Motorola Radios for 2023 - The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Motorola radios are designed to keep you talking and connected. Our radios help to improve efficiency and safety, making sure your business can run smoothly. Motorola radios are designed to be reliable and durable, so you can always stay connected no matter what.
But before we start talking about what's going on in 2023 with Motorola Solutions, let's go over some basics.
Motorola Radios are divided into two main groups.
Motorola radios are divided into basically two groups, Commercial and Professional. Commercial radios are designed to be user-friendly and are ideal for consumers who don't require numerous features or extreme durability. Commercial radios are also known as business or retail radios.
Professional radios, on the other hand, offer more advanced features and increased reliability. These professional models are perfect for businesses that need reliable communication in challenging environments such as warehouses, construction sites, and industrial facilities.
For the average user, who requires a point-to-point communication system without all the complexity of repeaters, networks, or wide-area coverage, commercial radios fill the need perfectly. Over 95% of our customers at MyRadioMall fall under the commercial radio specification category.
Professional Motorola radios come with many options for customization. Features like voice activation, remote antenna systems, high-power output capabilities, multiple channel programming capability, weather alert notifications, and advanced encryption technology allow users the flexibility to tailor their radio system to their specific needs. Motorola also offers digital signal processing technologies that provide higher sound quality than analog systems while reducing unwanted interference and noise.
Motorola's company history of innovation and dedication to quality have made Motorola a global leader in radio communication. With a variety of models and features, there is sure to be the perfect Motorola radio for any user's needs. Whether you're looking for an easy-to-use consumer model or a reliable, professional model, Motorola has what you require. Get connected with the world's leading manufacturer of two-way radios today – Motorola.
Does this mean commercial radios have no advanced features like their professional counterparts?
Absolutely not; many features that were not available many years ago are now commonplace in the commercial series line of radios by Motorola.
Commercial radios offer features like emergency alert buttons, programmable channels, remote antenna systems, and more. While the professional series may have a few additional options, the commercial series still offers many of the same advanced features as their professional counterparts.
Make sure to research all your available options, or just call us before making your final decision.
Maintaining a reliable two-way radio system is essential for many businesses and industries worldwide. With a range of models from Motorola, you can find the perfect solution to fit your business needs while safeguarding your communications with advanced features such as encryption and digital signal processing technology.
No matter what type of radio you are looking for, Motorola has you covered. With a variety of models and reliable accessories, Motorola provides technologically advanced solutions for businesses and consumers alike. Get connected today with the world's leading manufacturer of two-way radios – Motorola!
Commercial Motorola Radios, Quick Look for 2023
VL50 Specs
- Analog Only Radio
- 8 Channels 12.5K
- 1 Watt Power
- UHF Freq
- IP54 IP Rating
- 1-Year Warranty
- 1 Model
- DISCONTINUED RADIO
Motorola VL50 Radio
Weighing a mere 4.6oz (0.17 kg), the VL50 is Motorola’s lightest professional radio, as well as their easiest to operate: it features a top solo knob for volume control, an LCD screen with battery life and channel information, and a large Push-to-Talk button on the front.
VL50 Markets
- Hospitality
- Restaurants
- Retail
VL50 Personal note: As of late last year, Motorola has discontinued the extremely popular VL50 Radio line. I, personally, feel this was a serious blunder since they're unable to offer an alternative to this radio, which is extremely popular in restaurants. The only thing close to this radio is the CLS series by Motorola, which is pricier and offers fewer channels. To get this radio to communicate properly with the VL50, you will need to rearrange channels, an additional burden for the end user. Our understanding is even the CLS product line will be discontinued shortly. Please call us for options.
BPR40 Specs
- Analog Only Radio
- 8 or 16 Channels 12.5K
- 5/4 Watts Power
- VHF or UHF Freq
- IP54 IP Rating
- 1-Year Warranty
- 4 Models
- ACTIVE RADIO
Motorola BPR40 Radio
The BPR40 is part of the Mag One™ by Motorola radio portfolio. This affordable solution gives remarkable quality and value that is perfect for your business and comes with a complete assortment of accessories to customize your radio.
BPR40 Markets
- Education
- Hospitality
- Property Management
- Restaurants
- Retail
BPR40 Personal note: Rumor has it this radio will be discontinued shortly, but these rumors have been circulating for a few years. This particular radio, compared to the newer models, it's just plain old technology. As of today, March 1, 2023, this radio is still available for purchase.
CP100D Specs
- Digital / Analog Radio
- 16 or 160 Channels 12.5K
- 5/4 Watts Power
- VHF or UHF Freq
- IP54 IP Rating
- 2-Years Warranty
- 6 Models
- ACTIVE RADIO
Motorola CP100D Radio
The CP100D Series is a range of practical, entry-level digital radios for professionals wanting to communicate with greater ease and efficiency. These affordable radios offer all the benefits of digital technology – up to 35% longer talk-time, broader radio coverage, and superior audio.
CP100D Markets
- Education
- Hospitality
- Property Management
- Retail
CP100D Personal note: This is one of the newer models by Motorola using more recent technology. This radio is now catching on with our customers, and many of the models are a substitution for the now discontinued Motorola CP185 radio.
CP185 Specs
- Analog Radio
- 16 Channels 12.5K
- 5/4 Watts Power
- VHF or UHF Freq
- IP54 IP Rating
- 1-Year Warranty
- 4 Models
- DISCONTINUED RADIO
Motorola CP185 Radio
The CP185 with built-in voice scrambling provides crisp, clear, and strong audio quality even in noisy environments. Combined with the compact, lightweight design of the CP185, you get just what it takes to enhance communication while increasing productivity.
