---
{"title": "Crewplex alternatives in 2026: 6 options", "description": "Compare Crewplex headset gear with OperatorLink, Zello, Peak PTT, Eartec, Setcom and GroupTalk on price, setup and coverage.", "url": "https://2dig.com/crewplex-alternatives/", "date": "2026-10-09"}
---
Compare Crewplex headset gear with OperatorLink, Zello, Peak PTT, Eartec, Setcom and GroupTalk on price, setup and coverage.

Crews look at owned headset systems, monthly billed radios, and apps on phones they already carry. Eartec and Setcom are owned headset systems, Zello and GroupTalk are push-to-talk apps, Peak PTT is a monthly radio plan, and OperatorLink is an app made by the team that publishes this site. [^1] [^2] [^3] [^4] [^5] The table below sorts each by published price.

| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Crewplex | not published [^6] |
| OperatorLink | Free, no paid plan built yet [^7] |
| Zello | $8.00 per user per month, or $6.80 with an annual subscription [^8] |
| Peak PTT | $24.95 per month per radio [^9]; $229 device with a $19.95 activation fee [^4] |
| Voxer | Personal plan free [^10] |
| Eartec | not published [^11] |
| Setcom | not published [^12] |
| GroupTalk | not published [^13] |

## Why crane crews look past Crewplex

Crewplex says it has provided communication solutions for more than 30 years. [^14] Its small system is described as dependable and affordable hands-free communication for small crews, and a larger system is described as scalable full-duplex hands-free communication for large crews. [^15] [^16] The line can be scaled from small to large crews and can integrate with two-way radios for multi-site work. [^17] A two-year warranty backs the products. [^18] The company says it offers a range of headset options to fit a variety of jobs and applications. [^19]

Some alternatives are owned hardware, some are radios billed by the month on a network, and some are apps on phones the crew already carries. The choice turns on price, what each option needs to run, and how far it reaches.

## Setcom: a wireless headset system around one base station

Setcom's LiberatorMAX system is running 30 seconds after the box is opened and gives full-duplex communication without push-to-talk. [^2] It needs no console mounting, cable runs, soldering, or crimping. [^20] Headsets connect when set to the same channel. [^21] One base station connects up to seven wireless headsets. [^22] Setcom calls it its least costly wireless solution for teams of two or more people. [^12] The System 977 with the LiberatorMAX headset adds hands-free full duplex and integration into mobile radios. [^23]

## Eartec: headset systems for crane and lift crews

Eartec offers two crane and lift headset systems: EPak with Lazer-Pro, and PRO16 with Monarch. [^1] Both are described as allowing up to 16 crew members to connect and communicate at the same time on the same setup. [^24] More crew members can be added at any time. [^25] Lazer-Pro headsets are described as fully dustproof and waterproof. [^26] The EPak beltpack weighs 2.5 oz. [^27] Lazer-Pro links to the radio by Bluetooth with no wires. [^28] All headsets use noise-canceling microphones that filter out background machinery noise. [^29] Buyers can return a set for a full refund if returned undamaged within 30 days. [^30] [^31] A return fee is deducted when Expedited shipping was chosen. [^32]

## Zello: a push-to-talk app on phones and computers

Zello runs on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. [^3] It is offered free for first responders. [^33] Zello can be run on an on-premise server. [^34] Zello Work costs $8.00 per user per month, or $6.80 with an annual subscription. [^8] A free 14-day trial needs no credit card. [^35] Education and non-profit groups get an extra 10% off annual plans for 25% total. [^36] Subscriptions can be changed or cancelled anytime without penalty. [^37] Payment can be by wire transfer, ACH, or check besides credit card. [^38]

## Peak PTT: monthly billed radios on a cellular network

The 4G LTE radio is priced at $229 with a $19.95 activation fee and $24.95 per month for unlimited push-to-talk, with no contracts. [^4] Both radios include the GPS Tracking Portal with 90-day location history, geofencing, and real-time crew visibility. [^39] A lifetime hardware warranty backs them with an active plan. [^40] PeakPTT claims sub-300-millisecond latency, no dead zones, no repeaters, and no FCC licensing. [^41] Voice runs over AT&T's nationwide LTE network. [^42] Core radio service is $24.95 per month per radio. [^9] An optional dispatch seat is $12 per month. [^43]

