What's the Difference between Analogue and Digital Two Way Radio?

Many customers ask when choosing a new two way radio –What is the difference between analogue and digital radios?

Analogue radio is the traditional type of two way radio, and digital radio is based on newer technology. We will discuss it in this blog to help you find out which one would be better for your needs.

Analogue vs Digital Two Way Radio: Frequency Licenses

Analogue radio is working in a communication mode that modulates voice and signals to the frequency of the carrier wave in a continuous wave mode. The digital radio digitizes the voice signal with a specific digital encode and a specific form of baseband modulation, and transmits it in the form of digital encoding. Because of the differences in the modulation technology, the frequency bandwidth and frequency licensing are also different. Please consult your local Radio Regulatory Commission or your local dealers for frequency licensing regulations before you buy the two radios.

Analogue vs Digital Two Way Radio: Sound Quality

Digital communication technology normally adopts digital sampling & noise suppressing technologies, compared with an analogue radio, the digital two way radio can achieve better audio clarity in a range of signal strength, and has excellent noise cancellation to eliminate unwanted background noise. But it might filter some detail of the sound signal, especially in weaker signals.

Analogue vs Digital Two Way Radio: Battery Life

Battery life is an important indicator for all mobile devices, once starts transmitting, digital radio is drastically more efficient. Digital radio provides up to 40% longer run times allowing radio users the ability to communicate the entire day.

Analogue vs Digital Two Way Radio: Budget

Analogue radio has simpler technology and basic features, making it more affordable, is a great pick for budget-conscious buyers. The cost of digital radio is considerably smaller than it used to be, however, they are still a bit more expensive than an analogue radio.

Overall, both analogue and digital two way radio offer great and instant communication solutions. Analogue radio is affordable and simple to use. While with the requirement of communication quality and spectrum resources, digital is slowly taking over the radio communication market. Digital radio can make better use of spectrum resources, improve voice clarity, improve data applications, and provide more interfaces and functions.