Be it indoor or outdoor activities, you and your family or friends will be best with an additional companion—a walkie talkie. It eliminates your worry of getting no cellphone signal. With a walkie talkie in tow, communication is easier when everyone is out in the mountains, camping, or hiking.
But how do you know which one to bring—or purchase? Particularly, if you choose between Motorola T200 and Motorola T260, how will you know which is the better choice? Let me help you compare the two in terms of features and performance.
Motorola T200 | Motorola T260 | |
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Brand | ||
Range | 20 miles | 25 miles |
Power Output | 0.5 watt (FRS) / 2 watts (FRS/GMRS) | 0.5-1.5 Watts |
Frequency Ranges | 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) | 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) |
License needed | yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) | yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) |
Waterproof |  | |
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Emergency Alert | | |
Auto Squelch | | |
LED Flashlight | | |
Keypad Lock | | |
Weather Channels | | |
Call Tones | 20 | 20 |
Power Source | NiMH rechargeable batterie or 3 AA Alkaline batteries | NiMH rechargeable batterie or 3 AA Alkaline batteries |
Size | 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 inches | 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 inches |
Weight | 0.4 lb | 0.4 lb |
Scope of Delivery |
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My Rating | ||
Comparison – Motorola T200 vs. T260
Setup
I discovered that the setup for all T200 series—including the Motorola T200 and T260—are the same. It’s so simple: unfasten the belt clip before removing the battery cover. Insert the batteries. Turn on the device. Set the handset to the available channel of your choice and interference elimination code.
If you are not familiar with walkie talkies, you can get help from the user’s manual, which has the information you need to start using it. Make an extra effort to read as it is for your own good. The user’s manual also contains a list of channels and frequencies. Because both handsets have few controls, things should be easy for you.
Waterproof
Both Motorola T200 and Motorola T260 are not waterproof. As much as possible, avoid using either Motorola T200 or Motorola T260 while you are near the water. Suppose you can’t help it, practice caution when you have it during water activities. Never drop it in water.
Power Source
Both Motorola T200 and MotorolaT260 give you two options as power sources: rechargeable batteries and alkaline batteries. Because of this, rest assured that you can use your walkie talkie for longer hours. You have nothing to worry about if you are out longer than you have expected.
The NiMH rechargeable batteries that come with your purchase of the Motorola T200 last up to 12 hours. To charge these batteries, you’ll be using the micro USB Battery Charging Adapter that’s also inside the package. This is the same as Motorola T260. I know, the battery life’s quite short. But as I said earlier, by combining two power sources, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to running out of batteries.
I recommend then that you always bring the alkaline batteries in case your power runs out. If possible, have some backup batteries as well. For Motorola T200, you will need 3 pieces of AAA alkaline batteries. For Motorola T260, you have to purchase 3 pieces of AA alkaline batteries. Yes, you read it right: alkaline batteries are not included in the package of either the Motorola T200 or Motorola T260. Being able to use these types of batteries in either device is already a good deal if you’ll be staying overnight in an outdoor location, especially as it lasts up to 29 hours.
Range
When used in ideal conditions, the Motorola T200 can reach up to 20 miles, says the manufacturer. Ideal conditions mean there are no, or there are the least amount of obstructions, and the weather condition is good. If there are barriers within the range, expect that you will experience difficulty in the signal.
The Motorola T260, on the other hand, reaches a longer range at 25 miles, and it’s not only in an open field but also in mountains or valleys. But don’t get confused as the range still gets affected by terrains and other obstructions as well. Communication in open water is also possible. Expect to use it up to six miles range. Because the power output is not available for Motorola T260, I did a test myself. In GMRS channels, it can transmit 1.5 watts of maximum output.
Frequencies
Set the frequency range from 462 to 467, and the Motorola T200 will work. You’ll find 22 channels, which has 121 privacy codes for each. You can use this walkie talkie as a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) or Family Radio Service (FRS) because it can work with any radio. There’s no need for a license to operate Motorola T200 if you use it for FRS in the US. However, bear in mind that you can only use it within the above-mentioned frequencies. Use of your Motorola T200 outside these frequencies in the US may get you in trouble—fine and others. Channels 8 to 14 are available. On the other hand, if you’ll operate it as GMRS, getting a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is required. Channels 1 to 7 and channels 15 to 22 are available for use.
Motorola T260 also broadcasts the FRS and the GMRS channels because of its compatibility with any radio. However, what makes it different from the Motorola T200 is that you are required to secure a license, most especially if you’ll be using GMRS. As for the frequency range, the Motorola T260 is similar to Motorola T200—but in the Ultra High Frequency or UHF band. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities. So if you are always out with friends or family, this walkie talkie suits you. You’ll have no trouble communicating, especially during emergencies. Motorola T200 and Motorola T260 offer ease in finding available channels as both have 22 channels with 121 privacy codes for each channel. Each privacy code has 2,662 combinations.
In the US, you have a lot to know about the use of walkie talkies. There are DOs and DON’Ts, legal and illegal. So you must be aware of them to avoid getting into trouble. To learn more about the FCC’S general rules for the PRS, click this link.
Features
Motorola T200 makes it easier for you to look for a channel where you can talk privately with your friend or family member as you have 22 channels to scan. There are 121 privacy codes and 2,662 combinations.
Other Motorola T200 features include:
- Micro USB Charging
- Dual power
- Compatibility with other 2-way radios
- Eco scan
- 20 call tones
- Battery meter and low-battery alert
Motorola T260 lets you scan 22 channels. Each channel comprises 121 privacy codes. You’ve got a total of 2,662 combinations—that’s a lot and a huge help in finding an available channel for you!
Other Motorola T260 features include:
- Dual power
- iVOX/VOX hands-free
- scanning feature
- Micro-USB charging
- 11 weather channels (with an alert, 7 NOAA)
- Eco smart as it consumes less power when not in use
- 20 call tones
- Talk confirmation tone
- Battery meter
- Compatibility with other 2-way radios
With 20 call tones, choose which tone callers hear even before you speak. As for the weather channels, you’ll regularly receive weather updates. You will then know where is the best place to go on a given day or when it is best to go camping with family and friends. This simple weather update assures you of safety when going outdoor.
Price
Price and performance ratio combined, Motorola T200 is worth buying. It’s reliable, and the price is within the medium range. But if you are looking for a really good—or best—buy, choose Motorola T260. Features are remarkable, and for its price of $45.95? It’s already affordable considering its features and performance.
Conclusion – Motorola T200 vs T260
Both the Motorola T200 and Motorola T260 are rich in features. Unsurprisingly (because they belong to the Motorola T200 series), they have similar features. You can bring them to your next planned camping or hiking activity. Both are easy to charge, using a micro-USB charging port. For a longer life, both allow the use of batteries.
However, the Motorola T260 stands out in some aspects that, in terms of performance, you will choose to buy it than Motorola T200.
If you are a lover of outdoor activities, Motorola T260 is the better choice because it can reach up to 25 miles of frequency range than Motorola T200’s up to 20 miles. While Motorola T260 has 11 weather channels, Motorola T200 has none. You’ll know the weather in advance as it will keep you updated with weather alerts.
View the Motorola T200 on Amazon* View the Motorola T260 on Amazon*
