Unless you're a security guard or the foreman on a construction site, you probably haven't used a walkie talkie since you were a kid. Yet the idea of instant voice chat with individuals or groups is still pretty compelling.

There are heaps of free Android and iPhone walkie talkie apps that give you a fun chatting experience. Let's take a look at them.

Why Use a Walkie Talkie App?

Walkie talkie apps work like the real devices. You listen to all the activity on your chosen channel, then hit the big Speak button when it's your turn to talk.

Walkie talkie apps require Wi-Fi or data connections. However, due to the heavily compressed audio, they use very little data. As a result, they can even work on an ancient 2G connection, should you find yourself with slow internet speeds on your phone.

Here's our guide to the best two-way walkie talkie apps for Android and iPhone.

1. Zello PTT Walkie Talkie

Zello is the best walkie talkie app you can get. Before you can get started, you're required to set up an account, but that's a super easy process.

This is a comprehensive messaging app with the walkie talkie feature at its heart. It offers high-quality audio and full support for your Bluetooth headset. You can chat over public or private channels, with up to 2,500 users at a time. The app runs quietly in the background, so you'll never miss an incoming call.

Related: How to Use the Walkie-Talkie on Apple Watch

But there's more. The app offers a text messaging service and support for Apple Watch and Android Wear smartwatches. It also integrates with your phone's contacts, so you can speak to anyone who also has the app installed. If you prefer, you can also share your Zello contact info via the built-in QR code feature.

The Zello walkie talkie app first gained popularity in the US during the 2017 hurricane season. Despite some reports at the time, the app doesn't turn your phone into a fully functioning walkie talkie. It still needs some kind of data connection to work, although that can be something as slow as a 2G connection.

Download: Zello for Android | iOS (Free)

2. Two Way: Walkie Talkie

Two Way: Walkie Talkie could not be any simpler. Just open it up, dial into a random channel, and start talking. There's no signup, no usernames or passwords, and no configuration.

There's also no privacy. All channels are public, so if you happen to pick one that someone else is already using, you'll be able to hear their conversation and even join in, if you want. With a million channels to choose from, it's an unlikely scenario. Just make sure you steer clear of the obvious channel numbers, like 000000.

You need to share your chosen channel number with your friends so they can dial in. Also, you must keep the app running to hear their calls. For a no-frills, no-fuss service, this is hard to beat.

Download: Two Way: Walkie Talkie for Android | iOS (Free)

3. Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger

A full-blown messaging app built around walkie talkie functionality, Voxer is one of the most polished offerings of its type. It has most of what you'd expect in any messaging app, including the ability to create group chats with friends and have private, encrypted conversations.

Related: The Best Group Chat Apps for Android

The chat part is easy. Just hold down the walkie talkie button while you speak, then release it to hear what others have to say. If anyone's offline, you can leave voice or text messages. You can also share files and photos at the touch of a button.

Voxer works best if you give it access to your contacts. You have to create an account to use it, which includes adding your phone number.

Download: Voxer for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. Walkie-talkie

Two-way radio apps don't come any easier than Walkie-talkie. It's simple to use and looks great too. The app works across Android, iOS, and in any desktop web browser. Just tune your devices to the same frequency, push the button, and you're ready to talk.

You don't have to set up an account, and the app doesn't require any special permissions. The only point to keep in mind is that your chosen channel is not private, so if anyone else happens to tune to the same frequency, they'll be able to listen in on your conversation.

Download: Walkie-talkie for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

5. Walkie Talkie

The Walkie Talkie app for Android is incredibly intuitive and doesn't require you to create an account before use. When you first open the app, you'll see the Welcome channel. You can select the power symbol to connect to that channel or use the arrows to browse different channels.

Related: The Best Walkie Talkies for Kids

You can see how many people are currently on a channel and connect in for a while to hear what they're talking about. When you're connected, you can press the talk button if you want to say something and release it when you're done, just like a physical walkie talkie.

And if you want to create a secret channel that only people you invite can join, Walkie Talkie lets you do that too. You can create a custom passcode and share it with your friends by copying the link or sharing it via any platform you like.

Download: Walkie Talkie for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

6. Modulo PTT Walkie Talkie

If you've ever used Slack, the popular messaging app for work teams, you'll be able to learn the ropes with Modulo quite quickly. It works along similar lines.

To start, you create a team, and your friends or colleagues can sign up and join the team individually. You'll then set up channels within the team to keep everyone organized.

It makes the setup process a lot more complicated than some of the other apps we've looked at. But the result is that you get a private and secure area to chat, reserved solely for your team.

Once you're all logged in, you can chat in real time or leave voice messages that anyone who's offline at the time can pick up later. There's also support for text messaging, including the ability to share files with other team members.

If you're looking for a voice app for business, this is the one to choose.

Download: Modulo PTT Walkie Talkie for Android | iOS (Free)

7. Intercom

If you're looking for a Bluetooth walkie talkie app, Intercom is worth a try. It's great for communicating with people nearby, like in a school, shopping mall, or office building. It works without an internet connection by using your phone's wireless technologies (including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) to transmit to other users.

There's not much to it, but that's part of the appeal of Intercom. It's the ultimate pick-up-and-play app. You don't need to register or worry about granting important permissions. It simply connects you to whoever else is nearby. And it works across platforms, too.

Download: Intercom for Android (Free, in-app purchases available) | iOS ($2)

Enjoy the Best Walkie Talkie Apps

Walkie talkie apps are much quicker and more convenient than having to make normal voice or data calls, and they can be a lot cheaper, too. Just by leaving the app running, you can always speak to your friends or colleagues, without needing to leave a call connected for minutes or even hours.

A good walkie talkie app is an essential addition to any phone's messaging tools. But if you'd rather have a real device, we've got you covered with our guide to the best physical walkie talkies.