I got a pair for Christmas and I think they work OK. I have an oldpair of the Motorola Talkabout Distance which were 5 mile radios. They had an effective range of 1 to2 miles under most circumstances. They were large and I didn't have an ear bud for them. The new ones have a better range, are smallerand are 4 watts I believe so they should be better and they have an ear bud and mike for those who want them. I haven't tested them for range yet but I will try it out and let you know.