Midland MXT275 vs Midland MXT575
The Midland MXT275 and Midland MXT575 are both GMRS MicroMobile radios for a vehicle with a control microphone. The difference is 15 watts against 50 watts and the reach that comes with it.
Updated October 2, 2026
Midland MXT275
Fifteen-watt GMRS mobile radio for your vehicle with the controls built into the microphone.
Full specs, pros and cons
Midland MXT575
Fifty-watt GMRS mobile radio with a hide-away body and control microphone for your vehicle.
Full specs, pros and consThe short answer
The Midland MXT575 fits most buyers who mount a radio in a vehicle. Its 50 watts carry further. Midland lists 20 to 25 miles as ideal against 10 to 15 for the Midland MXT275. It adds NOAA alert and three power levels. The Midland MXT275 weighs about 1.3 pounds against about 3 pounds and builds everything into the mic.
Choose the Midland MXT275 if
- you want the lighter unit at about 1.3 pounds against about 3 pounds
- you want 15 watts and a reach Midland lists as 10 to 15 miles under ideal conditions
- you want everything built into the control microphone with no separate unit
Choose the Midland MXT575 if
- you want the full 50 watts for the longest reach
- you want a hide-away main unit with only the mic in view
- you want NOAA weather scan with alert
Specs side by side
Prices in the makers' own US stores, checked October 2, 2026. Amazon links carry no price.
Midland MXT275
Pros
- Fifteen watts of transmit power is three times what a 5-watt handheld offers.
- The antenna with magnetic mount and the 12V cord are included.
- Midland lists 10 to 15 miles as the ideal working range.
Cons
- Needs a 12V vehicle supply so it cannot leave the car with you.
- A GMRS license is required to transmit.
Midland MXT575
Pros
- Fifty watts of transmit power and three power settings.
- Midland claims up to 75 miles and lists 20 to 25 miles as ideal.
- The NMO antenna and magnetic base are in the box.
Cons
- Built for a vehicle so it needs 12V power and a place to mount.
- The warranty runs one year against three on several handhelds here.
Frequently asked questions
Are these handheld radios?
No. Both are mobile radios that run on 12 volt vehicle power and mount in a vehicle. The Midland MXT275 builds the controls into the microphone and weighs about 1.3 pounds. The Midland MXT575 uses a hide-away unit with a control mic and weighs about 3 pounds. Both need a GMRS license.
How far do they reach?
Midland claims up to 50 miles for the Midland MXT275 and up to 75 miles for the Midland MXT575. Those are the maximum figures. Under ideal conditions Midland lists 10 to 15 miles for the Midland MXT275. The Midland MXT575 is listed at 20 to 25 miles on the same basis. All of these are maker claims.
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