We’ve used lots of walkie talkie brands before for hiking and rock climbing, and we’ve found Motorola branded walkie talkies to be popular among fellow professional hikers and climbers like us. In fact, Motorola are some of the top experts in walkie talkies, as they created the first ones in WWII to aid in communications! As a result, they have some of the top standards in terms of value and functionality. In this article, we’re sharing some of our favorite Motorola walkie talkies for all of your personal and business needs.
What is the Best Motorola Walkie Talkie?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 7 Best Motorola Walkie Talkie. We compiled this list from motorola walkie talkies we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with walkie talkies from motorola you can be assured that this article will give you what you’re looking for.
We also wrote a buying guide and answered some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.
1. Motorola Solutions Talkabout Radio
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.4 pounds (0.18 kg) Size: 6.4 x 2.1 x 1.2 inches (16.3 x 5.4 x 3.1 cm) Range: Up to 25 miles Battery Life: 29 hours Power Source: 2 NiMH rechargeable battery packs Continuous Talktime: 12 hours |
The Motorola Solutions Talkabout Radio has 22 channels each with 121 privacy codes, totalling 2662 combinations; being able to tune in the 11 weather channels; compatible with any other FRS radio. It has the option of using NiMH rechargable batteries or 3 AA batteries. The range and batteries may not deliver exactly as was advertised but keep in mind that this is quite subjective and will depend on your usage pattern and the terrain you’re using it on.
Pros
- 22 channels each with 121 privacy codes, totalling 2662 combinations,
- Able to tune in the 11 weather channels,
- Compatible with any other FRS radio,
- Has the option of using NiMH rechargable batteries or 3 AA batteries.
Cons
- Batteries have been known to drain quite fast depending on usage,
- Maximum working range may not always be as advertised.
2. Motorola RMU2040 Two Way Radio Walkie Talkies
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.54 pounds (0.24 kg) Size: 7.4 x 1.5 x 2.3 inches (18.7 x 3.8 x 5.7 cm) Range: Up to 20 floors, 250,000 square feet range Battery Life: 15 hour Power Source: 4 AA batteries |
The Motorola Two Way Radio Walkie Talkies are the only ones in this list that is designed specifically for use within the urban environment. Perhaps that justifies the price you’re paying for this walkie-talkie but unless you’re working in an urban terrain which requires signal through multiple concrete, metal and plaster slabs, this might not be the best bang for your buck. Originally designed for use in the “security, maintenance, distribution, and construction industries”, this walkie-talkie boasts the ability to connect an astonishing 20 floors or 250,000 square feet of workable area.
Pros
- Designed to be used within urban terrain with multiple concrete, plaster and metal structures,
- Boasts a 20 floors, 250,000 square feet workable area,
- Sturdy and ergonomic design suitable for its intended use.
Cons
- Does not come with headsets,
- Not the most budget friendly-option for campers.
3. Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way 2-Pack Radio Set
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.47 pounds (0.21 kg) Size: 7.5 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches (19.1 x 5.6 x 3.3 cm) Range: 35 miles Battery Life: 14 hours Power Source: 1300mAh NiMH batteries Continuous Talktime: 9 hours |
When was the last time you came across a walkie-talkie with a built-in Bluetooth and hidden display? The Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way 2-Pack Radio Set is a modern option, which comes packed with 22 channels, 121 privacy codes, and weather alert functions. If you pair it with your cell phone, you can use the Talkabout app to send messages or check the map. Additionally, it comes with a built-in led flashlight, Vibracall function, and seamless buttons.
Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time to charge the batteries fully. Once charged, they can last up to 14 hours, or you can go for AA alkaline batteries if you want to extend that.
