Equipment / GMRS radio · Midland
current

Midland MXT500

$$$$$

GMRS
Bands
50 W
Output
2022
Introduced
Frequency462.5500-467.7250 MHz (15 GMRS channels + 8 repeater channels)
TX power5 / 25 / 50 W (50W / 25W / 5W selectable (50W is the highest legal GMRS power). Split tone capable. NB/WB selectable. Automatic noise cancelling.)
ModesFM
Weight1 kg (2.2 lb) - Approximate.
ConnectorSO-239 (UHF female)
Year2022
Connectors
antennaSO-239 (UHF female)
micRJ-45 style PTT mic
ext spkrexternal speaker jack
paPA speaker output
usb cUSB-C (device charging)
dc in12V DC hardwired
power req12V DC hardwired. For base station use: DuraComm LPX-14 power supply recommended.

Estimated (unverified): GMRS radio - a GMRS license is required. 50W (actual ~46-48W per FCC/user tests, antenna-dependent); 15 GMRS simplex + 8 repeater channels; user-selectable wide/narrow band; split-tone; PC-programmable (128 channel memories); IP66 body. Introduced 2022.

50W GMRS MicroMobile — maximum legal GMRS power, controls on HEAD UNIT 15 GMRS channels + 8 repeater channels with repeater blocking split tone capable (different TX/RX CTCSS/DCS — essential for many repeaters) narrowband AND wideband selectable IP66 water and dust resistant (unique in MicroMobile lineup) NOAA Weather Scan + Alert USB-C port for fast charging external devices PC programmable (set up repeater channels via computer) revised intuitive menus channel scan, squelch, monitor, silent operation backlit LCD display on head unit external speaker jack + PA speaker output compatible with all Midland FRS/GMRS radios
Strengths

Maximum legal 50 W GMRS power with an IP66 water/dust rating, the water-resistant option in the MicroMobile lineup. Split tone and NB/WB selection work with virtually any GMRS repeater, and automatic noise cancelling helps in loud cabs. It is PC programmable for advanced repeater setup, with repeater blocking to prevent unauthorized use. An SO-239 antenna connector means a wide aftermarket antenna selection, plus USB-C and revised menus.

Weaknesses

Premium-priced. The head-unit controls need dashboard space (the MXT575 puts controls on the mic). Hardwired install. It is heavy (~1 kg). For many users the MXT575 (same list price, with mic-mounted controls) is more practical despite lacking IP66.

Verdict

A 50 W GMRS mobile with IP66 weather resistance. The MXT500 is for operators who want maximum power and IP66 water/dust resistance: boats, UTVs, and open-cab equipment. If IP66 does not matter, the MXT575 puts the controls on the mic instead.

The Midland MXT500 is the most capable radio in the MicroMobile line: a full 50-watt GMRS mobile, the highest power GMRS allows, in a weather-sealed, computer-programmable package. It is the one MXT built for serious GMRS use as well as overlanding, with an IP66-rated body, user-selectable wideband and narrowband, and proper split-tone repeater support. Like all GMRS radios it needs an inexpensive, no-test family license.

It covers the 15 high-power GMRS channels and 8 repeater channels with three power levels (50, 25, and 5 watts), NOAA weather, 142 privacy codes, and a voice compander. Computer programming via Midland's software lets you store repeater frequencies with their own tones, including split tones, and the radio holds well over a hundred channel memories. Real-world output measures in the high-40-watt range depending on antenna match, which is normal for the class.

It is a traditional-format radio with a separate hand mic, ships with a magnetic-mount antenna, and requires a hardwired 12-volt connection (it also makes a capable home base station with a suitable DC supply). For the same 50 watts in the tidier in-microphone format, the MXT575 is its sibling; the simpler 15-watt MXT115 sits at the entry end of the line.