Motorola Talkabout T475 Extreme vs Midland T51VP3 X-Talker

Buy the Motorola T475 Extreme for rougher outdoor use: it is shock resistant, IPX4 weatherproof, and runs up to 12 hours on its rechargeable NiMH pack. The Midland T51VP3 X-Talker is the simpler family set with NOAA weather scan and alert, hands-free eVOX, and a desktop charger for two radios. Both are license-free FRS radios with 22 channels, and neither lives up to its advertised maximum range in real terrain. The Midland's 3.3-out-of-5 owner rating is middling, so expect basic build quality.

• Choose the Motorola Talkabout T475 Extreme if you want a tougher, weather-resistant radio for hiking, camping, or wet and bumpy conditions.
• Choose the Midland T51VP3 X-Talker if you want a two-radio family set with weather alerts, hands-free talk, and a shared desktop charger.