## GroupTalk: a push-to-talk app with alarms

GroupTalk offers a free 14-day trial. [^13] It also offers private cloud and on-premises deployment. [^44] Its push-to-talk and personal alarm features enable secure real-time communication across personnel and workgroups. [^45] Separate PTT groups can be set for different roles, areas, or tasks. [^46] Its cloud system is said to give unlimited range and secure communication. [^47] Group voice channels let multiple teams talk at once. [^48] Personal alarms report incidents to nearby colleagues and central management. [^49] Construction companies named as customers include NCC, Entry, Veidekke, and YIT. [^50]

## OperatorLink: STOP, HOLD and SLOW on phones you already carry

OperatorLink is made by the team that publishes this site. It shows STOP, HOLD, and SLOW to the jobsite crew and passes button presses, chat, and voice between phones in a phone browser. [^5] STOP releases every held direction and shows a full-screen alert to everyone else. [^51] HOLD and SLOW stay on for everyone and are cleared when the last person leaves. [^52] Holding a move button keeps sending that move, and the other phones drop it if it stops for 2 seconds. [^53] One-tap radio-style calls such as Go Ahead, Copy That, and All Clear are sent as chat messages. [^54] Anyone who joins can take part in a voice call. [^55] The person who starts a jobsite shares a link or QR code, and the crew joins from it. [^56] A link stops working 12 hours after the first person joins. [^57] It runs in a phone browser with no app install. [^58] It is currently free to use, and no paid plan is built yet. [^7]

## How to pick the right Crewplex alternative

If the crew wants owned hardware, headset systems like Eartec and Setcom are one option. Compare how many users each supports before buying, since some reach up to seven [^22] or up to 16 [^24] while Crewplex's larger system is described as scalable for large crews. [^16] If the crew already carries phones and wants nothing to buy, an app like Zello, GroupTalk, or OperatorLink runs on those phones. If access must stay inside a controlled network, check whether the option supports on-premises or private cloud setup, as Zello does [^34] and GroupTalk does. [^44] Peak PTT is a monthly radio plan on a cellular network. Set device cost, fee per user or per radio per month, and contract terms side by side before choosing. A small crew may take a free app now but should ask how it will be priced later. When a source lists no price, ask before committing.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Crewplex an affordable option for small crews?

Crewplex describes its small system as dependable and affordable hands-free communication for small crews, and its products carry a two-year warranty. [^15] [^18] Crewplex lists no small-system price on the cited page, so ask the seller for its price before deciding. Among the options that publish a price, OperatorLink is free to use with no paid plan built yet. [^7]

### Do Crewplex alternatives need a phone signal?

Headset systems from Eartec and Setcom run on owned hardware. [^1] [^2] No claim given here says they run without a phone signal, so ask the seller what each one requires to work. App options like Zello, GroupTalk, and OperatorLink run on phones. [^3] Ask whether on-premises or private cloud setup is available if access must stay controlled.

### Which alternative costs least per month?

Among the options that publish a price, OperatorLink is free with no paid plan built yet. [^7] Zello Work is $8.00 per user per month. [^8] Peak PTT charges $24.95 per month per radio, on top of device and activation costs. [^9] [^4] Crewplex, Eartec, Setcom, and GroupTalk do not publish a monthly fee, so ask their sellers.

### Can the alternatives connect more than two crew members?

Yes, depending on the option. Eartec systems are described as allowing up to 16 crew members to talk at the same time. [^24] Setcom's one base station connects up to seven wireless headsets. [^22] Crewplex's larger system is described as scalable for large crews. [^16] GroupTalk lets multiple teams talk on group voice channels at once. [^48] OperatorLink admits as many people as join through the jobsite link.

### Can an alternative be tried before paying?

Zello offers a free 14-day trial with no credit card. [^35] GroupTalk offers a free 14-day trial. [^13] Eartec lets buyers return a set for a full refund if it is undamaged within 30 days. [^30] [^31] OperatorLink is free to use with no paid plan built yet. [^7]

OperatorLink is currently free to use, and no paid plan is built yet. [^7] - [Visit OperatorLink](/go/crewplex-alternatives)

