Motorola T260 vs T400

Motorola is considered one of the most trusted yet best brands for walkie-talkies in this era of two-way radios. It is the best recognized and popular brand for radios in the world.  Since it introduces various models of walkie-talkies, people might get confused regarding which one to purchase and why.

Walkie-talkies are quite expensive to buy, especially if you opt for the best built-in features model. Many people often get confused between so many models available and end up buying the wrong product that in turn does not fulfill their requirements.  In this review, you will get a clear vision of the Motorola T260 vs. T400.

Comparison – Motorola T260 vs. T400

Setup

The Motorola T260 is very easy to set up. It is an FRS radio that operates on 22 FRS/GMRS frequencies. Here’s how you can set up the Motorola T269:  Before removing the batteries, you can simply unfasten the belt clip and then insert the batteries. Now just turn on the device and then set it to the available channel as per your choice. You also get a manual along with it that clearly mentions all the instructions for usage and setup. In short, it’s simple and easy to set up the walkie-talkie, even if you don’t know how to use walkie-talkies.

The setup of the Motorola T260 and T400 is quite similar. The Motorola T400 comes with a charger, free batteries, manual, and two radios. You need to insert the fully charged batteries while setting up and wait for the device to turn on. Once it turns on, just set your preferred frequency and channel and press the PTT button. Basically, you’re just one press away.

So regarding the set-up of both the walkie-talkies, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort. It is fast, easy, and convenient to use.

 

Waterproof

Well, the Motorola T260 is not Waterproof, which might be a disappointment for many. It is perfect for a normal family outing, picnic, etc., but in case if you are near water or at a place with a lot of moisture, you must avoid using the Motorola T260 to save it from damage.

Now here’s the good news for people looking for waterproof walkie-talkies as the Motorola T400 is waterproof and weatherproof. However, if you drop the device in water and it gets completely submerged, it can withstand heavy precipitation as it has a rating of IP54. IP is a foreign safety labeling. A little bit of dirt or water won’t destroy or affect your Motorola T400 much.

 

Power Source

The Motorola T260 uses a NiMH rechargeable battery and a 3AA Alkaline battery ( dual battery ). The NiMH rechargeable batteries last up to 12 hours, but unfortunately, the battery life is a bit short for a walkie-talkie. It is advised to carry a charger along with the walkie-talkie in case the battery dies. To avoid carrying a charger along, you can opt for a 3AA Alkaline battery.

The T400 runs on B3 size AA batteries or NiMH batteries. The best part is that this walkie-talkie alerts you when the battery is about to die so that you can charge it whenever necessary. This is an environment-friendly radio as it uses only half the energy and runs up to 8.5 hours in the case of NiMH batteries and 21 hours in the case of 3 AA Alkaline batteries.

 

Range

The Motorola T260 can reach up to 6 miles in open water, 1 mile within your neighborhood, and up to 25 miles in case of an open field, mountain, or valley.

However, the range of the Motorola T260 can be affected by any electromagnetic interference, weather issues, obstructions, etc. The Power output for Motorola T260is not available, and it only transmits 1.5 watts ( which is very average) when used in GMRS channels.

The scope of the Motorola T400 is almost 6 miles on open water, 2 miles in rural areas, and overall the range of 35 miles. In the case of rural areas, the signal of the walkie-talkie can be distributed due to buildings. Because there are many walkie-talkies available in the market that offer more range and scope, the Motorola T400 might not be very appropriate.

 

Frequencies

The two channels that Motorola T260 broadcasts are:

• Family Radio Service (FRS)
• General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

If you want to use both the above-mentioned channels, you’ll need a license for the same, especially in the case of GMRS. The frequency range of GMRS is 462-467 UHF band ( Ultra high frequency ). It is very suitable for the outdoors as it has an extensive frequency.

If you want to communicate with someone privately, you can easily find an available channel as it has 22 channels, each with 2662 combinations and 122 privacy codes as well.

