A Realistic Breakdown for Preppers, Homesteaders, and Off-Grid Users

You’ve probably seen radio packaging makes claims such as: “Up to 36 miles of range!” This sounds like some great range, until you test it in the real world and can’t get more than a few blocks without static. Now this can be detrimental to someone who is using a radio for their everyday life, or someone who wants something reliable for prepping or other ventures. So, how far can radios really talk?

The truth is: radio range depends on a lot more than just the radio itself. In this guide, our team at Ready Radio is going to break down what actually affects radio range, how to get the most out of your gear, and what’s realistic for handhelds, mobiles, and base stations — whether you're in the woods, on the road, or off-grid entirely.

What Determines Radio Range?

More money does not equal more range on your radio. Range unfortunately isn’t just about wattage or the price tag. These 5 factors have a much bigger impact:

1. Line of Sight

Radio waves in the VHF and UHF range travel in straight lines. If there’s a hill, building, or thick forest in the way? Your signal drops off fast.

2. Antenna Quality & Height

The most overlooked factor of a radio is the antenna. A cheap handheld with a good antenna placed high up can often outperform a powerful radio on the ground.

3. Terrain & Environment

• Open fields or flat desert? Great range.
• Dense woods, canyons, or buildings? Massive signal loss.
• Wet foliage or heavy rain? Can reduce performance even more.

4. Frequency Band

• VHF travels farther in open areas
• UHF penetrates buildings better but doesn’t travel as far in open terrain

5. Radio Type & Power

Yes, wattage matters — but going from 5 watts to 50 doesn’t always mean 10x more range. Without line of sight or a good antenna, extra power just means more interference.

Real-World Range Examples

What About the “36 Mile Range” Claim?

So can radios actually reach 36 miles when they claim? Well, yes but you have to take into consideration that those are marketing numbers, based on:

• Perfect line of sight from mountain top to mountain top
• No interference
• High-end antennas
• Lab conditions, not reality

In the real world, expect 10–20% of the claimed range — or less in cities or wooded terrain, as trees and buildings can heavily interfere with communications.

How to Increase Your Radio's Range (Without Buying a New One)

Now, there are plenty of ways to increase the range on your radio without buying an entirely new unit.

1. Upgrade Your Antenna

This is the cheapest, highest ROI change you can make. A longer, tuned antenna can easily double or triple your range over a stock “rubber duck.”

2. Get Higher

Elevate yourself and your antenna. Even a 10-foot elevation change can dramatically improve signal quality.

3. Use a Repeater

If you have access to a GMRS or HAM repeater, use it. It turns local signals into regional communication tools — instantly.

4. Switch Bands

Try UHF in urban areas (more penetration) and VHF in wide open terrain (more distance).

5. Clear the Path

Avoid transmitting indoors if possible. Walls and windows absorb signal. Step outside or near a window for better performance.

Use Case Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Final Thoughts on Radio Range

So, how far can radios really reach with clear communication?

It depends on your terrain, antenna, frequency, and elevation. But with the right setup and expectations, you can build a comms plan that works exactly when and where you need it. The perfect radio can go right in your get-home bag, and make for a life-saving device.

Don’t buy into the hype. Build for real-world results — and test your setup often.

Be sure to check out Ready Radio on Instagram!