Midland GXT1000VP4 vs T71VP3

Everyone always wants the best option in the market for their price, but it is not easy to decide which one you must go for. This much is true for almost everything. There are many things to consider when choosing a good two-way radio ~ spec, functionality, and usage. There are also a lot of options in the market, making it even harder to decide.

Today we will be checking out two brands from Midland, which might be worth considering for your purpose – the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Midland T71VP3, both of which are good choices in their respective categories. Both have promising features and capabilities. But the question is, which one is the radio for you?

Comparison – Midland GXT1000VP4 vs. T71VP3

Set-up

There is not much difference between the two devices’ setup – the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Midland T71VP3. The basic functions of both devices are fairly easy to use and understand. The devices can be turned on by turning the Power knob, which also functions as the volume knob, clockwise. To turn it off, rotate the knob counterclockwise. Upon power-up, the walkie talkie will alert twice. The monitor will then display all icons for a while, and then the last channel selected will be shown.

To communicate between devices, you must ensure that the same channel privacy code is set for all radios in your group. Send a message, hold the PTT button, and hold the radio 2-3 inches from your mouth for maximum clarity. To receive a transmission, let go of the PTT button. Easy right?

Using the other features that come with, it might be a bit tricky, though, as you would need to give it time to understand all you need to know truly. Do not fret, though, as all the information you would need for this can be found on the User Guide that comes with the device.

 

Waterproof

The Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Midland T71VP3 walkie talkies are both water-resistant. However, although they have water resistance ratings, their water-resistant capabilities are quite different. The Midland GXT1000VP4 has a JIS4 rating, which means it is splash-proof. Splashing water from any directions will have no harmful effect.

The Midland T71VP3 is also water-resistant, but its rating was not stated in the manufacturer’s product information on their online page. However, it is said to have an IPX4 water rating, which means that it should be splash-proof, just like the Midland GXT1000CP4. This puts one mind at ease when planning to use the device where water exposure is a possibility.

In terms of water resistance, there is not much difference here between the two. Both can handle water splashes quite well, which is quite a handy feature for any two-way radio.

 

Power Source

This is where the difference between the two devices is starting to show. The Midland GXT1000VP4 is said to last you 9-hours of uninterrupted use, while the Midland T71VP4 can last you up to 15-hours of uninterrupted use. The latter can give you more juice than its competition. However, this is only because the features that both devices have to offer are not the same, as the Midland GXT1000VP4 has more functions it can provide, of course, at the expense of its battery life.

Whichever you may end up choosing, both devices last a good amount of time before having to have themselves charged. Also, on the occasion that a power source is not available and you need to use the radio, both radios can be powered up with AAA disposable batteries. The Midland GXT1000VP4 uses four AAA batteries, while the Midland T71VP3 uses three AAA batteries for it to power up. Pretty neat, huh?

Both devices can be charged using the included desktop charger and adapters found on the box.

 

Range

Based on the manufacturer’s product information, both devices are pretty impressive long-range two-way radio devices. The Midland GXT1000VP4 can reach up to 36 miles worth of coverage and 38 miles for the Midland T71VP3. It is even said to reach even further if used in an area with little to no obstructions around. Although the Midland GXT1000VP4 has a shorter range outside the box, since it is a GMRS radio, it can be modified to have strong, farther-reaching signals at least up to 50watts.

 

Frequency

Both devices are operating on a frequency range of around 462 ~ 467 MHz. This means that they are both operating on the same frequency band for transmission. The GXT1000VP4 supports up to 50 channels and 285 privacy codes, while the V71VP3 supports up to 36 channels and 121 privacy codes.

The main difference between the two is that the Midland GXT1000VP4 is a GMRS radio, while the Midland T71VP3 is an FRS radio. The difference between the two is that an FRS radio is more suited for personal use as purchasing it will not require you to have an FCC license beforehand. Although this may be the case, even if both have the same frequency range, specific frequencies within that range can only be reached using a GMRS radio.

 

Features

There are so many things about these walkie talkies that are worth looking forward to. Although the Midland T71VP3 offers fewer features than the Midland GXT1000VP4. Here are some of the features worth looking into.

 

Radio Channels and Range

The GXT1000VP4 can support the use of up to 50 channels and 258 Privacy codes. Given that it has a power output capability of more than 3.0 watts, this much is expected. This gives you more range and compatibility to other walkie talkies you already have or is out there in the market.

The Midland T71VP3 can only support up to 36 channels and 121 Privacy codes. Although this is lower than the previous, given that you won’t need a license to use, this makes it still worth considering.

When it comes to range, the T71VP3 got the GXT1000VP4 beat. It boasts a maximum range of up to 38 miles while the latter only has a range of around 36 miles. Although this might be the case, this is only true under the best conditions. As per experience, though, this might not always be the case.

