People love going outdoor to do activities and have some fun. I believe that it is an obsession that would never fade among people. It is very much understood—well, who does not want to sweat from the outdoor heat by playing with family and friends? Who does not want to have their body covered with dirt and mud from going camping and hiking? Who does not like to feel the excitement of running under the rain while holding paintball guns and such? Nobody.
This stuff sounds useful and fun, but these can be even better! I find it easier and more convenient to go on bodily-active, outdoor leisure using Motorola’s T200 and T460, my favorite walkie-talkies. But you might be wondering why these two are my personal favorites and how these two differ technically, so here’s a short review that you must check on before purchasing!
Motorola T200 | Motorola T460 | |
 |  | |
Brand | ||
Range | 20 miles | 35 miles |
Power Output | 0.5 watt (FRS) / 2 watts (FRS/GMRS) | 2 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 |  |  |
| | |
Emergency Alert | | |
Auto Squelch | | |
LED Flashlight | | |
Keypad Lock | | |
Low Battery Alert | | |
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 | 7.54 x 2.26 x 1.37 inches |
Weight | 0.4 lb | 0.43 lb |
Scope of Delivery |
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My Rating | ||
Comparison – Motorola T200 vs. T460
Set-up
Setting up both walkie-talkies is very easy, that even first-timers would not sweat doing it. Motorola T200 simply requires a process of installing the battery and setting the handset on both ends into a similar channel; these enlisted channels are in the user’s manual guide. On the other hand, Motorola T460 gives the user an option to switch between two modes. It has the NOAA Weather Mode, which I find very helpful whenever I go on long trips. It keeps me updated about weather conditions from time to time. Of course, the two-way radio communication mode allows contact between users. Switching between these two can be quickly done by clicking on the (+) or (-) button. Moreover, diving through the MON button allows the user to scan for available channels.
Both Motorola T200 and T460 are very efficient devices for outdoor communication. The T200 model is a bit more time-consuming in terms of the set-up process, unlike that of the T460’s, which only takes a single press. Regarding channel searching, I am a type who always minimizes the things that I carry, so I also prefer the T460 model as it requires nothing but the handset itself.
Waterproof
T460 model has an IP54 waterproof rating, which makes it reliable even amid heavy rains or snow. It is possible through rubber covers and plugs, helping the device resist a certain amount of moisture. It is also the type of walkie-talkie that I would bring as I go on dusty adventures as its IP54 protection includes a semi-dust tight feature and complete protection from solid objects. The only offside this model has is that it is not capable of being submerged in water. Technically, its waterproof protection blocks minimal sprays only. On the other hand, Motorola T200 does not have waterproof protection at all. It means that it is more prone to damages than the T460.
Power Source
The T200 model has two power options: either charge its NiMH batteries with a micro USB battery charger for 12 hours or plugin three AAA alkaline batteries. Using the rechargeable batteries that come with a micro USB charger makes the device last up to 12 hours. Using alkaline batteries provides up to 29 hours of functional life. It is good to design the walkie-talkie with such a feature because these devices usually take a day or more. I think it is one of the model’s edges.
Motorola T460 shares the same feature and package inclusion. However, the device lasts 10 hours only using the rechargeable NiMH battery, while 26 hours using the alkaline batteries. This model takes 14 charging hours to fully load the NiMH battery or use two AA batteries, which have about three times more power than the AAA.
It appears to me that the T200 model is better than the T460 in terms of power consumption. Motorola T200 lasts longer than the T200 model. It requires lesser charging time and the use of lower-powered batteries. Thus, it saves more time and money since AAA batteries are less expensive than AA batteries.
Range
Motorola T460 can transmit and receive at a maximum distance of 35 miles, given that both ends are in an ideal position where very minimal obstructions are present. The device can reach its farthest in valleys, mountains, and other similar terrains. While, when used in open water areas, such as rivers, large lakes, oceans, etc., it can reach a maximum distance of 6 miles. Moreover, the T460 model gets 2 miles, its least extent, in cities and other congested areas where many located obstructions are present. It has a 2-watt power output, which lies in the middle power output range of walkie-talkies nowadays. It is among those that are used in the business industry.
