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Midland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS Radio vs Motorola SL300 Two-Way Radio

Buy the Midland MXT500 if you need long-range vehicle-to-vehicle or farm communication with maximum legal GMRS power, weather alerts and a rugged IP66 build. Buy the Motorola SL300 if you need a compact, light business handheld for indoor teams on a licensed UHF system. The Midland is a 50W mobile radio with an external antenna and repeater support; the SL300 is a 2-3W portable with 14-hour battery life and digital/analog modes. Owners praise the Midland's reach and clear audio; SL300 users value its slim size and all-day battery, but note its limited range and IP54 rating.

  • Choose the Midland MXT500 if you want a powerful mobile radio for vehicles, farms or wide outdoor areas with weather alerts and repeater channels.
  • Choose the Motorola SL300 if you need a pocket-sized handheld for staff in warehouses, hospitals or schools on a licensed UHF system.

Prices

  • Midland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS Radio: $459.99 at MIDLAND (checked today)
  • Motorola SL300 Two-Way Radio: $100.00 at Davidson Communications (checked today)
  • Difference: the Motorola SL300 Two-Way Radio is $359.99 cheaper than the Midland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS Radio today
Midland
MXT500AGVP3 50W MicroMobile GMRS Two-Way Radio

Midland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS Radio

MXT500AGVP3 50W MicroMobile GMRS Two-Way Radio

$459.99at MIDLANDChecked 17 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit MIDLAND
Pros
  • 50W output gives the longest legal GMRS reach
  • IP66 sealed against rain, mud and dust
  • NOAA weather alerts built in
  • 8 split-tone repeater channels extend coverage
  • Bundle includes Ghost antenna, mount and cable
Cons
  • Needs a GMRS license to transmit
  • Must be installed in a vehicle or fixed location
  • Not a handheld; no battery-powered portability
Motorola
Motorola SL300 Portable Two-Way Radio

Motorola SL300 Two-Way Radio

Motorola SL300 Portable Two-Way Radio

$100.00at Davidson CommunicationsChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Davidson Communications
Pros
  • Slim, light body that clips to a belt
  • About 14 hours of battery life per charge
  • Analog and digital DMR modes in one radio
  • Dual Watch monitors two channels at once
  • Rubberized buttons and shock resistance for daily handling
Cons
  • IP54 only; not built for heavy rain or washdown
  • Short range compared with a 50W mobile radio
  • No weather band
  • Requires an FCC license and programming

What separates them

Midland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS RadioMotorola SL300 Two-Way Radio
Form factorMobile radio mounted in a vehicle with external antennaCompact handheld carried on a belt or in a pocket
Transmit power50W, the legal maximum for GMRSPortable-class power, suited to short and medium range
RangeMiles of range with a mounted antenna and repeater accessRated for about 400,000 sq ft indoors in urban settings
Water and dust ratingIP66, resistant to heavy water jets and dustIP54, splash and dust resistant only
BatteryPowered from the vehicle; USB-C port for charging and data2300 mAh Li-Ion, about 14 hours per charge
Weather radioNOAA weather channels and emergency alertsNo weather band
Transmission modesAnalog GMRS with privacy codes and split-tone repeatersAnalog and digital (DMR) on UHF or VHF
LicensingGMRS license required for transmittingFCC license required; business or commercial use

Price history

$499.99$84.99
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Midland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS Radio: lowest $499.99 on Nov 1 at Target.
  • Motorola SL300 Two-Way Radio: lowest $84.99 on Nov 10 at HaloidSolutions.com.

Prices at every store

Midland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS Radio

  • MIDLANDNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $459.99Checked 17 h ago
    Visit MIDLAND
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $499.99Checked Nov 1
    Visit Target
  • AutoZoneNew

    Availability unknown

    $499.99Checked Nov 1
    Visit AutoZone
  • GigaParts.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $499.99Checked Nov 1
    Visit GigaParts.com
All 4 stores and price history →

Motorola SL300 Two-Way Radio

  • Davidson CommunicationsNew

    In stock

    $100.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Davidson Communications
  • Radio DepotNew

    In stock

    $389.00+ $25.00 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Radio Depot
  • Rangeland CommunicationsNew

    In stock

    $438.00+ $12.90 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Rangeland Communications
  • Atlantic Radio Communications Corp.New

    Availability unknown

    $399.00Checked Nov 1
    Visit Atlantic Radio Communications Corp.
All 9 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMidland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS RadioMotorola SL300 Two-Way Radio
Water resistanceIP66IP54
Weather BandYesNo
Channel Count15 channels99
Transmit power50W—
ChannelsUp to 128 channels—
High power channels15 high power GMRS channels—
Repeater channels8 repeater channels—
Privacy codes154 privacy codes (50 CTCSS/104 DCS)—
PortUSB-C Port – Charging & Data—
Power settingsHigh/Medium/Low—
Weather radioNOAA Weather Radio—
Speaker power20 Watts—
Show all 37 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMidland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS RadioMotorola SL300 Two-Way Radio
Speaker impedance8 Ohms—
Speaker cord length6.5 ft—
TypeMobile—
PA System CompatibleYes—
License Type—FCC
Licensing Requirement—Yes
Dual Watch—Yes
Maximum Range—400,000 sq ft (inside area)
Range Environment—Urban use
Terrain

What reviewers say

Midland MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS Radio

Owners of the MXT500 line praise its range and clean audio on open ground and its repeater access. Many find the menu programming and manual tuning take time to learn, and some report the stock antenna underperforms compared with an upgraded NMO setup.

What people mention
  • RangePraisedOwners report clear contact over several miles on open terrain at 50W.
  • Repeater usePraisedThe 8 split-tone repeater channels are cited as a reason to buy over cheaper radios.
  • SetupMixedThe bundle eases antenna mounting, but wiring and menu programming still take time.
  • AntennaMixedThe included Ghost NMO antenna is seen as an upgrade, while the stock magnetic antenna draws complaints.

Questions and answers

Which is better for talking between vehicles on a farm?
The Midland MXT500. Its 50W output, external antenna and repeater channels reach much farther than a handheld, and IP66 handles weather and dust.
Which lasts longer in daily use?
The SL300's battery runs about 14 hours per charge and the radio is shock resistant, but its IP54 rating is weaker than the Midland's IP66. The Midland draws vehicle power, so runtime is not a concern.
Is the Midland worth stepping up to over the SL300?
Only if you need long range outdoors or from a vehicle. For indoor teams on foot, the SL300's size, battery life and digital mode fit better.
Do both need a license?
Yes. The Midland needs a GMRS license; the SL300 needs an FCC license for its business or commercial channels.
Can the SL300 reach as far as the Midland?
No. It is a portable rated for about 400,000 sq ft indoors in urban settings, while the Midland's 50W and mounted antenna cover miles outdoors.
Does either have weather alerts?
Only the Midland. It includes NOAA weather channels and emergency alerts; the SL300 has no weather band.

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Warehouses, Distribution centers, Hospitals, Sc…
FCC Certification—Yes
Transmission Mode—Analog, Digital
Radio Type—Two-Way Radio
Radio Subtype—Ham radio, Analog FM radio, DMR radio
Form Factor—Compact
Material—Rubberized side buttons
Battery Life—14 hours
Battery Capacity—2300 mAh
Battery Technology—Li-Ion, Lithium ion
Battery Type—Rechargeable
Frequency Bands—UHF, VHF
Frequency Range—403-470 MHz
Frequency Step—12.5 kHz (Channel Spacing)
Dust Resistance—Yes
Shock Resistance—Yes