Midland GXT1000VP4 vs Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio
Buy the Midland GXT1000VP4 if you want a simple, splash-resistant pair radio for family camping, off-roading or farm use, and the $89.99 price at Go2marine as of November 1 is a fair deal for two radios with a charger and 3-year warranty. The Baofeng GM-15 Pro is the cheaper, more programmable option for hobbyists who want to load custom channels and don't mind a single radio and a steeper learning curve. Neither is a long-range tool: both are line-of-sight GMRS radios, and the 36-mile Midland figure is an open-field best case, not a real-world guarantee.
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Midland GXT1000VP4
4.3Choose the Midland GXT1000VP4 if you want two radios in the box, a 3-year warranty, JIS4 splash resistance and simple controls for family or trail use.
Pros
- Two radios, charger and both AC and DC adapters in one box
- JIS4 splash resistance handles rain and spray
- NOAA weather alert with scan and SOS siren
- Runs on the included rechargeable pack or 4 AA batteries
- 3-year warranty and simple button controls
Cons
- Requires a $35 FCC GMRS license
- 36-mile range is an open-field figure, not real-world
- Not submersible
What separates them
| Midland GXT1000VP4 | Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio | |
|---|---|---|
| What's in the box | Pair of radios, belt clips, desktop charger, rechargeable packs, AC and DC adapters | Typically sold as a single radio; check the listing for included accessories |
| Channels | 22 GMRS channels plus 28 extra, 142 privacy codes | 30 channels, GMRS/UHF |
| Programming | Fixed channel list, button access, no computer programming | Programmable via keypad and CHIRP software |
| Water resistance | JIS4 splash-resistant, not submersible | Not rated splash-resistant in the specs given |
| Weather | NOAA weather scan and alert with SOS siren | Weather scanning, no alert feature listed |
| Power | Rechargeable NiMH pack or 4 AA batteries, about 12 hours | Rechargeable battery, runtime not specified |
| Warranty | 3-year manufacturer's warranty |
Price history
$89.99$25.99
- Midland GXT1000VP4: lowest $89.99 on Nov 1 at National Office Works; $89.99 on Nov 2.
- Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio: lowest $25.99 on Nov 1 at eBay.
Prices at every store
Midland GXT1000VP4
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- AutoZoneCheck price at AutoZone
Specs compared
| Spec | Midland GXT1000VP4 | Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio |
|---|---|---|
| color | Silver | Green |
| size | 3.4x12x9.5 | — |
| Channels | 22 Channels PLUS 28 EXTRA CHANNELS | — |
| Waterproof rating | JIS4 Waterproof | — |
| Privacy codes | 142 Privacy Codes | — |
| Range | 36 Mile Range | — |
| Dimensions | 2.44'' x 7.91'' x 1.52" | — |
| Weather alert | NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan | — |
| Call alerts | 10 Call Alerts | — |
| Battery type | Uses 4 AA batteries (not included) or rechargea… | — |
| Power settings |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for family camping?
- The Midland GXT1000VP4. You get two radios, a charger, weather alerts and simple controls, so a group can hand them out and talk without setup.
- Is the Baofeng GM-15 Pro worth it over the Midland?
- Only if you want to program your own channels. The Midland gives you two radios, a 3-year warranty and splash resistance for $89.99 at Go2marine as of November 1; the Baofeng wins on flexibility, not on included gear.
- Do both need an FCC license?
- Yes. Both are GMRS radios, and a single $35 FCC license covers you and your immediate family for 10 years.
- Which has better range?
- They are close in practice. Both are line-of-sight GMRS handhelds; the Midland's 36-mile claim assumes open terrain with no obstructions, and hills, trees and buildings cut that sharply for either radio.
- Can the Midland survive rain?
- It is JIS4 splash-resistant, so light rain and spray are fine, but it is not rated for submersion. The Baofeng has no splash rating listed, so keep it dry.
- Which is easier to use?
- The Midland. Channels and privacy codes are set with buttons and the display is backlit. The Baofeng rewards users who program it but is less plug-and-play.