The Motorola T400 also has 22 channels, 121 privacy codes. It also has frequencies, including the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). This gives you access to hand-free and private networks. In case you have difficulty in finding a free frequency, you can run a channel scan.

The best part of this walkie-talkie is that it can enter NOAA weather channels, alerting you in case of any local emergency.

 

Features

As we just discussed, the Motorola T260 is suitable for outdoor adventures. It can help you easily communicate with your friends and family and alert you during any weather issues. Motorola  T260 covers up to 25 miles under open areas, mountains, valleys, etc. The frequency range of the Motorola T260 is 462-467 MHz for both bands.

Let’s move on to some more features:

• It has the dual battery feature:
  • A NiMH rechargeable battery is advised for usage up to 12 hours, and a 3AA for usage up to 29 hours.
• Weather alerts :
  • It gives you an alert for any upcoming bad weather in your area.
• Availability of channels:
  • Through the amazing scanning feature, you can know the availability of channels and choose accordingly from 22 channels and 121 privacy codes.
• The radio compatibility:
  • If you have the same channels and privacy codes, you can communicate with other FRS AND GMRS radios irrespective of their brands.
• Auto Squelch:
  • Under this feature, it keeps your radio silent in case of no signal is detected. It also has a low battery indicator which will indicate and remind you when your radio battery dies. It comes with- backlit display, keypad lock feature, timer, and 20 call tones which also includes the talk confirmation tone.
• VOX function:
  • iVOX/VOX function enables you to enjoy communication without touching the device, which makes it hassle-free.

The Motorola T400  also comes along with many features which are designed to customize your phone. It is the best device for emergencies and disasters when towers and service fixtures tend to malfunction. You can also use it for outdoor activities, construction sites, family outings like picnics, camping, etc.

Let’s discuss the features in detail-

• Hands-free:
  • The Motorola T400 Enables you to keep your hands free while walking due to its VOX function. It acts as a speakerphone, and you can use it easily without holding or touching it, which is great for rock climbers.
• Quiet talk function:
  • Through this unique feature, you can have continuous interactions with other Motorola walkie-talkies that have this function. This helps to eliminate all the disturbing transmissions, especially in high-traffic areas.
• FRS/GMRS feature:
  • If you have the same channels and privacy codes, you can communicate with other FRS AND GMRS radios irrespective of their brands.
• Flashlight feature:
  • The Motorola T400 comes with a built-in flashlight which makes it more convenient for traveling.
• Multiple call tones
  • As per your convenience.
• Emergency alerts:
  • This feature particularly alerts you in case of any emergency or bad weather conditions.

 

Price

Motorola T260 – You can purchase the Motorola T260 at $45.95 from Amazon. According to the features it provides, it is quite affordable and definitely a steal if you want it for casual family outings.

Motorola T400 – You can purchase the Motorola T400 starting at $162, which is definitely more expensive than the Motorola T260. The price is higher because of its impeccable features and good reviews on Amazon.

According to the prices of both the walkie-talkies, you can opt for the one that falls under your budget and fulfills the requirement. For casual family outings, the first one is a better option. However, for better advanced features, you can buy the second one.

 

Conclusion – Motorola T260 vs T400

The Motorola T260 is definitely the best option if you’re purchasing your first walkie-talkie as it has a reasonable price and decent features. It has all the essential functions and features that you might need at the initial stages. It is easy and convenient to use, and also pocket-friendly.

The Motorola T400 is the most useful walkie-talkie for hiking devices, mainly for children and people who are non-technical. The integrated LED luminaries protect you from emergencies, and hence it is easy to use.

So it is recommended to go for the Motorola T260 as it will fulfill all the basic requirements you’re expecting from a walkie-talkie and is affordable at the same time. But if you are already familiar with walkie-talkies and looking for the best features, then Motorola T400 is the device made for you.

View the Motorola T260 on Amazon* View the Motorola T400 on Amazon*