CP185 Markets
- Construction
- Education
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Property Management
- Retail
- Security
- Transportation
CP185 Personal note: It is official, this radio is now being canceled, and the last day for us to place orders will be March 31, 2023.
This radio is being replaced by the CP100D, which comes in various models, analog-only or analog and digital. The only inconvenience for the customer will be those using encryption on an analog channel, as the CP100D does not support this in analog mode. Not one of our customers ever insisted on scrambling an analog channel. This radio has been a strong seller and a great communications tool for Motorola, and it will be missed.
CP200D Specs
- Digital / Analog Radio
- 16 Channels 12.5K
- 5/4 Watts Power
- VHF or UHF Freq
- IP54 IP Rating
- 1-Year Warranty
- 4 Models
- SOON TO BE DISCONTINUED
Motorola CP200D Radio
Whatever your needs, the Extremely Rugged CP200D provides a simple, reliable, cost-effective communication solution to help work crews connect, coordinate and collaborate to get the job done right. The Motorola CP200d is perfect for the everyday user who wants to stay connected.
CP200D Markets
- Construction
- Education
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Property Management
- Retail
- Security
- Transportation
CP200D Personal note: YES, this top-rated radio and a replacement for the analog-only CP200 will soon get the chopping block. This radio will be discontinued this year and replaced by the newer version, the R2. We understand that once this radio is discontinued, Motorola will continue to accept orders until their inventory has been exhausted.
The newer version, the R2, uses the same audio accessories as the CP200D. The same battery charger, but the battery will be different. This is because of the shape of the radio, the bottom of the battery will work properly with all existing chargers, but the top part has been redesigned to accommodate the new R2 shape.
DTR700 Specs
- Digital Only
- 50 Channels
- 1 Watt Power
- 900 MHz
- IP54 IP Rating
- 2-Years Warranty
- 1 Model
- ACTIVE RADIO
Motorola DTR700 Radio
The Motorola DTR700 Radio is slim; its rugged design has 50 channel capacity. It is IP54 rated and operates at 900 MHz. A full-graphic color display and intuitive navigation menu help you quickly locate all radio features. One Calling and Digital One-to-Many Calling with audio quality that is loud and clear audio wherever you are.
DTR700 Markets
- Education
- Hospitality
DTR700 Personal note: The Motorola DTR700 is a unique radio in a class all its own. It is one of the few radios offered by Motorola that is 100% digital, with no analog channels whatsoever.
This Radio is extremely popular in colleges and schools. The radio does not require an FCC license, and it's 100% user programmable via a computer. It's also one of the few radios where Motorola will give you the software for free.
At first, the programming could be a little complex, but given the user's understanding of their workplace gives them the ability to tailor this radio to their needs. This is very difficult to do with any other radio offered by Motorola. The ability to have private groups and to be able to talk strictly to a supervisor sets this radio apart from so many others.
SL300 Specs
- Digital / Analog
- 2 or 99 Channels
- 2/3 Watt Power
- VHF or UHF MHz
- IP54 IP Rating
- 2-Year Warranty
- 4 Model
- ACTIVE RADIO
Motorola SL300 Radio
The Motorola SL300 is boldly designed to keep you efficiently connected. Measuring under an inch thick, the SL300 is ultra-portable with a stubby antenna, curved edges and rugged frame. Designed for easy and intuitive use and outfitted with the latest technology, the SL300 is the perfect work partner.
SL300 Markets
- Hospitality
SL300 Personal note: The SL300 it's another niche radio, and because of its size and weight, it's used heavily in hospitality, especially by supervisors. The two-channel radio is extremely basic, and we only recommend the 99-channel radio not only because of the additional channels but because of the fantastic display.
We don't see this radio being discontinued anytime soon. This radio is also great for people that rely on PTT ID decoding.
CM200D Specs
- Digital / Analog
- 16 Channels
- 25 / 40 Watt Power
- VHF or UHF MHz
- IP54 IP Rating
- 2 Year Warranty
- 8 Model
- ACTIVE RADIO
Motorola CM200D Radio
The Motorola rugged CM200d Radios offer all the benefits of the latest technology – twice the capacity, more excellent coverage, and superior audio. It’s easy to transition your business to digital technology.
CM200D Markets
- Construction
- Education
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Property Management
- Retail
- Security
- Transportation
CM300D Specs
- Digital / Analog
- 99 Channels
- 25 / 45 Watt Power
- VHF or UHF MHz
- IP54 IP Rating
- 2 Year Warranty
- 8 Model
- ACTIVE RADIO
Motorola CM300D Radio
With its bright, high-contrast alphanumeric screen, the CM300D allows drivers to see important information such as caller ID at a glance. The CM300D offers more channels and a more robust display than the CM200D.
CM300D Markets
- Construction
- Education
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Property Management
- Retail
- Security
- Transportation
CM200 & CM300 Personal note: These radios are the backbone for the Motorola commercial mobile radios, we do not see these radios being discontinued anytime soon.
Why the sudden increase in price on both Motorola commercial and professional radios?
This is due to many factors, but mostly Motorola's ability to acquire parts and accessories from their vendors to create and manufacture their radios.
Some additional Information :
- Motorola announces price increase - Effective immediately!
- Motorola Quantity Discount Program Suspend
I would love to equip my company with Motorola radios, but it's not within our budget, any alternatives out there?
YES, there is. We now also carry the RCA fantastic brand of radios. We searched, and we were pleasantly surprised with the quality and the workmanship of the RCA product line. Many with more options and better warranty than their Motorola counterparts.
Have a look at the RCA Radios Product line today!