MURS or “Multi-Use Radio Service is a license-free group of 5 channels which are located in the VHF range of the radio spectrum and are for both personal and business use. Below is a list of MURS radio frequencies authorized in the US.
Channels 1–3 must be used with “narrowband” FM – (2.5 kHz deviation; 11.25 kHz bandwidth). Channels 4 and 5 may use either “wideband” FM – (5 kHz deviation; 20 kHz bandwidth) or “narrowband” FM. Source: FCC
MURS channels 4-5 are shared with some business band radios who are grandfathered in on these frequencies. Commercial radio manufacturers use a “color dot system” to identify different radio channels, hence the “Blue Dot” and “Green Dot” channels. CTCSS and DCS “privacy tones or codes” (which don’t actually provide privacy) are allowed on MURS.
MURS vs. FRS
MURS radio power is limited to 2 watts and external antennas are allowed, without any restriction on gain. Handheld MURS radios have similar range to 2-watt FRS radios operating on channels 1-7 and 15-22. When an external antenna is used, mobile users may experience range of up to 10 miles or more. Before switching over to GMRS, we used MURS for keeping in touch between vehicles off-road. The longest range we’ve experienced using MURS was about 12 miles, from mobile to mobile, with both mobiles using 5/8 wave antennas. MURS range depends on many variables however, and you may experience more or less range with a similar setup.
Advantages of MURS Over FRS
- MURS units are not widely used or sold as “toys”, therefore channels may be less crowded.
- MURS radios are allowed to use external antennas – while FRS radios are not.
- VHF is known to provide better coverage in rural areas.
Since there are currently no MURS radios being sold at discount stores such as Wal-Mart, you may find these channels seldom used. You may find that you don’t need to set up “privacy tones” to mute your squelch when using them in the great outdoors.
FRS Advantages Over MURS
- FRS radios are inexpensive and widely available.
- FRS radios are interoperable with GMRS.
- More Channels. Handheld FRS units may have up to 22 channels.
- FRS works better in urban environments.
Note: Antenna Size Matters When Comparing MURS vs. FRS
When comparing handheld radios, antenna size does matter. MURS radios utilize VHF, requiring a longer antenna than what FRS radios use (UHF). So, if you have a FRS radio next to a MURS one and have the same length of antenna on each, chances are, the MURS antenna has been made “artificially longer” by using internal coils – which has the effect of reducing the antenna’s overall gain factor.
Since you’re allowed to swap antennas on MURS units, some users upgrade the short stock antenna to a 1/4 wave Nagoya model for better performance. A true range test of FRS vs. MURS would have to use the same power output and antennas with a similar dB gain factor for meaningful results.
MURS vs. GMRS
Since GMRS radios require an FCC license and may not be used for commercial purposes, MURS scores a big win here in terms of versatility. Many people don’t want the hassle of getting an FCC GMRS license, even though they cost just $35 for a 10 year term. When used at full 50 watts of power on channels 15-22, GMRS radios can have a mobile to mobile range of up to 30 miles under ideal conditions. MURS radios can’t match that, nor are they able to utilize repeaters for extending range, which some GMRS radios are capable of.
Advantages of MURS Over GMRS
- MURS channels may be less crowded.
- No interference from FRS radios – which now share all the same channels as GMRS.
- MURS doesn’t require a license.
- MURS radios may be used for business or recreation.
GMRS Advantages Over MURS
- GMRS radios may use up to 50 watts of power – offsetting range advantage MURS VHF radios may have in rural settings.
- May use repeaters for coverage of large areas.
- More Channels. GMRS mobiles may have up to 15 channels.
- More models and accessories available than MURS.
- Interoperable with FRS radios.
MURS vs. CB Radios
CB or citizens band is an old technology that’s poorly suited for short range communications – except under ideal conditions. CB radios use the 11 meter shortwave band and thus are open to interference from distant stations. During the peak of the sunspot cycle, it may be impossible to talk to another radio just a mile a way, because of the noise level.
MURS signals – using VHF – aren’t reflected by the same atmospheric layers as CB, so you won’t get “skip” interference. With 2 watts vs. CB’s 4 watts of output, there’s a slight advantage in terms of power, yet MURS antennas offer more dB gain for the same length, so you may actually see higher ERP (effective radiated power) from a MURS radio than from CB – and better range.
Who Makes MURS Radios?
Any radio that’s allowed by the FCC to be used on the Multi-Use Radio Service must be Part 95 certified. There are currently only a handful of MURS radios for sale that are Part 95 compliant. They include the relatively new BTECH MURS-V1, Radioddity MU-5, Motorola RMM2050, Tera TR-505, and the Dakota Alert M538-HT.
Look for more models that meet FCC Part 95 specs to be coming out in the next few years as interest in this license free radio service grows. Note that use of modified ham radios for MURS is illegal and can result in heavy fines.
How Do I Connect a MURS Radio to an External Antenna?
External antennas can greatly increase MURS radio range. Many handheld MURS walkie talkies, including the Radioddity MU-5 can use a UHF to SMA male connector, like the one seen below, to connect to a 5/8 wave high gain VHF antenna. A good VHF antenna, like the Tram 1154 – with 3dB gain, can provide a noticeable improvement in performance.
Note: Antennas like the Tram 1154 must be tuned to match your radio. Poor performance or even damage can result if you neglect this step. See our post Easy Way to Tune a Mobile Antenna For Best SWR for more on how to do this.
The Bottom Line on MURS
In a MURS vs. FRS range comparison – in a rural environment using similar gain antennas – MURS radios may perform better, since VHF has a slight advantage in terms of outdoor range. In urban environments, FRS radios using UHF frequencies may actually work better, as radio waves in this part of the spectrum are better at bouncing off buildings and going through narrow spaces. If you connect a MURS radio to a high gain 5/8 wave antenna however, it will most likely offer longer range in either an urban or rural environment.
For back-country recreational use, MURS seems to work better than FRS, especially when hooked up to a high gain mobile antenna. Best of all, MURS channels are still under utilized, so you’re less likely to have interference from other users.
Is a MURS radio right for you? If you want an inexpensive, license-free radio that you can put a high-gain external antenna on and get up to 10 miles or more of range, it’s hard to beat MURS for off-road recreation. Or, if you don’t mind getting a test-free GMRS license for $35, you can get a more range and flexibility from GMRS. See our article “How to Get a GMRS License“ for more info.
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