Finding the best walkie-talkie available online? You’ve got two units to consider: Motorola T402 and Motorola T460. To help you know which one is better, I compared each unit according to these factors: setup, waterproof, power source, range, frequencies, features, and price. Read on and come up with a well-informed decision:
Motorola T402 | Motorola T460 | |
Brand | ||
Range | 35 miles | 35 miles |
Power Output | no information | 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 battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries | NiMH rechargeable batterie or 3 AA Alkaline batteries |
Size | 7.54 x 2.26 x 1.37 inches | 7.54 x 2.26 x 1.37 inches |
Weight | 0.43 lb | 0.43 lb |
Scope of Delivery |
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My Rating | ||
Comparison – Motorola T402 vs. T460
Setup
Motorola T402 lets you enjoy outdoor activities and keeps you connected to your friends and family by only pushing a button. Yes, using it is as easy as that! You won’t even experience difficulty getting connected because you will find an available channel easily. After all, there are 22 channels accessible.
But before you start, make sure that you read the user manual first. Check that the package is complete soon as you receive them. See also if the charger is working. Motorola T402 is your best companion for hiking, team activities, family activities, and road trips.
Like Motorola T402, Motorola T460 is simple to set up that even beginners in the use of walkie-talkies will not have a hard time doing it. With its push-to-talk button, communicating becomes easier. Additionally, its hands-free feature lets you take the call while continue moving and without the need to stop.
From two-way communication, you can also switch to NOAA weather mode by just pressing the mode button. On the other hand, using the menu button and the +/- buttons lets you switch from one available channel to another. The MON buttons are for scanning channels to access.
Waterproof
Using walkie-talkies that can withstand water is essential. It’s the best thing that both the Motorola T402 and Motorola T460 have such features and more…because they are IP54 weatherproof. Motorola T402 can survive in water, rain, dust, and other weather conditions. See that the battery compartments are properly covered, so nothing can get inside to cause damage.
Similarly, Motorola T460 can withstand dust, splash, rain, and snow, but make sure that you will not drop it or submerge it in water. To avoid moisture, you may consider using rubber plugs. Seal the battery cover and micro-USB and headset accessory ports to protect them from damage.
Power Source
Both the Motorola T402 and Motorola T460 have dual power sources. They give you the option to use the NiMH battery or the USB cable for charging.
Feel confident even when you leave home with the Motorola T402 fully-charged or not because you have the NiMH battery to rely on. It can last up to 8.5 hours. If there’s no electricity in the location, you still have another option for power using 3 pieces of AA alkaline batteries. It can offer up to 21 hours of power.
The same is true with Motorola T460. The only difference is that this unit offers longer battery life. NiMH battery for the Motorola T460 can last up to 10 hours. When using 3 pieces of AA batteries, you can use the device for up to 26 hours. With more than one power source and longer battery life, power will not be an issue whenever you go outdoors with friends or family.
Range
According to the manufacturer, the Motorola T402 can reach up to 35 miles. I find it helpful, and it gives me comfort and convenience knowing that I can bike around our neighborhood or go camping or hiking and still stay connected. However, you will not always get this communication range because everything still depends on terrain and conditions. Also, do not use these radios when you and the one you are talking with are only five feet apart. This distance will affect the performance of the units.
Unlike Motorola T402, Motorola T460 specifies the range you’ll get when you are in the mountain to the valley (35 miles), open water (6 miles), and neighborhood (2 miles). This way, you know what to expect. When you are in your neighborhood, with so many structures affecting the communication range, getting 2 miles of range is not surprising.
Motorola T460 has an output of 2 watts.
Frequencies
Because Motorola T402 has 22 channels with 121 privacy codes for each, you have 2,662 combinations to choose from. Therefore, it is easier for you to get access to a channel. Motorola T402 also works for both the Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Services (GMRS) and can be used in the US and Canada. The product information indicates that it has a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license.
Additionally, Motorola T402 includes 11 weather channels that offer updates on real-time weather conditions. Its alert feature is very critical, so you can easily change plans if it’s no longer safe for you to continue with your hiking or camping. Seven of these 11 channels are NOAA channels.
