If you’ve been wondering about the difference between GMRS vs FRS radios, you’re not alone.
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio Service) are two types of radio frequencies used for personal and family communication.
Both types of radios are popular choices for two-way communication, and their gadgets look similar.
However, there are some essential diversities that you should be aware of before making your purchase.
GMRS radios are typically more powerful radios than FRS, meaning they have a longer range. Notably, FRS’s are limited to 2 watts of power, while GMRS radios can use up to 50 watts.
In addition, GMRS radios can use repeaters, which extend their range further. Before looking at their differences in detail, let’s see what FRS and GMRS are.
FRS Radio
FRS is an abbreviation for Family Radio Service. This is a two-way, private, short-distance audio and data communications service that helps in keeping family and group activities synchronized.
Generally, FRS channels are popular for short-range, two-way voice communications utilizing small handheld radios akin to walkie-talkies.
The FRS is a license-free service that uses narrow-band frequency modulation. Therefore, one doesn’t need a permit to use the facility.
Specifically, the family radio service uses channels between 462 and 267 MHz. The FRS utilizes a total of 14 channels. However, channels 1-7 are shared by GMRS and FRS radios.
All the same, channels 8-14 are exclusive to FRS systems.
GMRS Radio
GMRS stands for General Mobile Services. Actually, this is a licensed radio service that also operates on frequencies between 462 and 467 MHz.
Notably, this radio service is stronger and has a bigger range than FRS. Specifically, from channels 1-7, GMRS has a max limit of 5watts compared to 2 watts for FRS.
On channels 8-22, GMRS has an output power limit of 50 Watts. In addition, this radio service uses signal repeaters to reach further distances.
One significant difference between GMRS vs FRS is that in a family, one adult member must get a license that will allow them and the rest of the family to use the radio services legally.
Most folks use GMRS for short-distance communication, but FCC allows the use of antennas and repeaters to reach longer distances.
You can look at my earlier article on “what is GMRS radio?” for more details.
Difference Between FRS and GMRS
The FRS and GMRS radio services have so much in common. All the same, they also have some outstanding contrasts that you need to know before choosing one of them.
So, what are the differences between GMRS and FRS that put these two-ways radios apart?
1. Requirement of Individual License
One of the striking differences between GMRS vs FRS is their mode of licensing. As I mentioned earlier, FRS is a license-free service, while one needs a permit to use GMRS.
Notably, the permit, which is renewable every ten years, also covers immediate family members. However, the licensee must have attained 18 years of age and above.
You can look at FCC GMRS license application requirements and valuable details from my article on the same.
2. Output Power
The other notable difference between the two radio systems is their max power output. For the FRS services, the maximum power output is 2 watts.
However, on channels 1 to 7, FCC permits GMRS to use a max of 5 watts. In addition, 50 watt GMRS radio is permitted to uso on channels 15-22.
Notably, the difference in wattage leaves the GMRS as the more powerful of the two.
3. GMRS vs FRS Range
The range of GMRS radios is typically greater than that of FRS radios due to the use of higher power (up to 50 watts) and external antennas that are allowed on GMRS radios.
However, the actual range will depend on factors such as terrain, obstacles, and weather conditions.
In general, a GMRS radio can have a range of several miles, while an FRS radio may only have a range of a few miles.
4. Frequencies And Repeater Capability
Although the two radio services utilize the same 22 designated channels, the GMRS has 8 extra repeater channels bringing the total to 30.
On the contrary, FRS systems do not have repeater channels and are not allowed to transmit on these frequencies. Notably, GMRS systems do not transmit, but they can receive channels 8 to 14, reserved for FRS radio.
5. Type Of Phone
The FRS radios can only use portable handheld gadgets. However, GMRS systems are also available as a base station or mobile GMRS radio.
Also, the FRS radios should only use attached antennas, while GMRS can utilize detachable and external antennas.
Final Take
GMRS and FRS are both great options for short-range communication. All the same, GMRS requires a license to operate, while FRS does not.
Then, GMRS also has more channels and a higher power output, which means it can cover greater distances. However, both GMRS and FRS are excellent choices for short-range communication, so it depends on your specific needs.
Hi, This Alex Yeager. I have been working with radio communication for last 5 years and very much experienced with different accessories of radio communication system.
Now I am writing and sharing my knowledge through this website based on my own experience. I specifically love to research in-depth on latest radio technology and guide to help beginners or non-professional to select the perfect radios, antennas, microphone as well as other related accessories according their needs.