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Midland GXT3000 GMRS Walkie Talkie vs Motorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios

The Midland GXT3000 is the superior choice for serious outdoor expeditions, offering significantly longer battery life and repeater support to extend range. The Motorola T605 is better suited for casual water-based activities like kayaking, as it is fully waterproof rather than just splash-resistant. Owners prefer the Midland for its modern USB-C charging and professional GMRS features, while the Motorola is valued for its license-free operation on FRS channels.

  • Choose the Midland GXT3000 if you need a professional-grade radio with rapid USB-C charging and the ability to use repeaters for maximum distance.
  • Choose the Motorola T605 if you require a fully waterproof radio for use on the water and prefer the flexibility of using standard AA batteries as a backup.

Prices

  • Midland GXT3000 GMRS Walkie Talkie: $159.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 7)
  • Motorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios: $116.99 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Motorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios is $43.00 cheaper than the Midland GXT3000 GMRS Walkie Talkie at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 9)
Midland
GXT3000 GMRS Walkie Talkie 2-Pack

Midland GXT3000 GMRS Walkie Talkie

GXT3000 GMRS Walkie Talkie 2-Pack

5(1 rating)
$159.99at AmazonChecked Nov 7
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Pros
  • High-capacity 27-hour battery life
  • Fast 4-hour USB-C recharging
  • Repeater capability for long-range links
  • 9 levels of VOX sensitivity
  • Integrated LED flashlight
Cons
  • Requires FCC GMRS license
  • Only splash resistant (JIS4)
  • Larger physical footprint
Motorola
Motorola T605 FRS Two Way Radios

Motorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios

Motorola T605 FRS Two Way Radios

4.5(65 ratings)
$116.99at AmazonChecked 16 h ago
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Pros
  • Fully waterproof for marine use
  • License-free operation on FRS channels
  • Accepts AA alkaline batteries in emergencies
  • High-visibility orange housing
  • Includes car power adapter
Cons
  • Short 9-hour battery life
  • No repeater support
  • Slower charging cycle

What separates them

Midland GXT3000 GMRS Walkie TalkieMotorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios
Battery LifeUp to 27 hours (1800 mAh Li-ion)Up to 9 hours (800 mAh NiMH)
Water ResistanceJIS4 (Splash resistant)IP67 (Waterproof and submersible)
Charging PortModern USB-C rapid chargeProprietary/Micro-USB charging
Channel Capacity50 GMRS channels + 8 repeater channels22 FRS/GMRS channels
Range ExtensionRepeater capable for increased distanceStandard point-to-point only
Battery VersatilityRechargeable Li-ion pack onlyNiMH pack or 3 AA alkaline batteries

Price history

$160.00$116.99
Nov 1Nov 9
  • Midland GXT3000 GMRS Walkie Talkie: lowest $159.99 on Nov 4 at Target; $159.99 on Nov 7.
  • Motorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios: lowest $116.99 on Nov 9 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Midland GXT3000 GMRS Walkie Talkie

  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $159.99Checked Nov 7
    Visit Amazon
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $159.99Checked Nov 3
    Visit Target
  • Best BuyNew

    Availability unknown

    $159.99Checked Nov 3
    Visit Best Buy
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $159.99Checked Nov 3
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • Ramsey OutdoorCheck price at Ramsey Outdoor
All 9 stores and price history →

Motorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by bluedealz-com

    $119.99Free shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • Two-Way CityNew

    In stock

    $119.99Free shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit Two-Way City
  • america.bioweb.coNew

    In stock

    $150.75Checked 16 h ago
    Visit america.bioweb.co
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $116.99Free shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • Grainger Industrial SupplyCheck price at Grainger Industrial Supply
  • StardomCorporateCheck price at StardomCorporate

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All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMidland GXT3000 GMRS Walkie TalkieMotorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios
Battery life18 hours9 hours (with NiMH Battery Included)
Water resistanceJIS4 ratingWaterproof
Battery typeAVP18 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery pack (BATT18R)Rechargeable
License TypeGMRSFederal Communications Commission (FCC) license…
Licensing RequirementYesNo
Channel Count8 repeater-capable GMRS channels22
Dual WatchYes (Dual Watch Pro scans 2 channels)Yes
Instant ChannelsNOAA Weather ChannelsNOAA Weather Channels
Radio TypeTwo-Way RadioTwo-way radio
Radio SubtypeGMRSFRS/GMRS
Range EnvironmentWooded setting on a long hike, Campground, On t…Outdoor
TerrainTrail, FarmSea, Land
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMidland GXT3000 GMRS Walkie TalkieMotorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios
FCC CertificationYesYes (narrow band compliant)
Transmission ModeWideband, NarrowbandAnalog
Battery Capacity1800 mAh800 mAh
Battery TechnologyLithium IonNiMH, Alkaline
Frequency BandsGMRSFRS/GMRS
Frequency RangeWideband, Narrowband462 - 467 MHz
Weather BandYes (NOAA Weather Radio)Yes
Charge time4 hours—
Channels50 GMRS channels—

What reviewers say

Motorola T605 FRS Two-Way Radios

  • 4.5 / 565 ratings

Owners rate the T605 well overall, with 4.5 out of 5 from 65 ratings. They tend to like the weather channels, waterproof build and simple setup for outdoor trips. Complaints center on real-world range falling well short of the advertised 35 miles and on battery life.

What people mention
  • RangeCriticisedOwners say real range is much shorter than the 35-mile claim once terrain and obstacles get in the way.
  • Weather channelsPraisedNOAA weather bands with dual watch are called out as a practical safety feature.
  • Battery lifeMixedThe 9-hour rating holds up for some users but falls short on full-day trips.
  • BuildPraisedThe waterproof, rugged housing survives rain, drops and boat spray.

Questions and answers

Do I need a license for these radios?
The Midland GXT3000 requires an FCC GMRS license to operate legally. The Motorola T605 can be used without a license on FRS frequencies, though it is GMRS capable.
Which is better for multi-day hiking trips?
The Midland GXT3000 is better due to its 27-hour battery life and USB-C charging, which allows for easy topping off from portable power banks.
Can the Motorola T605 survive being dropped in a lake?
Yes, the T605 is rated as waterproof and designed to float, making it ideal for fishing or kayaking. The Midland is only rated for light rain and splashes.
Which radio has a longer effective range?
While both claim similar line-of-sight ranges, the Midland GXT3000 can reach much further in practice by connecting to local GMRS repeaters.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best walkie talkies with headsets
Repeater channels
8 GMRS repeater channels
—
Privacy codes142 privacy codes (38 CTCSS + 104 DCS)—
VOX levels9 VOX sensitivity levels—
Call alerts10 selectable call tones—
Max range36 Miles / 57.9 km—
Charging time4.5 Hours—
Weather channels10 available weather (WX) band channels—
Dust ResistanceYes (IP54)—
Frequency StepWideband, Narrowband—
Power OutputHigh, medium, and low power settings—
Power SourceAC Wall Adapter, Dual power options, Rechargeab…—
Voltage12V (vehicle charging adapter)—
Form Factor—Rugged
Maximum Range—35-mile
Installation Location—Vehicle
Durability—Rugged
Frequency—FRS, GMRS
Water Resistant—Yes
Use—Consumer