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Midland GXT1000VP4 vs Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios

Buy the Midland GXT1000VP4 if range, weather alerts and long-term durability matter most. It runs on GMRS with more channels, more privacy codes, a stronger power setting and a 3-year warranty, and its 4.3 rating from 483 owners backs that up. The Cobra RX385 is the simpler pick for casual family use: lighter, water-resistant, with a built-in flashlight and a slightly higher owner count. Neither is a long-range substitute for a phone; both are line-of-sight radios whose advertised miles only happen in open country.

  • Choose the Midland GXT1000VP4 if you want the longer claimed range, NOAA weather scan and alert, a 3-year warranty and the option to run on AA batteries in the field.
  • Choose the Cobra RX385 if you want a light, simple pair for camping and car trips, with a built-in flashlight and hands-free VOX.

Prices

  • Midland GXT1000VP4: $89.99 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios: $24.99 at eBay (checked today)
  • Difference: the Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios is $65.00 cheaper than the Midland GXT1000VP4 today
Midland
Midland GXT1000VP4

Midland GXT1000VP4

4.3(483 ratings)
$89.99at WalmartChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Longer claimed range and more channel combinations
  • NOAA weather scan and alert plus SOS siren
  • Runs on rechargeable pack or standard AA batteries
  • 3-year warranty
  • Strong owner rating from a large sample
Cons
  • Requires an FCC GMRS license to transmit legally
  • Bulkier and heavier than the Cobra
  • Only splash-resistant, not submersible
  • AA batteries not included
Cobra
Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios Pair

Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios

Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios Pair

4.1(714 ratings)
$24.99at eBayChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Light and easy to carry
  • Built-in LED flashlight
  • Hands-free VOX and battery saver
  • NOAA weather channels and alerts
  • More owner ratings, though a slightly lower average
Cons
  • Shorter claimed range
  • Fewer channels and combinations
  • Warranty not stated
  • Water resistance rating not specified

What separates them

Midland GXT1000VP4Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios
Frequency and licenseGMRS; an FCC license is required to transmit legally40 channels; check the band and license rules for your model before transmitting
Channels and privacy codes50 channels with 142 privacy codes, up to 3,124 combinations40 channels with 2,662 combinations
Claimed maximum rangeUp to 36 miles in open areasUp to 32 miles in optimal conditions
Power settingsHI/MED/LO selectableUp to 1 watt out
Water resistanceJIS4 splash-resistant, not submersibleWater-resistant, rating not specified
Power sourceRechargeable NiMH pack or 4 AA batteriesRechargeable battery, 850 mAh
ExtrasWeather scan and alert, SOS siren, whisper mode, dual watch, 10 call alertsNOAA weather channels and alerts, LED flashlight, emergency alert, battery saver
Warranty3 yearsNot stated

Price history

$89.99$24.99
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Midland GXT1000VP4: lowest $49.99 on Nov 10 at Midland USA.
  • Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios: lowest $24.99 on Nov 10 at eBay.

Prices at every store

Midland GXT1000VP4

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by MidlandReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $89.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $89.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Target
  • AutoZoneNew

    In stock

    $89.99+ $4.99 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit AutoZone
  • Forestry SuppliersNew

    In stock

    $89.99+ $41.60 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Forestry Suppliers

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • Sam's ClubCheck price at Sam's Club
  • Moose Knuckle OffroadCheck price at Moose Knuckle Offroad
All 27 stores and price history →

Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios

  • EtsyNew

    In stockSold by Seller

    $28.00+ $6.20 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Etsy
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $24.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • A-OK Pawn and JewelryNew

