Looking for the best Motorola two-way(2-way) radio?
We have tested all of the most popular Motorola two-way radios that could currently be found on the market, and are bringing you a full review today!
Radio technology for sure isn’t dead, and neither are two-way radios. Even though they are being replaced by newer technology every day, there are still dozens of popular brands that still produce high-quality radios, Motorola is just one of them.
If you have been looking for a new two-way radio for quite some time, and still couldn’t decide which one is the right for you, we can help you. We have tested the best Motorola two-way radios, and are going to help you choose the best one for yourself today!
Our Top 13 Best Motorola Two-Way Radios at a glance:
- Best overall Motorola Talkabout two-way radio: Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio
- Best Motorola VHF handheld radio: Motorola RMV2080 On-Site 8 Channel VHF Rugged Two-Way Business Radio
- Best Portable FRS Two-Way Radio: Motorola T200TP Talkabout Radio
- Best Motorola radio for hunters: Motorola Talkabout T465 Rechargeable FRS Two-Way Radio
- Perfect for outdoor excursions: MOTOROLA Talkabout T402 Rechargeable Two-Way Radios
- Best Motorola travel 2-way radio: Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios
- Best on-site 2-way business radio: Motorola RMU2080D On-Site 8 Channel UHF Rugged Two-Way Business Radio
- Best Motorola rugged travel companion: Motorola Solutions T475 Extreme Two-Way Radio
- Best outdoor adventures and sports radio: Motorola Solutions Talkabout T460 Rechargeable 2-Way Radio Pair
- Best Motorola 35-Mile waterproof radio: Motorola T600 Talkabout Radio
- Best UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS On-Site RDU4160d 16-Channel UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio
- Best Motorola UHF radio Business Radio: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS On-Site RDU4100 10-Channel UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio
- Best Motorola handheld radio: Motorola Original VX-261-G7-5 UHF 450-512 MHz Handheld Two-way Transceiver
In-depth reviews of the best Motorola two-way radios
1. Best overall Motorola Talkabout two-way radio: Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio
Why should you buy this?
Are you looking for a perfect gift for a family member or a dear friend who is outdoorsy and enjoys hiking? Or are you looking for a practical, but useful tool that would help you communicate with your family or friends when outside or inside? Then Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio is the right choice for you! It can be used very easily, and it also has a lot of perks and amazing features that would definitely benefit you throughout the day.
Who’s it for?
Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio is for everyone! The simple interface is designed in a way that everyone is able to exploit the big range of features, and that includes your entire family. It doesn’t matter if it’s a hike in the park, or shopping in your favorite mall, you will be able to stay in touch with each other at all times!
Why did we pick this model?
This two-way radio has a bunch of incredible perks that make it a very desirable model. It has 22 channels and it is able to receive compatible communication from all FRS/GMRS two-way radios. The radio has a range of up to 16 miles, indoors or outdoors. It requires the usage of 3 AAA alkaline batteries and with those, it could be used for approximately 18 hours.
The model also includes a call tone, flashing low battery alert, talk confirmation tone, auto squelch, and more. The dimensions of the item itself are 1.1 x 1.91 x 5.22 inches and it weighs 0.25 pounds, which means that it is very practical and convenient. The package includes two radios, two belt clips, and a user guide, which means that within a few easy steps, you would be able to use this model as soon as it arrives at your house.
And that’s not all! If you fill up your order now, you would get a 17% discount, which means you would own this incredible model for only $29.00! For $8.50 more, you could get a pack of 20 AAA alkaline batteries and you’d be all set for amazing adventures with your family or friends, wherever you go!
2. Best Motorola VHF handheld radio: Motorola RMV2080 On-Site 8 Channel VHF Rugged Two-Way Business Radio
Why should you buy this?
Are you looking for a practical device for communication with your colleagues but with high-quality sound and a lot of amazing features? A device that would help you with your job but it’s also very affordable? Or are you looking for an easy way to communicate with your friends or family while in the park or hiking in the woods? Then look no further – RMV2080 Two-way Radio is the right choice for you!
Who’s it for?
RMV2080 Two-way Radio is for everyone who enjoys a crisp and clear sound when communicating with others. It is very convenient for staying in touch with, for example, your colleagues, which makes this model a perfect choice for backing up a security team.
Why did we pick it?
This model has a bunch of amazing features that make it very desirable. It has 8 channels and a noise level of 50 DB. The good thing about the model is the fact that Channel 8 is pre-assembled to receive weather forecasts, warnings, and other relevant information at literally all times.
