Midland GMRS Radios - MXT275 vs MXT575

In This Article:

Why Choose GMRS
Midland MXT575 GMRS Radio
Midland MXT275 Radio
What is GMRS?
GMRS License

Why Choose GMRS

Remember that old CB radio your father had in his truck? You’d try to call up ‘ol Smokey but the Bandit done passed you by. Either way, that CB radio had horrible distance, terrible audio quality, and required constant tuning. If it was working properly you either couldn’t get anyone on the “horn” to respond or there were too many people on the same frequency to get a word in edge wise. Enter GMRS – first, it allows for a decent amount of power output but then uses that energy more efficiently with digital transceivers that combine maximum distance with voice quality. GMRS Radios have all but replaced CB radios as the radio of choice for off road and overland drivers. Plus their smaller size allows the head unites to be placed in more convenient locations (like under a seat or in the glovebox). Upgrade your off road communications with GMRS!

Midland MXT575 GMRS Radio

Our Take: The MXT575 adds significant power output to help your signal get out past the trees and over the hills. It’s a slightly larger unit but still small by most comparisons. If you are just entering the GMRS space (or want to upgrade an earlier model) this will be the “go to” model for several years.

If you’re looking for a new way to talk with your friends and family while on the road, look no further than the Midland MXT575 MicroMobile® GMRS two-way radio.

This handheld radio is fully integrated with a control microphone that allows you to talk without holding the radio in your hand or having it on speakerphone mode. And the best part? It can be stashed away in your glove compartment or console so that it’s out of sight and out of mind when not in use—and it’s still fully functional!

With 50 Watts of broadcasting power, this radio is the most powerful allowed by law. That means you’ll be able to hear what other people are saying clearly, even if they’re far away from you. Plus, since it has such a high output power, it can reach distant locations —so whether you’re deep in the woods hunting deer or just down the road at a friend’s house for dinner with their family, this radio will let you stay connected!

Midland MXT275 GMRS Radio

Our Take: The MXT275 was one of the first really popular GMRS radios to experience mass adoption. There are a ton of off roaders running this unit with great success. However, it’s 15W output is somewhat limited and you’ll notice a dropoff in distance and voice quality the farther away your party is from each other. If budget is a deciding factor go with the MXT275 – it’s still a great radio. And it’s slightly smaller!

Need a little adventure? Get the Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® 15-Watt GMRS two-way radio.

With the fully integrated control microphone, you can stash your base unit away in your vehicle’s glove compartment or under the seat. And with 15 GMRS channels and 8 repeater channels, you’re ready to go. You’ll be able to transmit with authority on all of them!

The Midland MXT275 is equipped with NOAA Weather Scan + Alert technology to keep you informed on local weather conditions. It also features a powerful USB-C charging port, allowing the quickest charge time for all your devices, including cell phones and hand-held radios.

Midland MXT275 vs MXT575

Features	Midland MXT275	Midland MXT575
Price	<>
Max Watt Output	15	50
GMRS Repeater Channels	8 GMRS Repeater Channels for Increased Communication Range	8 GMRS Repeater Channels for Increased Communication Range
Split-Tone Capability	Yes	Yes
High-Power GMRS Channels	15	15
Privacy Codes	142 Privacy Codes	142 Privacy Codes
Narrow & Wide Bands	Narrow & Wide Bands	Narrow & Wide Bands
USB C Port Charging	Yes	Yes
Power Settings	Hi/Mi/Low	Hi/Mi/Low
NOAA Weather Radio	NOAA Weather Radio	NOAA Weather Scan + Alert
Automatic Power Off		Yes
Channel Scan	Channel Scan	Channel Scan and Keypad Lock
Keypad Lock	Monitor Mode	Monitor Mode
Silent Operationg	Silent Operation	Silent Operation
FRS/GRMS Walkie Talkie Compatible	Yes	Yes
GMRS License Required	Yes	Yes
Control Mic	Fully Integrated Control Mic	Fully Integrated Control Mic with user-selectable display color
Antenna Included	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	5 x 5.25 x 1 inches	5.5 x 7 x 1.5 inches

What is GMRS?

If you’ve ever wanted to talk to a friend while you’re out exploring the great outdoors, but didn’t have time to stop and set up camp, then you’ll love the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS).

The GMRS is a licensed radio service that uses channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems. In 2017, the FCC expanded GMRS to also allow short data messaging applications including text messaging and GPS location information.

Services that provide functionality similar to GMRS include the Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS), the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS).

The GMRS is available to an individual for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of licensees and their immediate family members.

GMRS License

The General Mobile Radio Service, or GMRS, is a land-mobile FM UHF radio service designed for short-distance two-way communication. It requires a license in the United States, but some GMRS compatible equipment can be used license-free in Canada. The US GMRS license is issued for a period of 10 years by the FCC. The US permits use by adult individuals who possess a valid GMRS license, as well as their immediate family members.[a] Immediate relatives of the GMRS system licensee are entitled to communicate among themselves for personal or business[1] purposes, but employees of the licensee who are not family members are not covered by the license. Non-family members must be licensed separately.[2]