Pros
- Sleek and thin design,
- Bluetooth and Talkabout compatibility,
- Weather channels and VOX-ready,
- Led flashlight, Vibracall, and emergency alerts
Cons
- Takes a lot of time to recharge,
- Cheap belt clip
4. MOTOROLA Talkabout T402 Rechargeable Two-Way Radios
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.43 pounds (0.2 kg) Size: 7.5 x 2.3 x 1.4 inches (19.2 x 5.7 x 3.5 cm) Range: Up to 35 miles Battery Life: 21 hours Power Source: 2 AA batteries Continuous Talktime: 8.5 hours |
The Motorola Solutions Talkabout Radio has simlar attributes to the other Motorola models: it has 22 channels each with 121 privacy codes, totalling 2662 combinations; being able to tune in the 11 weather channels. It also has the additional feature of being IP67 waterproof certified (able to withstand constant submersion of up to 1m for 30 minutes), making it perfect for rangers or climbers going on expeditions in all weather conditions. Likewise with every other FRS radio, the range is very dependent on the terrain you’re using it on. It is very sensitive to any obstacles within your path and might not live up to the range that was advertised.
Pros
- IP67 Waterproof certified (able to withstand constant submersion of up to 1m for 30 minutes),
- 23 channels each with 121 privacy codes, totalling 2662 combinations,
- Compatible with any other FRS radio,
- Able to tune in the 11 weather channels.
Cons
- Softer in volume compared to other similar ranged models.
- Maximum working range may not always be as advertised,
- Batteries have been known to drain quite fast depending on usage.
5. Motorola Solutions Talkabout T503 H2O Two-Way Radios
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 7.8 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches (19.8 x 6.1 x 3.8 cm) Range: 3 miles Battery Life: 10 hours Power Source: 800mAh NiMH batteries Continuous Talktime: 2 hours |
If you enjoy water rafting or go hiking during the rainy weather frequently, it’s hard to look past the Motorola Solutions Talkabout T503 H2O Two-Way Radios. These IP67-rated walkie-talkies provide 2 watts of power and have 22 channels with 121 sub-codes. Next, the product is VOX-ready, has an LCD display, and you can customize the call tones.
We were very disappointed about the batteries included here. Since they don’t last long, you’ll need to recharge them more often. Luckily, another solution is to buy AA alkaline batteries as a replacement as they can work all day long. Lastly, the max distance specified on the official webpage is not correct, and these transmit the signal for three miles.
Pros
- Wide variety of channels and sub-codes,
- IP67 waterproof and floating housing,
- LCD display and VOX-ready,
- Call tone selection and Keypad Lock
Cons
- Quiet speakers and limited distance,
- Drain batteries fast
6. Motorola Solutions T475 Extreme Two-Way Radio
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 7.5 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches (19.1 x 5.6 x 3.3 cm) Range: 35 miles Battery Life: 12 hours Power Source: 800mAh NiMH rechargeable or alkaline batteries |
The Motorola Solutions T475 Extreme Two-Way Radio is an incredibly reliable model with IPX4 weatherproof and lightweight modern design. It offers 22 FRS channels with 121 privacy codes and has a bright screen. As you might expect from professional models from Motorola, this one comes packed with NOAA weather radio and alerts, high and low power modes, Tx/Rx, and VibraCall alerts. For low light conditions, the product has a built-in flashlight.
This kit features a carrying case that includes two radios, a Y-type mini-USB cable, lanyards, and earpieces with microphones. Just keep in mind that there is a single-pin accessory port only, which makes it harder to find a replacement for the earpiece. Finally, while the radios look attractive, it can be hard to read the function key symbols, especially after dark.
Pros
- IPX4 weatherproof and lightweight design,
- NOAA weather radio, hi/lo modes, Tx/Rx, and VibraCall alert,
- Built-in screen and flashlight, Come with a carry case, Y-type charging cable, lanyards, earpieces
Cons
- Function key symbols are hard to see,
- Single-pin accessory port only
7. Motorola T200TP Talkabout Radio 3-Pack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.4 pounds (0.18 kg) Size: 6.4 x 2.1 x 1.2 inches (16.3 x 5.4 x 3.1 cm) Range: 20 miles Battery Life: 12 hours Power Source: 800mAh NiMH rechargeable or alkaline batteries Continuous Talktime: 4-5 hours |
If you don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to program your radio or activate several functions, try the Motorola T200TP Talkabout Radio 3-Pack. The intuitive LCD screen and controls are straightforward, which makes it an excellent pick for beginners. After pressing the PTT button, you’ll hear a talk confirmation tone, and the radios also feature an Eco channel scan function and low battery alert.