Its battery life can last up to 15 hours, and the device comes with a charger so you will be good to go at any time. The item itself weighs around 0.56 pounds and the dimensions of the item are 4.5 x 1.6 x 2.2 inches, which makes this model convenient and very easy to maneuver.
The model possesses a powerful 1500 Mw speaker that really makes calls high-quality in the terms of sound. The device is very resistant to wind, dust, shock, and a lot of other conditions. There is even a possibility to leave your radio on your belt for convenience. The number of perks and the easy and simple usage will definitely win over your heart and RMV2080 Two-way Radio will become your favorite thing in the world!
3. Best Portable FRS Two-Way Radio: Motorola T200TP Talkabout Radio
Why should you buy this?
Are you looking for a simple and affordable, yet modern product for communicating with your friends, family or colleagues? Do you want high-quality sound but simple usage, all combined? Then we have the perfect model for you – Motorola T200TP Talkabout Radio! With this model, you will forget all of the other forms of communicating!
Who’s it for?
Motorola T200TP Talkabout Radio is for everyone who loves adventures! That includes hiking, camping, walking in the park, or even shopping in the mall. The amazing perks that this model possesses could be used by anyone, thanks to its simple usage. Your whole family could use the radio pretty easily, even the youngest members.
Why did we pick it?
The radio has 22 channels and even 121 privacy codes that will ensure that you will find an available channel at all times. With a range of up to 20 miles, don’t worry about staying in touch with your friends or family, whether you are outside or inside.
The convenient fact is that there are two ways to charge the radio – you could use the rechargeable NiMH batteries that allow you up to 12 hours of battery life, or you could use the 3 AA batteries for up to 29 hours. If you are close to running out of battery, you will get a low battery warning. This model allows you the ability to choose a call tone from 20 available call tones. One of the key features is that the radio is compatible with other two-way radios regardless of the brand, under the condition that they are on the same channel and have the same privacy code.
Thanks to its compact dimensions, the device is very easy to manage. In the package, you will find 3 radios, three belt clips, three NiMH rechargeable battery packs, one “Y” cable charging adapter with dual micro USB connector, one charging cable, and a user guide, so you will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of this model right away. It is safe to say that after using the model you won’t be able to replace it ever again!
4. Best Motorola radio for hunters: Motorola Talkabout T465 Rechargeable FRS Two-Way Radio
Why should you buy this?
This is one of those radios that are able to bring the user’s safety to a whole different level. In fact, this radio has a lot of features that, when combined together form a wonderful device that could keep anyone safe. So, if safety is your priority, you should definitely consider purchasing this unit.
Who’s it for?
This radio is for people who need to have a constant device for communication by their side. With the help of an explicable range, this device will help you establish clear and stable communication even with people who are far away from you.
Why did we pick it?
This is one of those radios that have a very wide range, 35 miles of it, to be exact. This means that with this radio by your side, you will be able to establish an easy, and good-flowing communication.
Besides having a very good range, this radio has lots of other, interesting features. One of them is the ability to memorize up to 22 channels and around 121 of privacy codes. This means that there are a total number of 2662 of combinations that could be found on this radio with just a few simple clicks.
We also must mention that a person that has one of these by their side is a constantly safe person. Not only does the unit have an emergency alert button, but it also has the ability to keep the user updated with the real-time weather announcements. We could guarantee you that your safety has never been higher!
5. Perfect for Outdoor Excursions: MOTOROLA Talkabout T402 Rechargeable Two-Way Radios
Why should you buy this?
If you are looking for a mediocre radio that could do basic functions, retrain a stable connection, and which would be used on a daily basis without any disruptions, this is the right radio for you.
Who’s it for?
This Talkabout T402 two-way radio model is for people who don’t need a very powerful radio to maintain a communication. For people who need a long-range two-way radio, this model might not be the right choice. But it has a great performance while the distance between the two units is closer.
Why did we pick it?
This T402 made our “best two-way radios” list because this is a basic radio that could be used on a daily basis. Let’s be real here, unlike the previous models, this one might not be just as professional, nor provide the user with the same performance; however, this is still quite a great model that could follow you on your daily adventures and give you a satisfying performance.
If you are a person that likes to do outdoor activities such as hiking, team activities, some family activities, or generally have any type of road trip this radio will surely be just the right choice for you. It will be able to help you maintain a comfortable, stable, and clear connection with people on the other end. Besides that, when we say that you can use it for the whole day, we really mean it. While testing this model, we decided to use it constantly throughout the day to see the power of its batteries. We first must say that it requires 3AA batteries in order to work properly. The result of our testing was a conclusion that these batteries are able to last for around 21 hours of active usage, which is quite impressive!
