Snapshot
A mid-price handheld two-way radio, the Motorola T460 boasts clear communication for up to 35 miles, access to NOAA weather updates, customizable tones and vibrations and even a built in LED flashlight. While it’s no smart phone, it has everything you need when off the beaten path.
Tech Specs
- Wide Open Range: 35 miles (manufacturer claim)
- Suburb Range: 6 miles (as tested by us)
- Channels: 22 (each with 121 privacy codes)
- Battery Type: Rechargeable pack or AA’s
- Battery Life: up to 10 hrs with rechargeable; up to 26 hrs with AA’s
Form and Function
The T460 is has a solid fit and finish. It feels sturdy and while it isn’t rated to be completely submersible, it does an impressive job dealing with rain, dirt and mud. It has built-in features to increase clarity in rainy and windy conditions that work well. Low and High settings are available (just pushing a different part of the push-to-talk button) and being smart about how you use it can have a real impact on battery life. Speaking of which, the flexibility to use the included rechargeable pack and AA batteries gives me a ton of confidence that I can use this in nearly any circumstance.
The other features are a little less useful. The built-in flashlight is kind of convenient, but I would imagine anybody with a radio would also have a flashlight and since this one isn’t the brightest, I think it’ll get little use. The tone and vibration customization is another feature that probably won’t get much use by me, although my little boy thinks it’s fun.
But for the core basic use as a two-way radio, I’m yet to use one that works as well, as far, or with so much flexibility.
Rating and Recommended Use
- Durability: 8/10
- Clarity: 8/10
- Range: 7/10
The Motorola T460 is a solid all-around two way radio for people who need reliable communication wherever they are. Simple to use with a longer range than less expensive radios, it’s worth the buy.