Amature bands VS. GMRS Range

[HHD1]

Here is what I assume is a no brainer question for some. 

Given all things the same as far as terrain, radio, wattage, etc...

Which would have more range in simplex, specifically HT comms, amateur bands or GMRS?  

The google machine is not giving me clear answers, plus I like bugging you fine people with my curiosities. 

[nokones]

2 minutes ago, OffRoaderX said:

This sounds like a beautiful and glorious land of milk and honey!   Literally where we have been house-shopping & planning for when we make our escape from my current State.

I'm not sure about the milk & honey, but we do have a lot of pucker bushes and giggly weeds and plenty of means to get dirty. I left the same State you're speaking of that is to my left 6 years ago and I haven't looked back nor will I go back and visit. I'm glad I made the move and should have done it sooner.

[BoxCar]

On 5/15/2025 at 11:46 AM, HHD1 said:

Here is what I assume is a no brainer question for some. 

Given all things the same as far as terrain, radio, wattage, etc...

Which would have more range in simplex, specifically HT comms, amateur bands or GMRS?  

The google machine is not giving me clear answers, plus I like bugging you fine people with my curiosities. 

Using HTs, there will be no discernable difference in range for GMRS or amateur frequencies. "

[GreggInFL]

2 hours ago, OffRoaderX said:

This sounds like a beautiful and glorious land of milk and honey!   Literally where we have been house-shopping & planning for when we make our escape from my current State.

Except for the Jeep trails, I thought he was talking about The Villages, FL.

[WRUE951]

10 hours ago, OffRoaderX said:

This sounds like a beautiful and glorious land of milk and honey!    Literally where we have been house-shopping & planning for when we make our escape from my current State.

Amen to that,,  But AZ as a whole does need some work..  

[WRUI365]

Here is a example of LOS communications that say Kenwood dual band ht have done with a Arrow dual band beam antenna and the HT only pushing 5 watts. ISS ring a bell to anyone, voice and packet. There is some advantages with amatuer that gmrs don't have.

 

[tcp2525]

2 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

Yes one can use an amplifier on 2m and 70cm. But comparing apples to apples by using a 50 watt 2m/70cm mobile to using a MGRS 50 watt mobile, then there will not be any difference in the range with 70cm and GMRS.

I put my amp in QRP mode and it's idling at 1,300 watts.