Motorola Talkabout T470 Series review

The Talkabout T470 is a familiar family radio that keeps things simple. It runs on license-free FRS with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, and Motorola's easy pairing feature sets everyone's radio to the same channel and code at once. The IPX4 rating protects against splashing water from any direction, so rain and snow are fine but a dunk is not. A built-in LED flashlight helps at camp, and 7 NOAA weather channels plus alerts warn of incoming storms. The emergency button on the side sounds a loud alarm after a 3 second press and switches on hands-free iVOX so the group hears the call. Radios ship with 800 mAh NiMH packs and also take AA batteries. Motorola rates range at up to 35 miles mountain to valley and up to 2 miles in a neighborhood. Charging uses a micro-USB Y-cable, and Motorola sells through retailers, so we have no vendor price.

Who it is for

Families who want familiar, simple license-free radios that run on rechargeable packs or AA batteries.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• FRS license-free radio with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes
• IPX4 weatherproof rating
• Built-in LED flashlight
• NOAA weather channels and alerts
• Emergency button that sounds an alarm and starts hands-free transmit

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No license needed
• Strength: Dual power with NiMH packs or AA batteries
• Strength: Easy pairing sets all radios to the same channel at once
• Weakness: IPX4 only protects against splashing water
• Weakness: Charges over micro-USB rather than USB-C
• Weakness: Motorola sells through retailers, so we could not confirm a vendor price

Key facts

• Radio service: FRS, no license
• Channels: 22 plus 121 privacy codes
• Rated range: Up to 35 miles mountain to valley
• Water protection: IPX4
• Price: Retail only, USD check pending

Where it ranks

Motorola Talkabout T470 Series is No. 10 in our Best Two Way Radios verdict.