Considering the price of this radio, and all of its features, we must say that this radio is worthy of your time and that you should surely check it out.
6. Best Motorola travel 2-way radio: Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios
Why should you buy this?
What makes this radio one of the best ones we have ever seen is its ability to keep the connection clear and stable at all times. Not only does it have a 35-mile range, it can also keep the communication steady on different terrains or locations.
Who’s it for?
This radio is more for people who like modern technology. Of course, it is made with the intention of providing the users with the best quality connection. And, we can tell you that it actually can do that!
Why did we pick it?
Now, this model is a little bit more modern than the previous ones. Actually, it has Bluetooth technology built into it which enables the connection with other devices if needed. With this two-way radio by your side, you will be able to have a stable communication with anyone within the 35-mile range, of course keeping in mind that the range may vary depending on the terrain or the conditions of your location.
On top of that, this is one of those radios that have quite a remarkable design. Namely, it is built out of waterproof materials, which is quite helpful, but it also has a seamless keypad, a LED flashlight built into it, and a micro USB charging port. That charging port enables fast charging and could power up the batteries fully in a couple of minutes. Oh, we also must mention that the unit works on two AA or NiMH batteries.
7. Best on-site 2-way business radio: Motorola RMU2080D On-Site 8 Channel UHF Rugged Two-Way Business Radio
Why should you buy this?
Consider purchasing this if you are ready to invest a little bit more of your money in a good quality radio that will be able to serve you for quite some time!
Who’s it for?
This model is for people who intend on spending a little bit more money on a device such as this one. It is made out of good quality materials, and it also contains an impressive number of features.
Why did we pick it?
We have chosen this radio because it is also able to operate on 89 UHF business frequencies, and can maintain a secure, clear signal on all of them. This is one of those models that are built that way so that they could easily be used and without any interruptions.
No need to worry about the communication quality since the 1500mW speaker will make sure that you can hear the person on the other end well. While the mic will make sure that the person on the other end hears you clearly. As you can see, the unit itself has a very convenient and a practical design. Its perfectly shaped and sized, meaning that it could easily fit your hands or pockets.
8. Best Motorola rugged travel companion: Motorola Solutions T475 Extreme Two-Way Radio
Why should you buy this?
Outdoorsy people tend to need more companions during their activities. Those companions often come in the form of two-way radios. For all of the people out there that like climbing, hiking, snowboarding, hunting, or performing any similar activities in the woods, or in any rural area, the T475 is a perfect choice.
Who’s it for?
As mentioned before, this radio can be used by all of the generations due to its user-friendly interface. However, it’s perfect for outdoorsy, adventurous people who like to spend most of their time outside doing different activities.
Why did we pick it?
This is a waterproof model that is able to hold even the impact of the harshest environments. Its specifically built that way in order to provide its users with a calm piece of mind while doing their favorite activities. In other words, you won’t have to worry about this radio breaking, you can fully enjoy your activities even if you have it with you at all times.
On top of that, this is one of those models that are perfect even for nighttime use. In fact, it has a built-in LED flashlight that could enable you night vision, even in the darkest places. Of course, this radio can also keep you safe when needed, since it has an NOAA weather alert function which will be turned on automatically if there’s an urgent message that you should hear. Stable communication with the other end will also be always enabled for the user since the unit has a range of around 35 miles!
9. Best outdoor adventures and sports radio: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS Talkabout T460 Rechargeable 2-Way Radio Pair
Why should you buy this?
If you have a tight budget, or a limited amount of money which you are ready to invest in a good quality two-way radio, this T475 model might be the perfect choice for you. Besides its affordability, this model is also quite practical, and useful, and has a very user-friendly interface.
Who’s it for?
Unlike the previous models which might have been a little overpriced, this one is not. So, basically, this model will be perfect for people who are either new to the radio hobby, for people who don’t need an ultra-high-quality radio, or for people who simply don’t want to spend too much money on a device such as this one.
Why did we pick it?
Even though its price is pretty attractive, we haven’t chosen this model only because of it. Namely, there are lots of different perks and advantages of owning one of these models.
When it comes to its basic, or “main” features, you will notice that this radio can memorize up to 22 channels and has 121 privacy codes. But, besides those 22 channels, it is also able to catch NOAA weather or alert channels, meaning that the user will have all the emergency information right at their fingertips. As you can see, this is quite a great radio that could come in handy in any emergency-like situation. The built-in flashlight, as well as the emergency alert button that could notify the person on the other end about your situation, can be found quite helpful.
Handling this device is also a piece of cake. The IP54 waterproof design will set your mind at peace because you won’t have to worry about it malfunctioning If it gets in contact with water. On the other hand, its batteries are able to last for hours and could easily be recharged after via a micro USB charging port.
