Motorola Talkabout T470 vs Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O
The Motorola Talkabout T470 and Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O share the same FRS channels and weather alerts. The Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O is built for water while the Motorola Talkabout T470 runs longer.
Updated October 2, 2026
Motorola Talkabout T470
Light license-free FRS pair with weather alerts that keep sounding while the radio charges.
Full specs, pros and cons
Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O
Floating IP67 FRS pair whose flashlight switches on the moment it hits the water.
Full specs, pros and consThe short answer
The Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O fits most buyers. Its IP67 rating and floating design cover boating and bad weather where the IPX4 Motorola Talkabout T470 only handles splashes. It also charges over USB-C and has two test reviews. The Motorola Talkabout T470 claims three more hours per charge on NiMH.
Choose the Motorola Talkabout T470 if
- you want the longer battery claim at up to 12 hours on NiMH
- you want a radio Motorola claims runs up to 28 hours on three AA batteries
- you want alerts to keep sounding while the radio charges
Choose the Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O if
- you want IP67 waterproofing and a radio that floats face up
- you want USB-C charging instead of micro-USB
- you want test reviews from OutdoorGearLab and Switchback Travel
Specs side by side
Motorola Talkabout T470
Pros
- Quiet Charge keeps weather alerts active while the radio sits on the charger.
- The AA option is rated for up to 28 hours.
- Weight is 4.8 oz per radio before the batteries go in.
Cons
- IPX4 handles rain but not a drop in the lake.
- The NiMH pack is rated for 12 hours and charges over micro-USB.
Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O
Pros
- IP67 and a face-up float make it a safe pick for a kayak or a boat.
- Eleven weather channels with alerts include 7 NOAA channels.
- Both OutdoorGearLab and Switchback Travel have reviewed it.
Cons
- The 800 mAh NiMH pack is rated for up to 9 hours so pack spare AA cells.
- At 7.8 oz with batteries it weighs more than the lighter FRS pairs here.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Motorola Talkabout T470 lighter than the Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O?
Motorola lists 4.8 ounces for the Motorola Talkabout T470 without batteries and 7.8 ounces for the Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O with batteries. The two figures are not measured the same way. A like-for-like weight is not published. Treat the gap as unknown rather than three ounces.
Do both radios run on AA batteries?
Yes. Both take three AA batteries as well as the NiMH pack. Motorola claims up to 28 hours on AA for the Motorola Talkabout T470. The Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O is claimed at up to 23 hours. On NiMH the claims are 12 and 9 hours. All figures are maker claims.
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking one, the store may pay us a commission. The price stays the same for you, and commissions do not decide which emergency radios we recommend.