Similarly, Motorola T460 operates on FRS and GMRS in the 462-467 MHz range in the ultra-high frequency band. This unit also has 22 channels that cover 121 privacy codes for each. If you plan to use it outside Canada and the US, it will be subjected to government regulations; thus, it may be prohibited. Always read and understand local radio guidelines before you decide to buy.
Features
Motorola T402 is packed with the following features:
Channels – With 22 available channels, each with privacy codes totaling 121
Built-in Flashlight – In case of a power outage or if you are fond of evening adventures, this feature of Motorola T402 is of huge help.
IP54 Weatherproof – With an international protection rating of IP54, this unit is weatherproof. It can withstand rain, water, snow, and other weather conditions. But don’t submerge it in water. Keep the battery compartment and other ports properly sealed.
Battery Life – Using the NiMH battery, the unit will work for 8.5 hours. Using 3 packs of AA alkaline batteries, expect its power to last up to 21 hours.
Communication Range – Get up to 35 miles of range with Motorola T402, with actual communication depending on terrain, obstructions, and weather conditions.
Dual Power – This device can be charged as it has a micro USB charging port. It can also be powered using batteries, either the NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 pieces of alkaline batteries.
Hands-Free – Because of its iVOX/VOX feature, you can communicate hands-free using an audio accessory headset.
Weather Channels – Stay updated with weather conditions as Motorola T402 comes with 11 weather channels, 7 of which come from NOAA, with an alert feature.
Motorola T460 comes with the following features:
Channels – Like Motorola T402, Motorola T460 covers 22 channels, with each channel comprising 121 privacy codes.
Built-in LED light – For emergencies or during power outages, the built-in LED light from Motorola T460 is an amazing feature.
Weather Channels – If you are hiking or camping, getting updated with the latest weather condition is necessary. Therefore, you have nothing to worry about because if you have the Motorola T460 with you, you are connected with 11 weather channels (7 of which are from NOAA) with an alert feature.
Emergency Alert Button – In case of an emergency, you can simply push this button to get help.
Dual Power – Power this device in two ways: charge the walkie-talkie through the micro USB charging port or use batteries. As for the batteries, you have the option to use the NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 pieces of AA batteries.
IP54 Weatherproof – Motorola T460 can withstand any weather condition. It can also survive rain, snow, and splash, but never submerge or drop it in water. Whenever you use it for outdoor activities, make sure that the battery compartment and the ports are properly covered to avoid damage.
PTT Power Boost – This feature aids in improving the range of transmission as it increases the device’s power.
Hands-Free – The iVOX/VOX feature of Motorola T460 enables hands-free communication as it works as a speakerphone. Just turn it on, speak using the internal microphone, and identify the voice and send it. The sensitivity level can be adjusted to hear soft voices or minimize noise outside.
Price
On Amazon, Motorola T402 is initially priced at $49.99. This is already a good buy because of its features that are almost similar to Motorola T460.
For Motorola T460, the price is $89.99 on Amazon. Yes, the unit is in the high range because it is rich in features and assures you of longer use because of its battery life.
The prices listed here may change. Be resourceful online, and you’ll surely find discounted rates. As for the warranty, you may check the manufacturer’s website to get updated information.
Conclusion – Motorola T402 vs T460
In most of the features, Motorola T402 and Motorola T460 are similar. They are both rated as IP54 weatherproof. So, whichever unit you decide to buy, you’ll get the same protection from rain, snow, splash, and other weather conditions. Both Motorola T402 and Motorola T460 also allow hands-free communication through the iVOX/VOX feature and cover 22 channels with 121 privacy codes for each channel.
The same is true with the frequency range, as they can reach up to 35 miles of the communication range. They also have dual power sources. If there’s one thing where they differ, it is the battery life. Motorola T402 can last only up to 21 hours, while the Motorola T460 can extend until 26 hours. Make no mistake, 21 hours of battery life is good enough. But if you can use your walkie-talkie longer, of course, that’s better. So, if you love outdoor activities, it’s not surprising if you prefer Motorola T460 because of battery life.
View the Motorola T402 on Amazon* View the Motorola T460 on Amazon*