Midland MXT575: The Best GMRS Radio for Overland Communication

Reliable communication is one of the most important tools in overlanding—whether you're calling out obstacles, coordinating a group convoy, or handling an emergency. We’ve used GMRS radios for years, and after upgrading from the Midland MXT275 to the MXT575, we can confidently say it’s a game-changer.

With 50 watts of power, a fully remote-mount design, and upgraded accessories like the Ghost Antenna and MXMC01 Automatic Noise Cancelling Mic, the MXT575 has taken our communication setup to the next level.

Why Choose GMRS Over CB or HAM?

Many overlanders debate between CB, HAM, and GMRS for communication. Here’s why we think GMRS is the best choice for most off-roaders:

✅ More Range than CB – CB radios are limited to ~4 watts, while GMRS can go up to 50 watts, significantly increasing range.
✅ Easier Licensing than HAM – No test required—just a simple FCC application that covers your entire family for 10 years.
✅ Better Audio Quality – GMRS transmissions are clearer than CB, making it easier to understand comms in loud off-road environments.
✅ FRS Compatibility – GMRS radios can communicate with standard FRS handhelds (walkie-talkies), making it ideal for family and group travel.

Why Midland Over Other GMRS Brands?

We've used multiple GMRS radios over the years, but Midland consistently delivers the best reliability, ease of use, and performance. Compared to other brands, Midland offers:

🔹 Higher Build Quality – Their radios hold up to dust, vibration, and extreme weather better than budget alternatives.
🔹 Strong Customer Support – Midland actively supports the off-road community and provides excellent service if issues arise.
🔹 Better Ecosystem – Accessories like the Ghost Antenna, automatic noise-canceling microphone, and repeaters make a noticeable difference in performance.

Installation: Upgrading from MXT275 to MXT575

One of the biggest advantages of the MXT575 over the MXT275 is the power upgrade—from 15 watts to 50 watts. That’s more than triple the transmission power, and in real-world use, it makes a huge difference.

We mounted our MXT575 under the rear seat to keep the cabin clean, with the Ghost Antenna on the roof for the best signal. Here’s what we found:

🛠 MXT575 Setup:

• Radio Unit: Mounted under the rear seat for a stealthy setup.
• Microphone: Swapped out for the MXMC01 Automatic Noise Cancelling Mic, which dramatically improves clarity at high speeds or in windy conditions.
• Antenna: Upgraded to the Midland Ghost Antenna, a compact but powerful option that keeps a low profile while delivering strong signal performance.

Real-World Performance: Where the MXT575 Excels

We’ve tested the MXT575 in various overlanding conditions, and the results speak for themselves:

📍 Sand Hollow (Rock Crawling & Spotting) – Whether we were guiding each other over technical rock sections or spotting tricky climbs, the clear audio and quick response time made navigating much easier.

🌵 Glamis & King of the Hammers (Crowded Environments) – In high-traffic areas, using privacy channels helped reduce interference from other groups, ensuring smooth communication within our convoy.

🚐 Sprinter Overland Expeditions (Coordinating with Cody Foster) – The MXT575 made it simple to stay in touch with our navigator during long stretches of off-road travel. The 50-watt power was critical when we needed to relay messages over larger distances.

📷 Overland Media Coverage (Capturing the Action) – When filming trips, we often need to pass groups on the trail. Having a strong radio setup allows us to confirm safe passing and communicate with other vehicles while keeping our focus on capturing content.

Final Thoughts: Is the MXT575 Worth It?

If you’re looking for the best GMRS radio for overlanding, the Midland MXT575 is an investment that pays off in safety, reliability, and ease of use. Combined with the Ghost Antenna and noise-canceling mic, this setup has drastically improved our comms in all types of terrain.

✔️ Upgrading from the MXT275? You’ll notice a massive improvement in range and clarity.
✔️ Need a clean install? The remote-mount design keeps your dash uncluttered.
✔️ Use radios in a crowded setting? Privacy channels make a huge difference in avoiding cross-talk.

For serious off-roaders, chase teams, and overland travelers, the MXT575 is worth every penny.

What’s your overland comms setup? Drop a comment or let us know how your GMRS setup has worked for you!