 20. |
| Best for Rural Areas | Band 20 (800 MHz) Capable 4G Radio | Uses low-frequency signals that travel long distances and penetrate thick obstacles. |
| Zello | Android-Based 4G PoC Handset | Supports full Android app installation, allowing native Zello integration with physical PTT buttons. Best for Zello lovers. |
| Motorcyclists | Bluetooth-Enabled Handset / Earpiece Combo | Pairs with helmet headsets or handlebar-mounted Bluetooth PTT buttons for hands-free use. |
| Travelling | Multi-Network Data / Global Roaming SIM Radio | Connects automatically across European or global cellular networks and fallback Wi-Fi. |
| 4G + VHF/UHF | Hybrid Dual-Mode Radio (e.g., Radioworx RX-889) | Combines 4G cellular data range with localized RF channels when outside cell coverage. |
| Vehicle Use | Fixed Mobile 4G Dash Radio | Direct vehicle power wiring, external glass-mounted LTE antennas, and heavy-duty palm mics. |
Cheapest
The Pick: 4G PoC Radio (e.g., entry-level units with free-for-life platform access).
However—they may lack Band 20, but still work well in urban areas with good 4G.
Combined with low-cost multi-network data SIMs, they deliver full push-to-talk performance without any platform subscription fees.
Best for Rural Areas
The Pick: Any 4G PoC radio featuring LTE Band 20 (800 MHz) support.
Why: In rural or mountainous areas where high-frequency signals drop, Band 20's 800 MHz spectrum reaches significantly further from cellular towers and bends around natural terrain.
Zello
The Pick: Open Android 4G Smart-Radio. Either hand-held or Mobile, depending on choice.
Why: Standard radios run closed proprietary firmware. An Android-powered device Has Zello downloaded on the devices with android 8.1.
Motorcyclists
The Pick: Compact 4G Radio with Bluetooth 4.0/5.0 and wireless PTT pairing.
Why: Allows seamless pairing with intercom helmet headsets (like Sena or Cardo) and external wireless handlebar PTT buttons, keeping your hands on the controls while riding.
Travelling
The Pick: Any Band 20 Device. PoC Radio with Dual-SIM or Wi-Fi support if available or necessary.
Why: Operates seamlessly across borders on international roaming SIM profiles. If cell coverage is unavailable abroad, the unit can automatically route voice calls over hotel or local Wi-Fi networks if you can access the wi-fi password. Band 20 radios are essential in remote European locations.
4G + VHF/UHF
The Pick: Hybrid Dual-Mode Radio (e.g., Radioworx RX-889 or any others available on the site).
Why: Serves as an ultimate backup radio. It uses 4G data for long-distance fleet calls, but includes a built-in 5W-10W analogue VHF/UHF transceiver to switch over to direct radio-to-radio channels in remote dead zones.
Vehicle Use
The Pick: Dedicated 4G Mobile Vehicle Radio (e.g., dash-mounted mobile PoC unit).
Why: Powered directly by the vehicle’s 12V battery (no dying handheld batteries). Uses an external roof- or glass-mounted LTE antenna for improved signal pickup, alongside high-output speakers and a wired palm microphone.