10. Best Motorola 35-Mile waterproof radio: Motorola T600 Talkabout Radio
Why should you buy this?
If you are a person that constantly loses devices or breaks them, these Motorola T600 Talkabout radios might be the salvation you have been seeking for. With the help of their waterproof design and the resistant materials, you will now possess a long-lasting device that cannot break easily.
Who’s it for?
This radio is definitely perfect for clumsy people like ourselves who tend to either lose or damage their devices easily. But, to be honest, this is a great device for all generations and all genders. Everyone could use it with ease!
Why did we pick it?
The first thing that has intrigued us when we have spotted this model online was its interesting design. When you take a first look at this radio, you will see that it comes in a very bright color, that can easily be spotted anywhere. So, we thought that this could be a very helpful thing for clumsy people who tend to lose their devices often- you surely cannot miss a color like this one.
On top of that, people who tend to break their devices, or damage them somehow should really have a closer look at this model. In fact, the T600 is made out of waterproof materials. It has been made that way to make it easier for usage on both lands and at sea. But, its design is not the only thing that is good about this model.
There are also 22 channels ready to be memorized, and a weather alert channel that is always on standby in case there is any weather emergency happening in your area. When it comes to the battery power of this radio, it works on alkaline batteries that have 23 hours of life in between charging.
As you can see, this model is quite worth the money, even though it’s a little bit expensive it still comes equipped with lots of worthy features.
11. Best UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS On-Site RDU4160d 16-Channel UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio
Why should you buy this?
Consider purchasing this if you need to own a good quality radio either for work or just simply to communicate with your family, friends, or basically anyone fast.
Who’s it for?
If you are a person who needs to find a new, even faster way of communication for work, this might be just the model for you.
Why we pick this model
There are many interesting things and features that this model has. Because of those features, we have chosen this model. Let’s see all of them.
This two-way radio comes equipped with four watts of power, which makes it a perfect fit for the “powerful” group of radios. On another note, there are up to 16 radio channel presets just waiting to be memorized by the owner, which means that there’s a whole lot of space that you can use.
This business radio is perfectly designed to have Ip-66 and MIL-Spec specifications. In other words, this means that it’s equipped with a selectable scan list of channels and a keypad lock. On top of that, when it comes to this radio’s design we can say that it has a very convenient and attractive design. Not only is it designed to perfectly fit your hands, but it also has some useful features. For an example, its display has VOX that could be set to one of three sensitivity levels. There is also a tri-color LED transmitter and a low battery power indicator which will notify you on time if there’s any need to charge your battery.
12. Best Motorola UHF radio Business Radio: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS On-Site RDU4100 10-Channel UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio
Why should you buy this?
The last Motorola radio which we will be showing you today is a very unique model. Namely, you should consider purchasing it because it’s one of the most affordable radio models out there, and can enable you good quality communication.
Who’s it for?
This radio is perfect for people who wouldn’t want to spend a lot of money on a device such as this one. It belongs to the “affordable” group of radios, and its pricing and quality are somewhat in the same range.
Why we picked this model
We didn’t choose this model only because of its affordability, we have chosen it because it has a lot of great features, and many perks for the owners. For an example, the first thing that’s great about this radio is that this is a two-way radio. This means that it can enable the flow of communication in both ways. In fact, this is actually a two-way business radio which makes it one of the best job radios you could possibly find.
Besides that, this is a very easy-to-use unit that has a very user-friendly interface. Not only does it look awesome, this radio also comes equipped with 10-channel presets. Actually, this RDX model is quite extraordinary when it comes to its audio quality. It’s a lot better than the previous models.
Lastly, there are some additional features which could quite come in handy sometimes. Above all, there is a dynamic Talkabout scan feature that can allow the unit to switch between the repeater and talk around models. It even has 89 UHF frequencies. Overall, this is also a radio with a very strong li-ion battery which could hold for a few hours of active usage.
13. Best Motorola handheld radio: Motorola Original VX-261-G7-5 UHF 450-512 MHz Handheld Two-way Transceiver
Why should you buy this?
Motorola Original VX-261-G7-5 UHF 450-512 MHz Handheld Two-way Transceiver is an easy and convenient product you could use for high-quality communication with your friends, family, or even your colleagues. It can be used outdoors during hiking or exploring, or indoors. Have no fear – it has a very good coverage whether it’s a forest or a building.
Who’s it for?
If you need a communication tool for work (security, for example) then this model is right for you and your colleagues. Apart from work, it could be used by basically anyone, thanks to a very simple usage and high-quality sound.
