In the case of two-way radios, Motorola is considered to be one of the most trusted and best brands. For a good quality walkie-talkie, Motorola should be one of our first preferences.
Today we will be comparing two models of Motorola. This review article contains a comparison between Motorola T460 Motorola T600 models. Although these two products are very much alike, they still have some distinctions that might help you read and understand which one is the best suitable for you.
Since Motorola introduces various new models of its two-way radios, there are high chances that consumers might get confused regarding which one to buy and why. Hence, this article will make it easy for you to envision which model to buy clearly.
Main Differences
The T460 and the T600 are very similar. Not only do they have the same manufacturer in Motorola, but they also have a similar range, similar prices, similar features, and a similar scope of delivery. The only real difference between the two walkie-talkies is that the T460 is “only” water-resistant (IP54), while the T600 is waterproof (IP67).
Comparison – Motorola T460 vs T600
Motorola T460 | Motorola T600 | |
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 | IP54 | IP67 |
VOX | ||
Emergency Alert | ||
Auto Squelch | ||
LED Flashlight | ||
Keypad Lock | ||
Low Battery Alert | ||
Weather Channels | 11 NOAA weather channels | 11 NOAA 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" / 19.15 x 5.74 x 3.48 cm | 7.78" x 2.4" x 1.5" / 19.76 x 6.10 x 3.81 cm |
Weight | 0.43 lb / 195 g (without battery) | 0.4 lbs / 180 g (without battery) |
Scope of Delivery |
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Motorola T460 | Motorola T600 |
Range 35 miles | Range 36 miles |
Power Output 2 watts | Power Output 0.5-2 watts |
Frequency Ranges 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) | Frequency Ranges 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) |
License needed yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) | License needed yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) |
Waterproof IP54 | Waterproof IP67 |
VOX | VOX |
Emergency Alert | Emergency Alert |
Auto Squelch | Auto Squelch |
LED Flashlight | LED Flashlight |
Keypad Lock | Keypad Lock |
Low Battery Alert | Low Battery Alert |
Weather Channels 11 NOAA weather channels | Weather Channels 11 NOAA weather channels |
Call Tones 20 | Call Tones 20 |
Power Source NiMH rechargeable batterie or 3 AA Alkaline batteries | Power Source NiMH rechargeable batterie or 3 AA Alkaline batteries |
Size 7.54" x 2.26" x 1.37" / 19.15 x 5.74 x 3.48 cm | Size 7.78" x 2.4" x 1.5" / 19.76 x 6.10 x 3.81 cm |
Weight 0.43 lb / 195 g (without battery) | Weight 0.4 lbs / 180 g (without battery) |
Scope of Delivery
| Scope of Delivery
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Setup
The Motorola T460 is a very simple device for setting up. You just need to press the mode button on, and it allows you to switch from NOAA weather mode effortlessly. It also contains two-way communication. The device also comes with MON buttons that enable you to scan the available channels on the radio.
On the other hand, the Motorola T600 comes with a battery hatch that is easy to open and close. Using it for the first time could be a little tricky, but once you do it and understand it, it will be very easy for you to operate it further. All you need to do is top the batteries in and then switch on the device.
Overall the Motorola T460 is quite intuitive and easy to set up in comparison to the Motorola T600.
Waterproof
Motorola T460 is rated IP54 weatherproof that clearly states that it is splash-proof and dustproof from any direction, and it won’t get damaged even if you drop it in water and it is completely submerged.
It can also withstand humid weather, snow, rain as the rubber plugs can resist high moisture. To keep in mind, keep the battery cover, micro USB ports, and headset accessory port sealed to prevent any further damage.
However, if we compare it to the Motorola T600, it has a rating of IP67, which means this walkie-talkie can survive 30 minutes inside water and will not get damaged. This walkie-talkie is covered in thick neon green plastic, and hence all the buttons inserted are completely waterproof.
Power source
The Motorola T460 & T600 come with dual power options, and the NiMH rechargeable batteries work for up to 10 hours. And you can also use 3 AA batteries to make it work for up to 26 hours, depending upon your usage.
You can also opt for a micro USB charging port in case your battery life is low. These charging ports can live up to 14 hours. If we compare the power source of both the Motorola devices, the Motorola T600 lasts up to 9 hours on NiMH batteries and up to 23 hours on the AA alkaline batteries.
Range
In the case of minimal obstructions, the Motorola T460 can withstand mountains or valleys up to 35 miles. In the case of open water, it can go up to 6 miles. If you are in busy areas like Cities or neighborhoods, it can work up to 2 miles.
Other factors that affect its range can be weather conditions, terrain, and interference. This device had an output of two watts.
However, The Motorola T600 has a range of 36 miles under ideal conditions. But, if you are expecting a 36-mile range on high terrain areas, you might get disappointed with this radio. If we compare both the devices, the Motorola T600 is a better option than T460 in terms of range.
Frequencies
Both the devices, i.e., Motorola T600 and Motorola T460, have FRS & GMRS channels. The frequencies range from 462 to 467 MHz in the UHF ( ultra-high frequency) band. In the case of GMRS frequency, you require a license from the federal communications commission that contains 22 channels and 121 privacy codes each.
Features
Both the devices have slightly similar functions like keypad locks, keypad tones, customizable call tones, etc.
Motorola T460 and Motorola T600 come with a PTT power boost that means push-to-talk. This also helps to increase the range of transmission just by boosting your radio to high power. Both the radios have hands-free communication, and this feature acts as a speakerphone when you turn it on.
Apart from this, both the devices come with a black lid LCD that can work even at night or in places with less lighting.
It detects voice and automatically sends the message when speaking on the internal microphone. You can also adjust the sensitivity level. The best part about both the devices is that they have quiet talk QT noise filtration that helps in uninterrupted communication and reduces any other unnecessary transmission in places with heavy traffic. In addition, they also come with a vibracall alert that vibrates every 30 seconds to notify received messages.
Talking about their battery lives, both the devices have battery-saving features. This battery-saving feature enables the handsets to go on the time-out mode when not in use or when the battery is running low.
They both have an iVOX/VOX hands-free feature that enables the user to switch to voice command to operate the walkie-talkies.
The built-in LED flashlight feature in both the walkie-talkies comes in handy during emergencies. The Motorola T600 has a plus point. Its LED flashlight has a red color option that helps in night vision.
Both of them also have access to the weather channels of NOAA (National oceanic and atmospheric administration) and are also fully weatherproof and waterproof, which enables them to stay submerged in water for up to half an hour.
Price
The price plays a very important role in determining which device to buy. Let’s compare the prices of both the walkie-talkies:
The T460 costs $89.99 on Amazon. Currently, the T600 is available at $82.50 on Amazon, and the list price is $120. So both devices are in a similar price range.
Conclusion – Motorola T460 vs T600
Both the walkie-talkies are good in their way. However, choosing the Motorola T460 will allow you to save some money as it is cheaper than the other one. So you can choose anyone depending upon your budget and preferences.
Overall the Motorola T460 is a strong contender as compared to other radios of this range. It has multiple exciting features and is also budget-friendly simultaneously, but it has fewer built-in features compared to the Motorola T600.
It contains everything that you need in a walkie-talkie as a beginner. But both the devices are good in their way, and you can choose any one as per your budget and preference.
According to the comparison, Motorola T460 is a better option to go for as it can be used under extreme weather conditions and is also a bit easier to set up & use, and has more straightforward features than the other device.