Finding suitable walkie talkie candidates/options that fit your need and purpose perfectly is easy, but choosing the right one has always been something that baffles us all. If you go to Google, there are a lot of options you can choose from. However, when finally cutting down the list and you are already at the final two, that’s when things get harder. Let me help you with your dilemma.
Today I will be comparing the Motorola T600 and the Motorola T605, which are cut from the same cloth. Is it better to choose the T600, or would it be more optimal to upgrade and purchase the T605? Let’s find out in the review below.
Motorola T600 | Motorola T605 | |
 |  | |
Brand | ||
Range | 36 miles | 35 miles |
Power Output | 0.5-2 watts | no information |
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 | 7.78 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches | 7.78 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches |
Weight | 0.4 lb (without battery) | 0.4 lb (without battery) |
Scope of Delivery |
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My Rating | ||
Comparison – Motorola T600 vs. T605
Set-up
As I have mentioned above, both the Motorola T600 and the T605 are like siblings when it comes to features and functionality. Some would even say that the Motorola T605 is an upgrade of the previous model. One of the quirks of this device is that it is easy to set-up.
The battery compartment is easily accessible by opening the hatch found at the back of the unit, although this can be tricky. Once you’ve managed to open the cover, all you need to do is insert the battery, and you’re good to go.
To use the device, you must first check the channel and privacy codes of the radios used in your group, making sure it is uniform so that there won’t be any problems with transmitting and receiving signals.
The walkie talkie’s basic functionality is pretty easy to understand and learn, even for a first-time user. However, the personalization settings and features that it comes with might need a little more time to get used to. Though, I am sure it’s something anyone can manage to do eventually.
Waterproof
In terms of this functionality, both devices claim to be water-resistant. Both units boast of an IP67 water-resistant rating. This means that the device can manage to hold its own when submerged underwater for 30 minutes. Quite useful, huh?
Dropping them in water will not cause the device any harm at all. It floats back immediately when dropped in water (e.g., in lakes, seas, etc.), making sure that it is not subjected to pressure that could be more than it could handle.
Although both devices have the same rating in terms of being water-resistant, it does not speak for its performance. As I have mentioned in my previous review on the Motorola T605, it was observed that, while it is considered as a waterproof walkie talkie, its functionality and range are significantly affected when used over water. This being said, this could be a deal-breaker for the said model.
Power Source
The Motorola T600 and the T605 are indeed peas in the same pod. This being said, it can be considered that their battery capacities are exactly alike as well. From a marketing perspective, T605 should be considered the upgrade since it is the latter model. However, in this aspect, there was no upgrade in the battery capacity at all.
Both devices can be powered up by NiMH rechargeable batteries or, if need be, by 3 AA batteries. This function is extremely useful, especially if you are in the middle of nowhere and unable to find yourself a place to charge the device. Disposable batteries are much more convenient in situations like this.
The Motorola T600 and T605 can both last 9 to 10 hours of uninterrupted use. Charging time for both devices is approximately about 8 hours before you can use them again. The devices can be charged using the charger that comes with the pack.
As the device also supports disposable batteries, using disposable AA batteries will give you juice enough for the device to last up to 23 hours. So, if you go on a trip where you have little to no access to an outlet or any electrical source, it is well recommended to bring with you lots of AA batteries in case of an emergency.
Range
Ideally, both devices should have a range of about 36 miles, given that there are little to no obstructions around. However, as experience dictates, this is not always the case. The Motorola T600 was good enough to reach a range of 6 miles, which I think is good enough. Still, it is quite the letdown.
Also, as I have mentioned in my previous reviews, the range of the Motorola T605 tends to drop significantly when used above water despite its being a waterproof device. Overall, I don’t think the consistency of the range it can provide is one of its strong points.
Frequencies
The Motorola T600 and T605 have a frequency range of about 462 to 467 MHz. Both devices seem to support FRS/GMRS functionality.
As this is a 2-watt powered walkie talkie, by the FCC rules as of September 28, 2017, any FRS/GMRS radio, which has a power of 2 watts or less will now be considered FRS radios and will be license-free. This being said, it will no longer be a problem if you use any of the channels that this device supports, even without a license.
Features
There is no clear difference between the two when it comes to features as well. Aside from the fact that the Motorola T605 supports 23 channels and only 22 channels for the T600, nothing really sets them apart.
Water-Resistant
Both units are IP67 rated, meaning they have greater chances of surviving up to 30 mins underwater 1m deep. They also have this handy feature where if you drop in on the water, it floats back to the surface face up. The flashlight automatically turns on, making it a lot easier to locate the device, especially when dropped during the night time.
Emergency Alert Feature
Both models also have an emergency alert feature where it will emit a loud siren sound and then followed by a 20-second transmission where you will send a message to any of your group in case of emergency.
Earphone jack & VOX handsfree function
You can use earphones and connect them to your walkie talkie for more private conversations. This also allows you to do more productive things as you would be able to use your hands for other things.
Pair this with the device’s VOX hands-free feature, and it becomes quite the feature. The VOX feature allows the device to pick-up and identifies whenever you are ready to talk and sends them to the other radios in your group. This is hand as you won’t need to keep holding the Talk button while transmitting a message.
NOAA weather alerts enabled
The Motorola T600 and the T605 also have NOAA radio receivers, which allow it to tune in to weather updates on the go. It enables them to receive weather updates from time to time. This is most especially useful for getting yourself prepared for any weather changes during your trip.
Overall, the Motorola T600 and T605 have quite some features worth noting; however, not all are commendable. With the Motorola T600, I did not find the VOX feature good compared to the other radios available in the market. Also, in terms of channel, the T605 only has support for 23 channels, while the T605 only has 22 channels. Privacy codes supported by both devices are the same.
The LED flashlight that comes with the device is quite handy, though, if you ask me. You never know when you might need that bright light on your trip. It’s certainly good to have, and its brightness certainly is a plus.
Price
The Motorola T600 starts at $119.99, as per their official page, while the Motorola T605 is priced at around $149.99. However, you may be able to avail of these at a lower price at Amazon. The Motorola T600 comes with two radios, belt clips, NiMH rechargeable batteries, a charging adapter with dual micro-USB connectors, and a user manual. In contrast, the T605 comes with the same content as the previous but with the addition of a car charger and a carry case.
Honestly, I don’t think there is any significant difference between the two in terms of performance. If any, I think the Motorola T600 is the better unit. That extra $30.00 is probably due to the additional carry case and car charger, which is not part of the older models’ package.
Both devices can still be a bit pricey though, however, if I were to choose between the two, I would prefer the Motorola T600. The lower price tag yet almost the same functionalities as the Motorola T605 is what got me. I think I will be able to manage even without that included carry case and car charger.
Conclusion – Motorola T600 vs T605
If you wish to save a few dollars, then I certainly recommend the Motorola T600 for you. Both devices have great features and almost little to none differences between the two. With this being a factor, I think it is more practical to choose the cheaper model.
Since both models have almost the same functionalities, what is there to lose?
If you don’t mind giving up the carry case and the car charger included in the T605 package, then I certainly think that the T600 will be a good choice for you.
View the Motorola T600 on Amazon* View the Motorola T605 on Amazon*
