Midland GXT1000VP4 vs Motorola MR350R

Walkie-talkies available in the market come in different features and capabilities that choosing the best one for your budget and usage can be a daunting task. Using a set of walkie-talkies is critical, especially if you need to continually communicate with your family, friends, or team during events, outdoor, and business activities. Using this small device is highly convenient since you can turn to them when communicating in weak cell service areas.

Furthermore, Midland GXT1000VP4 and Motorola MR350R are two of the widely used walkie-talkies in the US market today. Both can serve their purpose well, yet they match and vary in many aspects. Now, let’s talk about Midland GXT1000VP4 and Motorola MR350R to know which among the two suits your needs.

Comparison – Midland GXT1000VP4 vs. Motorola MR350R

Set up

Setting up Midland GXT1000VP4 out of the box is a significantly easy task. You only need to insert the included batteries in the package and charge the device with its dedicated DC charger before turning it the first time.

To turn on the device, rotate the POWER/VOLUME knob clockwise and increase the volume level. Likewise, turn the knob counterclockwise to reduce the volume and turn the device off. As soon as the device turns on, it will produce two beeps with different tones, and the LCD panel will display all symbols and icons for a second before indicating the last channel selected.

You can also follow the quick reference chart in its user’s manual (which we will link below) to set up the device and navigate additional features to suit your needs.

Furthermore, Motorola MR350R has clear and detailed start-up instructions. To get the device in operation, you need to plug-in the batteries and switch on the power button.  You have to put the basics in places, such as tuning all devices to the same channel and Interference Eliminator Code, so your devices can work all at once.

Turn the volume dial knob clockwise to turn the MR350R radio on and counter clockwise to switch it off, just like the previous model. As soon as the knob reaches the ON position, the radio will chirp and briefly display all feature icons in the LCD panel. After a few seconds, the screen should display the current channel, privacy code, and all features enabled in your current setting.

For both devices, setting the volume is as simple as rotating the volume knob clockwise and counterclockwise until you reach a comfortable listening level. Avoid holding the radio close to your ear while setting the volume as it could hurt your ear if the device feedbacks at a high volume level.

The Motorola MR350R walkie-talkie has fewer features than the Midland GXT1000VP4, yet this puts it at an advantage in terms of start-to-speak time. On the other hand, Midland GXT1000VP4 offers more capabilities for all kinds of settings where portable radio communications are necessary, including business activities, public safety, military, and outdoor recreation, among others.

It’s also worth noting that I do not recommend using a pair of both walkie-talkies closer than five (5) feet apart. Increasing the distance between both radios reduces or eliminates any positive feedback or a high-pitch noise that can hurt or potentially damage your hearing.

 

Waterproof

Based on the Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) scale, the Midland GXT1000VP4 has a JIS4 rating, which means splashing water from any direction will leave the device unharmed. However, Midland GXT1000VP4 is not jet resistant — meaning, it has less resistance from direct vertical water jets.

On the other hand, Motorola MR350R has an IP51 rating with protection from dust and vertically drizzling water, such as rain, making it a better choice for outdoor use and weather correspondence.

In general, the Midland GXT1000VP4 offers reliable service than the Motorola MR350R during extreme weather conditions. That said, I do not recommend using the MR350R in sailing rough oceans as saltwater splashes could damage the electronics and potentially leave you off-the-grid.

 

Power Source

Both the Midland GXT1000VP4 and Motorola MR350R walkie-talkies have dual power features, and they can operate with either alkaline or rechargeable batteries. The Midland GXT1000VP4 package comes with four (4) NiMH rechargeable batteries, which can last for up to 9 hours of continuous usage. If you want this device to operate longer for up to 23 hours, you can use AA alkaline batteries.

Whereas, the Motorola MR350R’s rechargeable battery pack can survive for 8 hours of continuous operation, though you may use regulated alkaline batteries or three (3) AA Polaroid batteries to extend its operating time. That said, observe a regular charging habit, especially if you will use the device for prolonged periods.

It is also important to note that a fully-drained MR350R battery pack will take around 14 hours to recharge fully.

 

Range

The Midland GXT1000VP4 can broadcast up to 36 miles in ideal conditions. Though obstructions like huge buildings may decrease its range, it can still serve its purpose well as it covers a significant distance. That said, it is ideal to use handheld radios and walkie-talkies above open water, flat landscapes, and elevated areas where you can still see the other user.

On the other hand, the Motorola MR350R can reach up to 35 miles without any interruptions. However, it can only reach about 6 miles over open water in typical conditions and a maximum of 2 miles in urban areas. If you desire to broadcast at a higher range, the MR350R comes with a Push-To-Talk (PTT) Power Boost, which increases its transmission range.