Why did we pick this model?
This UHF model has a lot of amazing perks that can come in pretty handy, especially if you use it for work. The minimum battery life is 18 hours, so if you charge it a night before work or a trip, you will be good to go for almost a whole day. The radio offers 16 channels, which means that every member of your team will have access to high-quality communication with one another.
Some of the many perks of the model are whisper mode, emergency, and lone worker – features that could easily be used but still be very helpful. The model requires one lithium-ion battery which is included in the package, and apart from the battery, the package includes an antenna, a desktop charger, a belt clip, and a side accessory cover. The noise level is 50 dB and the voltage is 3.7 Volts. The item itself weighs approximately 9.9 ounces, which means that it is very convenient for usage.
Currently, you could get this amazing product for only $199.00 and explore all of its incredible features.
The testing and buyer’s tips:
When one brand can offer many great radio models, the process of choosing just one can be quite hard. But, not to worry, we are here today to help you make the right decision and to make sure you choose just the perfect model for yourself.
We will be giving you a few tips which you should pay close attention to. Of course, these are our priorities, and something that would help us make a good decision while purchasing. If you think that these are not the main things you are looking for in a radio, feel free to skip them. Also, it’s very important to add your own priorities, and features that will be useful, and important to you.
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Different types of two-way radios
To finally decide which model is the perfect choice for you, you will firstly need to see which type of two-way radio is the one you seek for. Do you need a two-way radio for your business or for your personal use? If you need a radio for business, you will be looking for different types of features than if you were looking for a personal usage two-way radio.
The models will be similar, but some will have better features than the others and vice versa. So, determine the reason why you need a two-way radio, and for what purpose and you will make your job of finding the best model quite easier!
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The price matters
Of course, sometimes the price and the quality of the product are not in the same range, at all. But sometimes, the price can be a great showing that proves the quality of that device.
We like that the Motorola brand has taken its prices seriously. Even though their prices are highly competitive, this is still one of those worldwide popular brands that have proven their quality over years.
When it comes to these Motorola 2-way radios, you will have to determine your budget before making any purchases. You could have seen from the review part that there are many expensive models out there, but there are also those which are quite affordable. In order to find the best model for yourself, determining your budget will help you a lot.
How we test these radios
If you wonder how we test out these radios, well, the testing process is actually pretty simple. Since these Motorola radios are the best two-way Motorola radios, we use them for communication. To be more precise, the testing is actually done through communication by using these models.
While we are testing, we aren’t just paying attention to the audio and mic quality, we pay attention to everything, even the tiniest details. On top of that, we love to compare models to one another. That is why we always find an alternative model from some other brand and then compare those two to see which one gives the best performance.
Testing is quite fun!
Final thoughts of the best Motorola 2-way radio
Since we live in a modern age, communication has never been easier for us to establish, don’t you think so? Even though there are dozens of modern ways of communicating nowadays, the charm of using one of these two-way radios is still out of this world. No other device rather than two-way radios could give off the same vibration and energy while using them.
Of course, many people choose to fall under newer technology’s charms and forget about the old one that actually brought the world to that point. Fortunately, there are still many people around the globe who either must use these devices for work, business, out of a hobby, or for some other reason. Those people have an explicable taste!
These were all of the best Motorola Two-way radios of 2021. we hope you got to enjoy reading our article. Until next time friends!
FAQs Motorola Two-way radio
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Who makes the best two-way radios?
The best two-way radio is obviously Cobra MR Handheld Floating VHF Radio. Of course, there are other wonderful, and high-quality brands out there that also make great two-way radios, Motorola and Cobra are some of them.
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Which Motorola radios are intrinsically safe?
The safest Motorola radio is definitely Motorola Atex. This radio is purposely made with the intention to be able to hold the impact of all outside factors and still remain just as safe.
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What is the most powerful two-way radio?
If you’re looking for the most powerful two-way radio The MXT400 MicroMobile is the best choice for you. But, of course, there are many other powerful two-way radios out there, you can see that Motorola definitely has a few of those.
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What is the best Motorola two-way radio?
The best Motorola two-way radio of this year is Motorola Talkabout T82. It’s great because it has lots of different features which could be used on different occasions, and it definitely stands out.
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How far can a two-way radio reach?
Two-way radios can reach up to 25 miles no more than that. But that reach is only in optimal conditions. Usually, they reach up to 2 miles on normal occasions and conditions.
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What is Motorola TRBO?
Motorola TRBO is the first digital two-way radio system from Motorola, and its purpose is to meet the requests of organizations outside the public safety sector.
Photo: amazon.com