The 22 FRS channels and 121 privacy codes will provide clear reception in all conditions. According to your liking, you can select between 20 call tones. Additionally, the walkie-talkies arrive with belt clips and a Y-type micro-USB charging cable.
While the included batteries will only power the radios for about 12 hours of continuous use, the alkaline ones can increase that figure to 29 hours. Unfortunately, the antennas here are too big, which makes carrying them less comfortable.
Pros
- 22 FRS channels with 121 privacy codes,
- Talk confirmation tone, Eco scan, and low battery alert,
- Intuitive LCD screen and 20 call tones,
- Come with belt clips and a Y-type micro-USB charging cable
Cons
- Poor battery life,
- The antenna could be smaller
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with walkie talkies from motorola, we found that Motorola Solutions Talkabout Radio is the best motorola walkie talkie available today.
Our Premium Option is Motorola RMU2040 Two Way Radio Walkie Talkies with all the best features and high-quality materials, but that’s only if you have more money to spend.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way 2-Pack Radio Set as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying motorola walkie talkies
Reliability
Having a walkie talkie that you can rely on during emergencies is critical. Check the achievable range of your walkie talkie so you arent left stranded in the forest not knowing why it is not functioning. Other key features include the sound quality, battery life or waterproof capacity, making it able to survive rough climate changes or when you get stuck in a storm. Lastly, you may also want to consider a walkie talkie that can switch to multiple channels as an extra safeguard.
Durability
When we take walkie talkies on expeditions, chances of it getting damaged are high. They can be kicked, smashed, or dropped by mistake no matter how much care you put into handling them. A good walkie-talkie should have a casing made of ideally steel or plastic and most of its parts should be able to resist any small hurts. Water-proofing and dust-proofing are major factors to determine the durability of a walkie-talkie. It can be tested through an IP number passed by International Electrotechnical Commission for each device. The combination of these two numbers will tell you of the protection level of a walkie-talkie. For instance, it is 0-6 for dust resistance and 0-9 for water resistance. The higher the number is, the better the protection will be.
Battery Life
Usually, a walkie-talkie battery shelf life can lasts up to 18 to 24 months. Currently, most of the walkie-talkies come with rechargeable batteries that you can use and recharge multiple times before their final point of exhaustion.
The component that determines the battery life of a walkie-talkie is the cell. There are two types of cells: premium-grade cells and low-tier cells. Each type has its impact on capacity and cycle life. Generally, picking a walkie talkie with premium-grade cells will ensure a longer capacity of 10% more than the standard one.
Most of the Motorola build models have used premium-grade cells.
Emergency Features
Emergency features such as lone worker, man down, and GPS locator come in handy while operating commercially or professionally. They are mostly useful in places like outdoor nature settings, oil rigs and even for health workers.
Emergency features in a walkie-talkie set are essential to ensure the safety of the user. These services as standard in most manufactured models, and sometimes you can also programme and customize it. Always remember to activate it before use and be sure they are working properly before going off the grid.
Questions and Answers About motorola walkie talkies
Are all Motorola walkie talkies compatible?
The walkie-talkies which have the same FMS/ GMRS and also the same frequency are compatible with each other. So simply put, walkie-talkies of different brands but ame frequencies can still communicate with each other.
Can walkie talkies pick up other walkie talkies?
All walkie talkies that operates on the FRS and/or GMRS frequencies (found in majority of walkies) are capable of transmitting to one another. Simply tune in to the same frequency and ‘channels’, though channels might be listed differently in various walkies. If you encounter some issues, try to turn off the DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) or a CCTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) functions which might interfere with the frequency.
Which is better GMRS or FRS?
The main difference between FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is in it’s range. FRS is only limited to 500 miliwatts which is not more than 1 mile. Obstacles within its transmission path will also further limit its effectiveness. Typically, GMRS has a range of up to 50 Watts although most walkies use only up to 1-5W. Hence these GMRS radios have better range than FRS, are higher powered and are also generally more expensive and higher quality than FRS walkies. One main downside about the GMRS walkies is that it requires a license to operate in the US.
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