## Sources

[^1]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^2]: Setcom, setcomcorp.com/industry/crane, read 2026-10-08 (https://setcomcorp.com/industry/crane/)
[^3]: Zello, zello.com, read 2026-10-08 (https://zello.com/)
[^4]: Peak PTT, peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies, read 2026-10-08 (https://www.peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies)
[^5]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
[^6]: Crewplex, crewplex.com/applications/cranes, read 2026-10-08 (https://crewplex.com/applications/cranes/)
[^7]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
[^8]: Zello, zello.com/pricing, read 2026-10-08 (https://zello.com/pricing)
[^9]: Peak PTT, peakptt.com/pages/peak-push-to-talk-pricing-matrix, read 2026-10-08 (https://www.peakptt.com/pages/peak-push-to-talk-pricing-matrix)
[^10]: Voxer, voxer.com/plans-and-pricing, read 2026-10-08 (https://www.voxer.com/plans-and-pricing)
[^11]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^12]: Setcom, setcomcorp.com/industry/crane, read 2026-10-08 (https://setcomcorp.com/industry/crane/)
[^13]: GroupTalk, grouptalk.com, read 2026-10-08 (https://grouptalk.com/)
[^14]: Crewplex, crewplex.com/applications/cranes, read 2026-10-08 (https://crewplex.com/applications/cranes/)
[^15]: Crewplex, crewplex.com/applications/cranes, read 2026-10-08 (https://crewplex.com/applications/cranes/)
[^16]: Crewplex, crewplex.com/applications/cranes, read 2026-10-08 (https://crewplex.com/applications/cranes/)
[^17]: Crewplex, crewplex.com/applications/cranes, read 2026-10-08 (https://crewplex.com/applications/cranes/)
[^18]: Crewplex, crewplex.com/applications/cranes, read 2026-10-08 (https://crewplex.com/applications/cranes/)
[^19]: Crewplex, crewplex.com/applications/cranes, read 2026-10-08 (https://crewplex.com/applications/cranes/)
[^20]: Setcom, setcomcorp.com/industry/crane, read 2026-10-08 (https://setcomcorp.com/industry/crane/)
[^21]: Setcom, setcomcorp.com/industry/crane, read 2026-10-08 (https://setcomcorp.com/industry/crane/)
[^22]: Setcom, setcomcorp.com/industry/crane, read 2026-10-08 (https://setcomcorp.com/industry/crane/)
[^23]: Setcom, setcomcorp.com/industry/crane, read 2026-10-08 (https://setcomcorp.com/industry/crane/)
[^24]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^25]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^26]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^27]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^28]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^29]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^30]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^31]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^32]: Eartec, eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift, read 2026-10-08 (https://eartecindustrial.com/crane-lift/)
[^33]: Zello, zello.com, read 2026-10-08 (https://zello.com/)
[^34]: Zello, zello.com, read 2026-10-08 (https://zello.com/)
[^35]: Zello, zello.com/pricing, read 2026-10-08 (https://zello.com/pricing)
[^36]: Zello, zello.com/pricing, read 2026-10-08 (https://zello.com/pricing)
[^37]: Zello, zello.com/pricing, read 2026-10-08 (https://zello.com/pricing)
[^38]: Zello, zello.com/pricing, read 2026-10-08 (https://zello.com/pricing)
[^39]: Peak PTT, peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies, read 2026-10-08 (https://www.peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies)
[^40]: Peak PTT, peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies, read 2026-10-08 (https://www.peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies)
[^41]: Peak PTT, peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies, read 2026-10-08 (https://www.peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies)
[^42]: Peak PTT, peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies, read 2026-10-08 (https://www.peakptt.com/pages/construction-companies)
[^43]: Peak PTT, peakptt.com/pages/peak-push-to-talk-pricing-matrix, read 2026-10-08 (https://www.peakptt.com/pages/peak-push-to-talk-pricing-matrix)
[^44]: GroupTalk, grouptalk.com, read 2026-10-08 (https://grouptalk.com/)
[^45]: GroupTalk, grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction, read 2026-10-08 (https://grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction)
[^46]: GroupTalk, grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction, read 2026-10-08 (https://grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction)
[^47]: GroupTalk, grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction, read 2026-10-08 (https://grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction)
[^48]: GroupTalk, grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction, read 2026-10-08 (https://grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction)
[^49]: GroupTalk, grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction, read 2026-10-08 (https://grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction)
[^50]: GroupTalk, grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction, read 2026-10-08 (https://grouptalk.com/why-grouptalk/we-across-industries/construction)
[^51]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
[^52]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
[^53]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
[^54]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
[^55]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
[^56]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
[^57]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
[^58]: OperatorLink's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)