Motorola T200 is an awesome walkie-talkie designed for camping and hiking. In this Motorola T200 Talkabout review, we have evaluated every aspect of this handset. Right off the bat, the Talkabout series walkie talkie is pretty similar to the radios which came before. It features identical internal hardware and carries a quality feel, but at a much lower price. The device comes highly recommended as a family radio and is an excellent choice as a beginner-level two-way radio. Before we dig into more details about the T200, here is what the experts think about the walkie talkie.
| Performance | Features | User-interface | Value for Money |
| The T200’s functionality can’t be beaten for the price. But, if the range is your biggest concern, then this may not do too well. | If you want a radio set with no bells or whistles, then look no further than this model. | With a compact yet user-friendly design, the Motorola T200 is a perfect family radio, even for kids! | At a less expensive price, this walkie-talkie set packs plenty of power and performance. |
Who Should Use Motorola T200 walkie talkie?
Just looking at the transceivers, you can see why the T200 may appeal to people of all ages. It’s a very sleek-looking device at quite a reasonable price tag. I can imagine being slightly worried about drops with younger children. However, after using it for weeks, I can safely say that the radio is highly durable.
This FRS/GMRS radio set promises a talking range of 20-miles. But, this is only possible under optimum conditions. Hence, the actual range depends on factors like terrain, weather, and obstructions. Areas, such as dense forests or urban localities with plenty of obstructions, may restrict the Motorola T200 range significantly. Additionally, I do not recommend this handset for outdoor travel as it lacks many practical features available in the other Motorola talkies. It doesn’t feature NOAA channels or alerts and isn’t waterproof, either.
But, even though there are better options available in the market, I think T200 still makes for a decent family radio to consider. It offers ultimate ease of use with an intuitive interface that even kids can master!
What You Should Know about Talkabout T200
The Motorola Talkabout T200 specs won’t ‘wow’ you, but they’re everything you’ll ever need.
- Dual-power options: NiMH or 3 AA batteries
- 22 channels with 121 privacy codes
- Low battery alert
- Customizable call tones
- Micro-USB charging
- Keypad lock
- Auto-squelch
- Talk confirmation tone
The only area the device lacks are safety features, such as flashlights, weather channels, FM radio, and emergency alerts. But, it’s well enough, given the price you’re paying.
The Use Phase of Motorola T200 Talkabout Walkie Talkie
T200 is pretty standard in its operation. It doesn’t feature too many buttons and knobs but has enough for you to use the device naturally. The handset is pretty straightforward and easy to set up, as long as you follow the manual instructions. It also comes with a keypad lock and passcode to prevent you from accidentally changing the channel settings. The feature comes in handy when you want to monitor your children via walkie talkies.
Motorola T200 has got plenty of things right – but there’s a lot lacking, too. But what you get for your money is quality, functioning, and reliability. It’s an excellent pick if you’re looking for a durable radio for short-range communication. The device is pretty impressive in terms of the build; it withstands falls and impacts with utmost ease. Keep in mind; it’s not waterproof, so you’ll need to be extra careful in wet weather and around open water. Most notably, the auto-squelch feature on T200 eliminates noise and interference to deliver crystal-clear transmissions.
The downside: the Motorola T200 battery doesn’t add much. The NiMH batteries last up to 10 hours, whereas the alkaline batteries go up to 29 hours. However, during the use phase, I noticed the batteries did not hold the charge well and drained pretty easily. Moreover, the device displays power information as bars, which is quite an outdated method.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight and portable | Batteries don’t hold charge for long |
| Affordable | Outdated power display |
| Durable construction | |
| Value for money | |
| Decent reception |
FAQ
What is the range of Motorola T200?
According to the manufacturer’s claim, the T200 two-way radio can reach up to 20-miles under ideal conditions. However, around obstructions, the range may fall to under 2-miles.
Is Motorola T200 waterproof?
The T200 handsets are not waterproof.
How do I change the battery in my Motorola Talkabout 200?
- Place your walkie talkie facing down to keep the battery side up.
- Slide down the back cover to expose the batteries.
- Lift the NiMH batteries to release them from the battery housing.
- Insert fresh batteries and place the cover back in place.
Conclusion
Before ending this review, I want to say that Motorola Talkabout T200 isn’t perfect, but if you’re looking for a light-duty radio, this is an excellent choice. It’s another great walkie talkie coming from Motorola’s Talkabout series. With two units for under $60, it’s really affordable and functions well, too. However, there are some key features missing compared to other mid-range walkies.