When looking for walkie-talkies, it is a given that you are going to look at the built-in features of each model and if these make the price reasonable. However, you might end up with an expensive walkie-talkie that is jampacked with many features that you may not need for the activities in which you are using them.
This review features the Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T400 and the Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T600. While these two both have useful built-in features, one of these will certainly serve you better than the other as this will depend on the nature of the activities for which you need them.
Motorola T400 | Motorola T600 | |
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Brand | ||
Range | 35 miles | 36 miles |
Power Output | 2 watts | 0.5-2 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 |  | |
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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 | 7.54 x 2.26 x 1.37 inches | 7.78 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches |
Weight | 0.43 lb | 0.4 lb |
Scope of Delivery |
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My Rating | ||
Comparison – Motorola T400 vs. T600
Setup
The Motorola T400 is slightly easier to set up and use compared to the Motorola T600. Once you have put in the fully charged batteries and have successfully turned the device on, you need to set the devices to your preferred channel and frequency. After that, just press the PTT button, and you are good to go.
The battery hatch of the Motorola T600 is a bit harder to open the first time. The Motorola T600 also has many more features, so it is a little less intuitive to use on the first try compared to the Motorola T400. You will have to consult the user’s manual for this and practice using it first until you are confident you can operate it before heading out.
All the items you need to set up both the Motorola T400 and the Motorola T600 are already in their boxes. Given this, you do not need to head out to buy an additional item or accessory to get these two models to work the first time you try to set them up.
Waterproof
Both the Motorola T600 and the Motorola T600 are waterproof and weatherproof. However, the Motorola T600 rates higher than the Motorola T400 on the Ingress Protection (IP) Code, with an IP67 rating. This means that if you drop the Motorola T600 in the water by accident, it can stay submerged for 30 minutes in up to 1m of water, and it will still function without any problems once you can retrieve it. The Motorola T400 has a rating of IP54, meaning it can withstand use under heavy precipitation.
Power source
Both the Motorola T400 and the Motorola T600 can work on either NiMH batteries or AA alkaline batteries. On a single charge, handsets for the Motorola T400 can last up to 8.5 hours on NiMH batteries and up to 21 hours on the AA alkaline batteries. The Motorola T600, on the other hand, lasts up to 9 hours on NiMH batteries and up to 23 hours on the AA alkaline batteries. The packages for both the Motorola T400 and the Motorola T600 also come with chargers for the NiMH batteries. Again, all the items you need are in the boxes for both two-way radio models.
Range
The maximum ranges for both walkie-talkies are almost similar based on the manufacturer’s guarantee. However, the Motorola T600 is ahead by a mile. Its range is 36 miles compared to the 35 miles of range for the Motorola T400. As you can see, there is not much difference. It is also worth noting that this maximum range for both two-way radios is only achieved in the best conditions.
One thing to consider is that despite being built to be used in activities that involve water, the range of the Motorola T600 seems to decrease a little when used over bodies of water. This still occurs despite a clear line of sight between two handheld units. However, compared to the Motorola T400, the range of the Motorola T600 is still a bit better.
Frequencies
The Motorola T400 and the Motorola T600 both have 22 different channels. These cover GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio Service) frequencies within the frequency range of 462MHz to 467MHz. The channels also have 121 privacy codes.
If you are only going to transmit over FRS channels, you do not need to acquire a license before operating these Motorola radios. However, if you wish to increase the range of your transmission by broadcasting over GMRS channels, then you need to secure a license first as required by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).
Features
The Motorola T400 and the Motorola T600 both have the standard features: backlit display, keypad lock, idle mode time-out, customizable call tones, and auto-squelch to reduce transmission noise. Their PTT button also has a power boost option, which helps increase the range when you need it. Both models have Motorola’s signature Quiet Talk (QT) feature. This allows you to filter out noise from other non-Motorola devices while you are sending messages to compatible Motorola radios. Another feature that both models have is the VibraCall Alert. As its name implies, this allows the handsets to vibrate rather than emit a ringtone to alert you of incoming calls. Both models have an iVOX/VOX hands-free feature that allows you to use voice command to operate the radio. The iVOX/VOX hands-free feature of the Motorola T600 is not as responsive as that of the iVOX/VOX feature of the Motorola T400. However, the audio quality of the Motorola T600 is slightly better than the audio quality of the Motorola T400.
Both the Motorola T400 and the Motorola T600 have features that help you save battery life and an alert that notifies you to know if the batteries are about to run out. Here is a word of advice: if you are only broadcasting on FRS channels, do not bother using the power boost on the PTT button. It will not boost your range, and it will just drain the battery faster.
Both the Motorola T400 and the Motorola T600 give you access to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channels. They also have a LED flashlight that is built into the device, which is very helpful at night and in case of emergencies. The flashlight of the Motorola T600 has an extra red-colored LED option, which is useful for night vision. As an added emergency feature, the Motorola T600 has an emergency alert button that sends out a loud sound similar to a siren and a transmission that is 20 seconds long to help other people locate you.
One significant advantage of the Motorola T600 is that it is fully waterproof and weatherproof, with an IP67 rating. If you accidentally plunge it into the water, it can stay submerged for up to 30 minutes, and it will still function well after. It also has water-activated features that make it easier for you to find and retrieve it from the water if it falls in. The unit is made of durable, lightweight material that makes it float on water rather than sink. Plus, the built-in LED flashlight lights up once the device hits the water.
Price
The price range of the Motorola T400 is usually just around $60 to $70, while the Motorola T600 is at $83 to $120. Given their built-in features, it is not surprising that the Motorola T600 is more expensive than the Motorola T400. Note that the value you will get out of the prices will depend on the activities for which you will need these walkie-talkies. If you will be engaging in water sports that raises the risk of the walkie-talkie getting soaked or falling into the water, then the Motorola T600 is good enough for its price. However, if you are going camping or hiking and the only reason the walkie-talkies will ever get wet is if it rains heavily, then the Motorola T600 is a little too expensive. With its waterproof and weatherproof built, the Motorola T400 will perform well enough for those activities.
Conclusion – Motorola T400 vs T600
Between these two-way radio models, the Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T600 is the better choice if you need to bring two-way radios for activities that involve a lot of water or being near bodies of water. For example, you can use these handsets for water sports like kayaking. One drawback, though, is that although it was designed to be waterproof and weatherproof, its range seems to decrease when it is used over bodies of water. Compared to the Motorola T400, though, the range of the Motorola T600 is still better.
However, if the activities for which you need walkie-talkies will be mostly dry like hiking or camping, you can go with the Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T400. In case it rains or snows during these activities, the Motorola T400 will still be able to hold well enough in weather with heavy precipitation. Also, it is very simple to use because it does not have as many features as the Motorola T600. Again, if you do not really need all of that and just need a walkie-talkie that is durable and reliable enough for its price, then the Motorola T400 is enough to do the job.
View the Motorola T400 on Amazon* View the Motorola T600 on Amazon*