Even at best conditions, some walkie talkies can only give you about 10 miles of range since there are a lot of factors that may interrupt the signal transmission. Nevertheless, this is an impressive range for a walkie talkie at this price range.

 

Splash Proof

Another feature worth noting is its water resistance. Both devices are splash proof making it able to survive when water is splashed in any direction. The Midland GCT1000VP4 has a JIS4 water-resistant rating, and while the rating for the Midland T71VP3 was not stated, it is expected to be the same.

 

NOAA Weather Alerts enabled

Both Midland models also have NOAA weather radio transceivers. This means that you can pick up weather updates on this walkie talkie. This is a good thing as being able to do this allows you to enjoy a good adventure prepared. Knowing the minor weather changes might save your life.

 

Silent Operation and Earphone jack support

The GXT1000VP4 and the T71VP3 also support silent operation if you wish to be covert and use the walkie talkie with as little noise as possible. There is also the option of using earphones as both units have earphone jacks you can connect your earphones too. This is certainly useful as having access to earphones allows you to free your hands from holding the walkie talkie constantly or gives you that sense of privacy if you need it.  Isn’t that great?

 

e-VOX function enabled

The Midland GXT1000VP4 and T71VP3 both support e-VOX hands-free operation up to 9 levels allowing you to send and receive messages without having to touch your walkie talkie. It works by setting a sensitivity for your device, then once finished, it will pick up or sense whenever you wish to talk and will automatically transmit the message to other walkie talkies in your group connected to the same channel. There will be no need to use your hands to operate the device constantly. This frees your hands to be able to do more and more productive things.

 

Auto Squelch

Both devices also have an auto-squelch feature making transmissions clearer as the device automatically blocks unnecessary noises/ interferences. Isn’t that amazing?

 

Whisper mode

The GXT1000VP4 also has a whisper mode where even when you use low voice or whisper when sending a transmission, your message will still arrive loud and clear. Amazing right?

Amazing as the whisper mode can be, this function only works with the Midland GXT1000VP4. The T71VP3 does not support this feature. This means that although you may try to whisper when sending messages on your T71VP3 walkie talkie, there is no assurance that the message will come through loud and clear.

 

After enlisting the features available to both devices, it can be observed that there is not a lot of difference between the two devices. Aside from the number of channels it supports and their ranges, both devices are similar.

The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a GMRS radio device, though, so that means you would need a license before purchasing it, or you will be unable to use it. That aside, both walkie talkies look pretty much the same.

Both are worth considering with the set of features it has to offer. They are also both small and portable in size, making them great choices for trips. And even when you run out of juice in the middle of nowhere without any means of recharging your device, you can easily switch out the rechargeable batteries for AAA batteries. Neat huh?

 

Price

The Midland GXT1000VP4 is priced at $89.99, while the Midland T71VP3 is priced at $79.99. If you compare both devices directly, the T71VP3 is pricier than it looks, given that it is an FRS radio type. Many FRS radio types can be considered more affordable and budget-friendly.

However, if you look at the T71VP3 from a price to performance ratio perspective, it is certainly worth considering. Not many FRS radios can reach the range this device has to offer. As for the Midland GXT10000VP4, for the set of features it offers, is certainly worth the price.

If you are looking for an FRS radio with long-range and great features, then certainly go for the Midland T71VP3. However, if you are looking for a more specific frequency range inaccessible with an FRS radio type, then the Midland GXT1000VP4 is the one for you. Overall, both devices are good choices for a walkie talkie.

 

Conclusion – Midland GXT1000VP4 vs. T71VP3

So, is the Midland GXT1000VP4 the one for you, or is it the Midland T71VP3? Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Both models are above the $50.00 mark, making it a bit pricey for some but undeniably worth every penny. I guess you should consider what features you need to have to make it more worth it.

If you need a GMRS unit capable of reaching channels only accessible with such a device, then, by all means, choose the Midland GXT1000VP4. With its set of functionality and features, it will surely attend to your every need.

However, if you only wish to use the walkie talkie for personal use and easy communication within your group, I think it is better to choose the Midland T71VP3. It is certainly cheaper compared to the Midland GXT1000VP4. It has most of the specs you would look for as well in a walkie talkie.

Great water resistance, clear transmission, and a long-range, what more is there to find for? Although you may have to give up access to a few channels that are available with the Midland GXT1000VP4, I think this is a compromise anyone would be willing to take.

Whatever you may choose to get, both devices are certainly good walkie talkies and will be quite the use with whatever you have in mind for it.

View the Midland GXT1000VP4 on Amazon* View the Midland T71VP3 on Amazon*