Midland MXT500 vs MXT575: Which 50W GMRS Radio to Buy?
Both the MXT500 and MXT575 are 50-watt GMRS MicroMobiles with 8 repeater channels and NOAA weather alerts, and as of October 11, 2026 Midland sells both for $439.99. The MXT575 is not "the MXT500 plus GPS and Bluetooth": neither radio lists GPS or Bluetooth. The real split is that the MXT575 puts every control in the microphone, while the MXT500 adds an IP66 rating, up to 128 channels, noise cancelling and a PA function.
Midland MXT500
50W with an IP66 rating, up to 128 channels, automatic noise cancelling and a PA function. The better fit for UTVs, tractors and open-top vehicles.
Midland MXT575
50W with every control in the microphone and a hideaway radio body. The better fit when dash space is tight.
What Actually Separates Them
Going only by what Midland lists on each product page (checked October 11, 2026):
- Control layout. The MXT575 is sold on its "Fully-Integrated Control Mic" and "hideaway radio unit": channel, volume and menu controls live in the mic, and the radio body mounts out of sight. The MXT500's page does not make that claim.
- Water resistance. The MXT500 is rated IP66. The MXT575's page gives no IP rating.
- Channel capacity. The MXT500 supports up to 128 channels. The MXT575's page lists 15 high-power GMRS channels and 8 split-tone repeater channels.
- Audio features. The MXT500 lists an automatic noise cancelling (ANC) function and a public-address (PA) function. The MXT575 lists neither.
- Power levels. The MXT500 lists high, medium (25W) and low (5W) settings. Both are 50W at full power.
Neither Radio Has GPS or Bluetooth
Earlier versions of this page credited the MXT575 with GPS location sharing and Bluetooth. Neither appears on Midland's spec list for either radio. If position sharing matters, look for a radio whose own listing claims it, such as the BTECH GMRS-PRO handheld, and remember such features only work between compatible units.
Where They Match
- 50 watts output, the FCC maximum for GMRS.
- 15 high-power GMRS channels and 8 repeater channels.
- NOAA weather radio with weather scan and alert.
- USB-C port on the radio.
- Compatibility with Midland FRS/GMRS handhelds on shared channels.
- GMRS license required for both. One FCC license covers your immediate family.
On voice, someone calling you through a repeater cannot tell which of the two you are using.
Range
At the same 50W rating, range depends on antenna height, antenna gain and terrain far more than on which of these two you buy. Midland's "up to" range figures assume line-of-sight conditions that rarely exist in practice. The figures below are rough planning estimates, not measurements.
| Terrain | MXT500 and MXT575 (both 50W) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flat open (ranch, highway, lake bed) | 15–35 miles | Best case with quality antenna |
| Rolling hills, mixed terrain | 8–20 miles | Varies significantly with terrain |
| Forest, canyon, mountain | 3–10 miles | Terrain shading is the dominant factor |
| Through a GMRS repeater | 50+ miles | Depends on repeater coverage area |
Price
On October 11, 2026 Midland listed both radios at $439.99, and Amazon had both in stock at $439.99. Earlier versions of this page described a $70–150 gap in the MXT500's favor; there was none on that date. Prices move, so check the live figure above, but choose on layout and water resistance, not on an assumed discount.
If $440 is more than you want to spend on 50W, the BTECH GMRS-50V2 was in stock on Amazon at $219.89 the same day. Its listing claims 50W and 256 channels, but it does not include an antenna and needs direct 13.8V wiring.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature (per midlandusa.com) | MXT500 | MXT575 |
|---|---|---|
| Power output | 50W (25W / 5W lower settings) | 50W |
| Channels | Up to 128 | 15 high-power GMRS + 8 repeater |
| Repeater channels | 8 | 8 (split tone) |
| NOAA weather | Yes | Scan + alert |
| Water resistance | IP66 | No rating listed |
| Noise cancelling / PA | Yes / Yes | Not listed |
| Fully integrated control mic | Not advertised | Yes |
| GPS / Bluetooth | Not listed | Not listed |
| Midland price (Oct 11, 2026) | $439.99 | $439.99 |
Who Should Buy Each
- The radio will see rain, dust or washdowns (UTV, tractor, open Jeep).
- You want room for many custom channels (Midland lists up to 128).
- Cab noise is a problem and noise cancelling would help.
- A PA function is useful on a farm, ranch or event site.
- Dash space is tight and you want every control in the mic.
- You want the radio body hidden under a seat or in a cargo area.
- The cab is enclosed, so water resistance matters less.
The 40W Midland MXT400 used to be the budget step down, but Amazon showed it out of stock and Midland no longer listed it as of October 2026. See the best GMRS mobile radios guide for in-stock options, or the full MXT575 review.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the MXT575 have GPS or Bluetooth that the MXT500 lacks?
- No. Midland's MXT575 spec list (checked October 2026) includes 50W, 15 high-power GMRS channels, 8 repeater channels, NOAA weather scan and alert, a fully integrated control mic, USB-C charging and a backlit display. It does not list GPS, Bluetooth or a color display, and neither does the MXT500's. Earlier versions of this page said otherwise; that was wrong.
- Is the RF performance the same between the MXT500 and MXT575?
- Both are rated at 50 watts, the FCC maximum for GMRS, and both have 15 high-power GMRS channels and 8 repeater channels. With the same antenna in the same location, expect comparable range. Range is set mostly by antenna height, antenna gain and terrain, not by the model badge.
- What does the MXT500 have that the MXT575 doesn't list?
- Per Midland's MXT500 page: an IP66 water-resistance rating, up to 128 channels, an automatic noise cancelling (ANC) function, a public-address (PA) function, and 25W/5W medium and low power settings. The MXT575's page lists none of these, and gives no IP rating.
- What does the MXT575 have that the MXT500 doesn't advertise?
- The fully integrated control mic. Midland markets the MXT575 as a 'hideaway radio unit' whose 'Fully-Integrated Control Mic saves dashboard space': every control lives in the mic, and the radio body mounts out of sight. If dash space is your constraint, that is the reason to choose it.
- Which one costs more?
- Neither, as of October 11, 2026: Midland lists both at $439.99, and Amazon had both in stock at $439.99 the same day. Prices change, so check the live price, but do not expect to pay a premium for the MXT575.
- Can both radios use GMRS repeaters?
- Yes. Midland lists 8 repeater channels on both, split-tone capable on the MXT575. Programming a repeater needs its output frequency, input offset and CTCSS or DCS access tone, which most repeaters listed on myGMRS.com publish.