GME vs Uniden: which two-way radio brand is better?

They're the two names you'll see again and again on Australian shelves — and both make genuinely good UHF CB radios. So which should you buy? The honest answer is "it depends", but here's exactly how they differ and which one fits you.

Published 22 Jan 2026·~8 min read·No paid placements
How we compare. This is general information and our independent editorial view — we're not paid or sponsored by either brand. Both GME and Uniden make 80-channel, licence-free Australian UHF CB radios capped at 5 W. Model line-ups and prices change often; confirm current specs and pricing with the retailer.

On this page

  1. The two brands
  2. Where GME wins
  3. Where Uniden wins
  4. Model comparison table
  5. The verdict

A quick look at both brands

GME is an Australian company that has designed and built communications gear here for decades. UHF CB is its home turf, and the brand has a strong reputation for rugged, premium radios, local engineering and after-sales support. GME tends to lead on features — it was early to bring Bluetooth, smartphone apps and location sharing to consumer UHF — and its gear is a favourite among serious tourers and people who want the latest tech.

Uniden is a long-established global electronics brand with a huge presence in Australian UHF CB. Its reputation is built on value and reliability: radios that cover the essentials really well at sharp prices, with strong battery life and a model for nearly every budget. For a lot of Australians, "two-way radio" and "Uniden" are practically the same thing because the brand is so widely stocked and affordable.

Crucially, both are reputable, well-supported choices. You won't go wrong with either — this isn't a good-versus-bad contest, it's about which set of strengths matches what you're doing.

Where GME wins

GME generally takes the lead when you want premium features and the most capable radio in a category:

  • Advanced features. GME's flagship XRS range brings Bluetooth, the GME XRS smartphone app and location sharing between compatible radios — genuinely useful on a convoy or a spread-out work site. If you like your gear connected, GME is ahead.
  • Scanning and control. Features like ScanSuite and app-based channel management make GME radios slick to live with, especially the vehicle mounts.
  • Build and finish. GME's premium models feel rugged and polished, and the hide-away mount bodies are clever for tidy 4WD installs.
  • Local engineering and support. Designed and built in Australia, with a support network that owners rate highly.

The trade-off is price — GME's best radios sit at the premium end, and a lot of that capability is overkill if you just want simple, reliable chatter.

Where Uniden wins

Uniden generally wins when value, simplicity and battery life matter most:

  • Value for money. Dollar for dollar, Uniden is hard to beat. You get a full 5 W, IP-rated handhelds and the features most people actually use, often for noticeably less than the equivalent GME.
  • Battery life. Uniden handhelds are known for going the distance between charges — a real advantage for long days in the paddock or on the track.
  • Simplicity. If you just want to turn it on, pick a channel and talk, Uniden's range keeps things refreshingly straightforward.
  • Choice and availability. A broad line-up at every price point, stocked just about everywhere.

The trade-off is that Uniden's consumer radios are generally lighter on the cutting-edge connected features — you won't find the same Bluetooth-and-app ecosystem as GME's flagships, and some handhelds are a touch bulkier.

GME vs Uniden: representative models

A like-for-like snapshot across handhelds and mounts. Treat the price bands as indicative ranges, not exact figures — they move around.

Model Type Power Standout Water Price band
GME XRS-660Premium handheld Handheld 5 W Bluetooth, app, location share IP67 ~$$$
Uniden UH850SValue handheld Handheld 5 W Long battery, smart-key shortcuts IP67 ~$
GME TX6160XMid handheld Handheld 5 W Rugged, clear audio, ScanSuite IP67 ~$$
GME XRS-370CPremium mount Vehicle mount 5 W Bluetooth, hide-away body IP67 ~$$$
GME TX3500SValue mount Vehicle mount 5 W Proven, compact, ScanSuite — ~$$
Uniden UH9080Premium mount Vehicle mount 5 W Large smart mic, big display IP-rated ~$$

$ = value · $$ = mid · $$$ = premium. Indicative only — confirm current pricing with the retailer.

The verdict: it depends — here's the guidance

There's no single winner, because the "best" brand depends on what you value. Both make excellent, well-supported Australian UHF radios. To cut through it:

=Tie
It depends

Choose GME if… choose Uniden if…

Buy GME if you want the most capable radio — Bluetooth, app control and location sharing for serious touring or a connected work fleet — and you're happy to pay a premium for top-tier build and local engineering. Buy Uniden if you want the best value, excellent battery life and a no-fuss radio that nails the essentials, especially if you're kitting out a property, a crew, or buying your first set.

Lean GME

  • You want Bluetooth, app & location sharing
  • Premium build and the latest features
  • Serious 4WD touring or a connected fleet

Lean Uniden

  • You want the best value for money
  • Long battery life and simple operation
  • Kitting out a property, crew or first radio

Whichever way you lean, line up the actual models before you decide. Filter GME and Uniden side by side with the comparison tool, see our overall best two-way radios for 2026, or work out which type you need first with how to choose a two-way radio.

Compare GME and Uniden side by side

Filter every model by use case, power, water rating and price — and decide for yourself.

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