Motorola Talkabout T480 vs Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Radio Pair

The Midland set is the better pick for outdoor groups, off-roaders and anyone who needs range and a second radio out of the box. The Motorola T480 is the better pick for emergency readiness at home: it is license-free, charges over Micro-USB, has a built-in flashlight and an emergency alert button, and can run on AA alkalines when the power is out. The Midland GXT1000VP4 adds 50 GMRS channels, 142 privacy codes, dual watch, programmable channels, headsets and a 3-year warranty, but it needs an FCC GMRS license and is only splash-resistant. Owners of both lines praise the weather alerts and clear audio; the common complaints are the inflated range claims and the Midland's bulk.

• Choose the Motorola Talkabout T480 if you want a license-free, always-charged emergency radio for the house with a flashlight, weather alerts and AA backup.
• Choose the Midland set if you need two radios, longer GMRS range, headsets and programmable channels for hiking, off-roading or farm use, and you will get the FCC license.