Tested: Midland GXT67 Pro Review — A Handheld GMRS Radio Built for Overlanding
The Midland GXT67 Pro is a handheld GMRS radio built for overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts who need more power and capability than a typical FRS walkie-talkie can provide.
If you’re already invested in the GMRS ecosystem with one of Midland’s excellent mobile radios, such as the 50-watt MXT575 (OVR, Issue XX), or perhaps one of the company’s 2-watt X-Talker handhelds, the GXT67 Pro is the logical next step.
Delivering the legal maximum of five watts of effective radiated power (ERP), this handheld GMRS radio combines impressive transmission power with a feature set enthusiasts have been asking for, including an IP67-rated rugged design, active noise cancellation, and full GMRS repeater capability.
Like all GMRS radios, the GXT67 Pro requires an FCC GMRS license to transmit. The license currently costs $35, covers an entire household, and remains valid for ten years.
Build Quality and Design
The GXT67 Pro features an IP67-rated ruggedized housing with a comfortable form factor that feels substantial without being overly heavy. It’s designed for the harsh environments overlanders routinely encounter, whether that’s dusty desert trails, muddy forest roads, or wet weather around camp.
A large, backlit display remains easy to read even in direct sunlight, while intuitive menus keep the learning curve refreshingly short.
A stout, non-removable antenna, oversized volume knob, and simple rubberized controls all contribute to a radio that feels durable enough for years of outdoor use.
Channel Options and Repeater Capability
From a channel standpoint, the GXT67 Pro is exceptionally well equipped. It offers access to up to 99 GMRS channels, including the 22 standard GMRS channels, 28 preset privacy code channels, and up to 49 user-defined channels.
Perhaps more importantly, Midland has added eight GMRS repeater channels with split-tone capability—a first for one of the company’s handheld radios. For users looking to extend communication range through community repeaters, this is a significant upgrade.
Compatibility with both CTCSS (1–38) and DCS (1–104) privacy codes adds flexibility when communicating with existing groups, while Group Mode allows users to organize multiple radios into groups for selective group call alerts or communications using shared group codes.
Active Noise Cancellation and Audio Performance
One of the standout features is Midland’s Active Noise Cancellation technology. It does an impressive job filtering background noise in loud environments, whether riding in a topless Jeep, driving with the windows down, or operating around camp equipment.
The result is noticeably cleaner audio that makes conversations easier to understand in real-world overlanding conditions.
Power Settings and Customization
The GXT67 Pro includes High, Medium, and Low power settings, along with narrowband and wideband operation depending on your communication needs.
Users looking for additional customization can purchase Midland’s optional PC programming interface. It allows owners to save and load radio configurations, create up to 49 custom channels, and assign custom channel names—features appreciated by users managing multiple radios or organized trail groups.
Additional Features Worth Noting
Midland has packed the GXT67 Pro with useful features beyond basic communication.
Highlights include:
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NOAA weather channels and weather alerts
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Dual Watch Pro for monitoring two channels simultaneously
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Channel scanning
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Hands-free VOX operation
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Vibrate alert
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Whisper mode
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SOS siren
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Multiple call alert options
None of these features feel like unnecessary gimmicks—they’re genuinely useful additions depending on how and where you travel.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life proved excellent throughout our testing. The included 2,400mAh rechargeable battery charges in approximately four hours and delivers up to 16 hours of operation or as much as five days of standby time.
Charging is handled through either the included desktop charging cradle or the supplied 12-volt DC vehicle adapter, and the radio can continue operating while connected to external power.
Range Testing: Real-World Results
Real-world range is one of the most common questions buyers have about any handheld GMRS radio, so we spent time testing a pair of GXT67 Pro radios in the field.
During our admittedly non-scientific testing across flat, open desert terrain, the two radios maintained consistently clear communication at distances approaching three miles. From elevated positions with unobstructed line of sight, we achieved approximately five miles with very good audio clarity.
As with any radio system, terrain, vegetation, buildings, and atmospheric conditions will all affect actual performance, but we were impressed with the GXT67 Pro’s real-world capability.
Final Verdict
The Midland GXT67 Pro has quickly become our favorite handheld GMRS radio. It serves as an ideal companion to a vehicle-mounted GMRS system, allowing communication while spotting obstacles, hiking away from camp, or coordinating around a campsite—especially with users operating lower-powered FRS radios that high-output mobile GMRS units cannot communicate with directly.
Its combination of rugged construction, repeater capability, excellent battery life, intuitive operation, and thoughtful feature set makes it equally approachable for newcomers while offering enough advanced functionality to satisfy experienced GMRS users.
For overlanders, campers, hunters, and backcountry travelers looking for a capable handheld GMRS radio that integrates seamlessly into the Midland ecosystem, the GXT67 Pro earns a confident recommendation.
Midland: midlandusa.com
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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 12. For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.
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