Motorola R5 Review

Updated: December 4, 2025

Discover the Features of the Motorola R5: A Comprehensive Guide

In industries where communication is critical, two-way radios remain the gold standard instant communication. The Motorola MOTOTRBO™ R5 is one of the newest additions to Motorola’s two-way radio lineup, offering a durable radio for teams working in loud environments. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the Motorola R5 two-way radio a standout two-way radio and how it stacks up against other popular models like the Motorola R2.

Why Two-Way Radios Matter

Despite the mature adoption of smartphones and messaging apps, two-way radios remain essential in industries such as construction, public safety, manufacturing, and event management. The MOTOTRBO™ R5 combines the dependability of traditional radios with modern communication features, providing clear voice quality and durable design. Smartphones often fail to deliver instant communication without delays. In many critical situations, this delay can affect safety, making two-way radios the primary tool needed for immediate communication.

Motorola R5 Overview

The Motorola R5 is engineered for mission-critical communications. It combines Motorola’s hallmark durability with cutting-edge features, including SINC+ noise suppression, configurable audio profiles, and enhanced range and battery life.

This makes it ideal for environments where shouting over heavy machinery or coordinating multiple teams in real-time is part of the daily routine.

Design and Build Quality

The R5 takes a modern leap forward in both aesthetics and function. It’s compact, lightweight, and purposefully designed to be glove-friendly.  The buttons and ergonomics make it ideal for workers who are always on the move, while its IP68 rating protects against dust and water ingress, meaning it can survive rain, mud, and dust storms without missing a beat. 

Advanced Communication Capabilities

With Adaptive Dual Microphone Noise Suppression, the R5 filters out background noise to deliver crystal-clear voice transmission in noisy environments. It also supports:

• Bluetooth® 5.2 and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Over-the-air updates
• Seamless integration with Motorola’s WAVE PTX system for push-to-talk over LTE

The R5 keeps your team connected whether they’re in the field, the warehouse, or across town.

Motorola R2 vs Motorola R5: A Detailed Comparison

Performance Differences

The R5 is essentially the R2’s more advanced sibling. Where the Motorola R2 focuses on straightforward, analog/digital radio performance, the R5 adds enterprise-ready features, better environmental protection, and higher speech intelligibility—ideal for safety-critical industries or extreme conditions.  The big brother in the two-way radio family, the Motorola R7, builds on its features and robustness even further!

Cost-Effectiveness

While the R5 comes in at a higher price point than the R2, it delivers significant ROI through its advanced features, durability, and adaptability to modern communication ecosystems. For teams that need interoperability, encryption, and remote device management, the R5 is worth the investment.

Motorola R5 Spec Sheet Highlights:

• Frequency Range: VHF/UHF bands
• Channels: Up to 1000
• Battery Life: Up to 28 hours with high-capacity battery
• Ingress Rating: IP68 (fully dustproof and water-submersible)
• Display: Optional full-color screen with intuitive navigation
• Audio Output: Loud, front-facing speaker with 102+ phons of output  

Phon Comparisons (for reference):

• 10 phons – Whisper in a quiet room
• 50 phons – Office background noise
• 75 phons - The Person who sits two rows behind you in an airplane but you can hear their conversation with perfect clarity.
• 100 phons – Busy street traffic or a lawnmower
• 102+ phons – R5 loudness (enough to cut through machinery or crowd noise)

Battery Life and Durability

The R5 is equipped for all-day use with a high-capacity battery that lasts up to 28 hours on a single charge. Its ruggedized housing has passed Motorola’s Accelerated Life Testing (ALT), simulating 5 years of extreme field use.

Range and Connectivity

Featuring extended range and enhanced receiver sensitivity, the R5 maintains signal clarity across larger job sites or multi-building campuses. It supports 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bands for real-time location tracking, software updates, and text messaging.

Final Thoughts on the Motorola R5

The Motorola MOTOTRBO™ R5 is a best-in-class radio for businesses that demand clarity, durability, and versatility. Whether you're upgrading from a CP200d or looking for a mission-critical solution for a large-scale operation, the R5 offers everything you need to stay connected and stay safe.