 

Frequencies

Both walkie-talkies cover FRS (Family Radio Services) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Services). The frequency range of Midland GXT1000VP4 is 462 to 467 MHz with over 50 channels: 22 primary channels and 28 channels with privacy codes. You can operate this device without a license when transmitting FRS-exclusive channels 8 to 14 in the US. Communicating over other frequencies with the GMRS system means that you’ll need to get a permit or license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Besides, if you want to activate all 22 channels of Motorola MR350R, you have to use the GMRS frequencies and get a license as well.

 

Features

Generally, walkie-talkies work similarly and differently in many aspects. Let’s go over the main features of Midland GXT1000VP4 first. This walkie-talkie offers you the following:

• Easy-Voice (eVoX) function for delivery of message through voice activation
• NOAA Weather Channels for weather forecast (scan up to 10 channels)
• SOS Siren that sends signals in case of an emergency
• Keypad Lock to ensure device security and avoid pressing the button accidentally
• “Whisper function” with a vibrate mode
• Auto-squelch for noise reduction
• Group Call feature

The device also packs unique features such as a “roger” beep tone to increase further its ease of use and functionality, the HI/MED/LO power setting with its speaker/microphone jacks, as well as a low-battery indicator. It also comes with a backlit LCD that you can use day or night.

Midland GXT1000VP4 also packs an X-TRA TALK feature, which broadcasts signals at the maximum power allowed by law. X-TRA TALK ensures full operational range and clear communication.

While the Motorola MR350R radio features:

• 22 channels with 121 privacy codes for interference protection
• Hands-free eVox function
• 11 weather channels, 7 of which are NOAA channels for bad weather detection
• VibraCall vibration alert with 20 different call tones
• Backlit display for ease of usage in dark areas
• Auto squelch for smooth and more transparent communication
• Emergency alert feature to send out emergency signals

Motorola MR350R also comes with a built-in flashlight. The torch feature makes the device a reliable companion for night-outs and camping, as it’s convenient to have a handheld radio that works as a torch too. It keeps one hand free, as all it takes to power on the torch is to hold the flashlight button to use the light continuously.

The MR350R features an emergency alert mode, which you can use to signal members within your group if you need urgent help or rescuing. Motorola MR350R operates in hands-free emergency control mode automatically for 30 seconds after activating the emergency alert feature.

As you may have observed, the Midland GXT1000VP4 and Motorola MR350R walkie-talkies have several similar and unique features that make them suitable to use on many occasions.  Although they serve the same function, you may find one much preferable than the other after taking a closer look at their features.

 

Price

The Midland GXT1000VP4 and Motorola MR350R have a significant price gap, given their unique sets of features. But despite such price differences, I still find their prices game-changing and remarkably cost-effective, especially for the Midland variant.

Midland GXT1000VP4, which has more features, costs a lot lower than Motorola MR350R. The handheld device has a reasonable price of $69.99 on Amazon. Unlike the Motorola MR350R, this is quite expensive, going for $349.95. Though you can still browse other online stores and second-hand devices at a lower price, it’s essential to know that this product’s manufacturing will no longer continue. So you may opt for the Midland GXT1000VP4 walkie-talkie instead.

 

Conclusion – Midland GXT1000VP4 vs. Motorola MR350R

Midland GXT1000VP4 and Motorola MR350R have reliable and unique features that will surely help you coordinate and communicate seamlessly. After this comparison, you should have come to know their similar and varying features, including those that would fit your needs.

While both are useful for communication in a different setting or activity, you may prefer one from the other based on your verdict. That said, here’s a quick summary of both walkie-talkies.

The Midland GXT1000VP4 might be challenging to set up for beginners, but it’s the right choice for outdoor and long-range activities for your organization since it has a group call feature. Its whisper function and SOS emergency mode also prove to be helpful for the great outdoors. The Midland GXT1000VP4 also comes at a lower price range than its opponent, making it an excellent buy for amateur and professional radio operators.

However, if you are looking for a user-friendly walkie-talkie, I suggest choosing Motorola MR350R. It is easy to set up since you only have to install the battery and turn the power button on, then you’re good to go.

But take note that the Motorola MR350R might be out of the market soon and is quite expensive compared to Midland GXT1000VP4. With all these things considered, this guide should help decide which among the two walkie-talkies best suits your needs.

View the Motorola MR350R on Amazon* View the Midland GXT1000VP4 on Amazon*