On the other hand, Motorola T200 reaches a maximum distance of 20 miles in the best setting, which is a lot shorter than T460’s full reach. Hence, I prefer using the T460 when my friends or family and I would go on building and leisure trips, different terrain adventures, etc. Motorola T460 perfectly fits long-end communications and is capable of providing good clarity despite the presence of heavy obstructions, such as weather conditions, signal traffic, presence of devices like signal jammers, etc. Often, these obstructions are in cities, parks, campsites, forests, etc.
Unlike the T460, the T200 model uses a 0.5-watt power output only. Thus, its capabilities are limited to primary uses such as non-business communications, outdoor activities, leisure trips, etc.
Frequencies
The Motorola T460 and T200 model functions in a Family Radio Service and General Mobile Radio Service at a 462-467 MHz frequency range, which lies under the Ultra High-Frequency band. These two models have 22 channels with 121 privacy codes each. Moreover, when the T460 and the T200 models operate in an FRS (Family Radio System), there is no compulsory license. However, extending operational channels of the T200 model to those channels shared with the General Mobile Radio System, such as channels 1 to 7 and 15 to 22, obligates a similar requirement as the GMRS’. GMRS (General Mobile Radio System) mandates an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license. Moreover, American laws and a few more regulations prohibit these Motorola walkie-talkies within the United States of America (USA) and Canada.
The frequency range of these two radio devices is pretty much the same in terms of the frequency band, operational channels, mandated license, etc. These two even require similar legal processes and other law-regulated matters. Thus, I believe that the T460’s and T200’s respective frequency do not matter much as they do not differ much.
Features
Motorola T200 is designed with very durable materials, maintaining a good physical condition even after receiving quite a few shocks from hitting objects or falling from a height. It has 20 call tone options, which you can personalize for selected channels and specific contact. It also has an auto-squelch feature, which is very helpful, mainly when no one uses the radio. The T200 model includes a keypad lock in the form of a passcode to minimize the risk of altering the inputted personal information accidentally. Moreover, suppose the communications accidentally broke down because of the scan function. In that case, it can be easily fixed by restarting the device and conjuring the channel again. Besides, one of its best features is battery-saving along with the time-out timer, which automatically locks the handset when it does not function.
Motorola T460 has more features than the T200 model. It contains a PTT power boost, enabling the device to reach a longer distance. More features include iVOX and VOX hand-free communication that makes the model capable of functioning as a speakerphone. Like the T200 model, Motorola T460 also has 20 call tones, a keypad lock, and an auto squelch feature. Other features function for noise filtering, message notification through vibration, emergency alert, LED flashlight, and weather channels. These features make Motorola T460 more convenient for several purposes. It appears that the overall design of this product is its main asset.
Price
Motorola T200 costs $54.99 while Motorola T460 is worth $89.99; these two are listed with available discounts. The T460 model is more pricey, but it is pretty much justifiable, given its high-end features and a long list of capabilities. These radio devices are available in different shops inline such as amazon and Motorola online site itself.
Conclusion – Motorola T200 vs T460
Both of these Motorola radios are worth buying. These models share a list of similarities in terms of legal requirements, features, and other functions. Suppose you intend to use a walkie-talkie in short-end and less bulky activities, such as amusement park adventures, school activities for kids, and leisure with family and nearby friends. In that case, I highly recommend using the T200 model. But suppose you want to go more intense such as camping, hiking, long travels, or business and corporate purposes. In that case, Motorola T460 is the better choice. One more reason why the T460 model is more suitable for heavier purposes is its IP54 protection, including protection from dust and other solid materials. Henceforth, it is crucial to specify your purpose before purchasing.
T200 model is more like a virtual device that is capable of simple functions only. Its features are relatively lesser than the T460’s, too. I honestly prefer the T460 though it is more expensive than the other because I find it very versatile for many purposes. But of course, I will give big points for the functional life of the T200 walkie-talkie, which is one of its best features. In general, these two Motorola walkie-talkies are worth adding to your collection; every single dollar spent on these products is worth it.
View the Motorola T200 on Amazon* View the Motorola T460 on Amazon*