    Availability unknownSold by Wichita, KS

    $30.00Checked 2 h ago
    Visit A-OK Pawn and Jewelry
  • MercariNew

    Availability unknown

    $37.00Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Mercari

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 8 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMidland GXT1000VP4Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios
colorSilverBlack
Channels22 Channels PLUS 28 EXTRA CHANNELS40
Dimensions2.44'' x 7.91'' x 1.52"2.40 x 6.80 x 1.70 in
Battery typeUses 4 AA batteries (not included) or rechargea…Rechargeable
Frequency BandsGMRSUHF
Weather BandYesYes
Channel Count5040
Instant Channels10 (weather channels)10 NOAA Weather Channels
Radio TypeTwo-way radio, Walkie TalkieTwo-way radio, Walkie Talkie
Radio SubtypeGMRSFRS
Form FactorPortableRugged
Maximum Range36 milesup to 32 miles
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMidland GXT1000VP4Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios
Range EnvironmentOpen areas with little or no obstructionOutdoor
Transmission ModeAnalogDigital (Conventional)
Battery Life12 hours9 hour Run Time
Water ResistanceJIS4 WaterproofWaterproof
Connectivity PortsHeadphone jackSpeaker/microphone/charger input
Power OutputMaximum output power allowed by law (X-TRA TALK…1 W
Power SourceBatteryBattery
Weight2 lbs0.96 lb
Belt ClipYesYes

What reviewers say

Midland GXT1000VP4

  • 4.3 / 5483 ratings

Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 483 ratings, the GXT1000VP4 is well regarded as a dependable GMRS pair for outdoor groups. Owners value the channel options, weather alerts and battery flexibility. Complaints center on real-world range falling well short of 36 miles and the license requirement.

What people mention
  • RangeMixedOwners report solid range in open terrain but much shorter reach in trees, hills and buildings.
  • Sound qualityPraisedUsers describe clear audio and reliable reception on the higher-power settings.
  • Weather alertPraisedThe NOAA scan and alert feature is called out as genuinely useful outdoors.
  • BatteryPraisedThe rechargeable packs last a full day, and AA backup is valued for longer trips.

Cobra RX385 Two-Way Radios

  • 4.1 / 5714 ratings

Reviewers generally find the Cobra RX385 easy to use and appreciate the weather channels and flashlight. However, many complain that the range is much shorter than advertised and that battery life is disappointing.

What people mention
  • RangeCriticisedUsers report that the actual range is much shorter than the advertised 32 miles, often only a fraction of that in real-world use.
  • Battery lifeCriticisedMany find that the battery life is short and requires frequent recharging or replacement.
  • Weather channelsPraisedThe built-in NOAA weather channels and alerts are frequently mentioned as a valuable feature.

Questions and answers

Which is better for hiking and camping?
The Midland, for its longer claimed range, weather scan and alert, and AA backup power. The Cobra is lighter and has a flashlight, which helps around camp.
Do I need a license for the Midland?
Yes. The GXT1000VP4 is a GMRS radio and needs an FCC license to transmit legally. One license covers your immediate family.
Which lasts longer?
The Midland has a 3-year warranty and swappable AA power, so it is easier to keep running over years. Cobra does not state a warranty for the RX385.
Is the Cobra worth stepping up to?
No, it is the lower-tier pick here. Step up to the Midland if you want more range, more channels and a longer warranty.
Can either survive rain?
Both are water-resistant, not waterproof. The Midland is rated JIS4 for splashes and light rain. Neither should be submerged.
Will either really reach 30-plus miles?
Only in open country with clear line of sight. In woods, hills or buildings, expect a small fraction of the advertised range from both.

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size
3.4x12x9.5
—
Waterproof ratingJIS4 Waterproof—
Privacy codes142 Privacy Codes—
Range36 Mile Range—
Weather alertNOAA Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan—
Call alerts10 Call Alerts—
Power settingsHI/MED/LO Power Settings—
VOX levels9 Levels—
DisplayBacklit Display (LCD)—
Warranty3- Year Warranty—
License TypeGMRS—
Licensing RequirementYes—
Dual WatchYes—
TerrainOpen fields, Mountains—
FCC CertificationYes—
Battery TechnologyRechargeable - Nickel Metal Hydride—
Shock ResistanceNo—
Installation LocationIn-vehicle—
ProgrammingProgrammable—
Sound qualityMixed
Some users find the audio clear, while others report distortion or muffled sound in noisy conditions.