Unless you're a security guard at a supermarket or a construction site foreman, you're unlikely to use a walkie-talkie. But the idea of remote voice chat with loved ones or a group is still quite appealing. Walkie-talkie apps work over Wi-Fi or mobile data. They use very little traffic due to high-quality audio compression. As a result, they can even work on 2G networks.
Using a walkie-talkie app is faster and more convenient than calling on the phone. You can always stay in touch with your friends. In the case of a phone call, you would have to repeatedly interrupt the connection 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 sound and full support for wireless Bluetooth headsets. You can communicate via public and private channels, the number of interlocutors can reach up to 2500 people at a time. The application works in the background, so you will not miss an incoming call.
But that's not all! Zello also includes a text messaging service and support for Apple Watch and Android Wear smartwatches. The app uses data from your phone's contacts, making it easy to find users. To communicate, the other person must also have Zello installed. Contacts can be shared via QR code.
Zello saw a surge in popularity in the United States in 2017, when the country was hit by several devastating hurricanes. Despite the fake user reports that circulated at the time, the app won’t turn your phone into a full-fledged radio station. It requires a network connection to work, even if it’s a low-speed 2G connection.
Available for Android And iPhone.
Two Way
Two Way couldn't be simpler than it is. Just launch the app, choose any channel and start chatting. There are no subscriptions, logins, passwords, or 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 will be able to not only hear the users' dialogues, but also, if you want, take part in the conversation. However, this scenario is quite unlikely, since there are so many channels, millions. To reduce the likelihood of getting on a frequency that someone is already using, avoid channel numbers like 000000.
In order for your friends to join the conversation, you must share the channel number with them. The app must be running to hear incoming calls. It does not work in the background. Nothing extra, nothing complicated. In terms of simplicity and minimalism, few apps can compare with this one.
Available for Android And iPhone.
Voxer Messenger
Voxer is a full-featured messaging app with radio functionality. One of the most advanced. It has almost everything you could expect from a messenger, including the ability to create group chats with friends and have private conversations over an encrypted channel.
Communicating is very simple. Hold down the talk button if you want to say something, and release it to hear what is being said back. If the other person is offline, you can leave a voice or text message for them. Sharing files and photos is also as easy as pressing the corresponding button.
Voxer is easier to use if you give the app access to your contacts. Before you start working, you will need to create an account and add a phone number to your profile.
Available for Android And iPhone.
Walkie-talkie
There is nothing simpler for duplex radio communication than Walkie-talkie. It has an excellent design and is easy to use. It works under Android, iOS, via the Web using any browser. Set the gadgets of all users participating in the conversation to the same frequency, press the button and go!
You don't need to create and configure a profile, you don't need any licenses or permissions. Just keep in mind that there are no secure channels - anyone who accidentally gets on your frequency will be able to listen to the entire conversation.
Available for Android And iPhone.
Intercom
If you're looking for a walkie-talkie to use with a wireless headset, check out Intercom. It's a great choice for communicating with people a short distance away, like in a school, shopping mall, or office building. It works without an internet connection, using your phone's wireless technology (including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) to communicate with others.
There's nothing special about Intercom, but that's what makes it so appealing. You don't have to sign up or worry about permissions. The app simply connects you with people nearby.