Here is a comparison between the MURS Alert M538-HT portables and the Kenwood TK2100 MURS portables (no longer available). Your experience may vary and none of this should be considered a promise of performance.
Size: The MURS Alert HT is slightly larger than the Kenwood. The antenna is about 2" longer than the stock Kenwood antenna.
Weight: The MURS Alert is lighter than the Kenwood.
Number of channels: The MURS Alert has one channel but this channel can be easily changed within seconds (literally) thereby giving you access to all five MURS channels and all 38 CTCSS (PL) tones almost instantly. The Kenwood has two channels that can be changed via internally pre-programmed memories. A number of steps need to be performed to change the settings of each channel and takes more time than the MURS Alert. Both radios use narrow band modulation on all MURS frequencies. There are no weather frequencies on the MURS Alert.
PTT Confirmation: The MURS Alert has a confirmation tone that sounds when you press the PTT button [Listen to PTT on tone]. It also sounds a different tone when you release the button [Listen to PTT off tone]. The level of this tone is determined by your volume control. The release tone can be heard upon PTT release by the other party and lets them know you have finished transmitting.
Antennas: The MURS Alert uses a proprietary antenna that has a non-standard threaded connector. The Kenwood has an SMA connector on the antenna.
Batteries: The MURS Alert uses standard six rechargeable 1600 mAh NiMH batteries (included). Charging time is 14-16 hours. The Kenwood uses a KNB-14 NiCad or KNB-15 NiMH battery pack of varying capacities. The MURS Alert uses a wall wart style charger, the Kenwood uses a drop in charger.
Performance: The MURS Alert and the Kenwood perform nearly identically when receiving signals. (Test was made in very hilly terrain so a weak signal could be used.) Weak signals were received equally well on both radios and no distinguishable differences could be detected. Transmission range was also the same as the output power of both radios were within a few tenths of a watt of each other (MURS Alert - 1.5 watts, Kenwood - 1.7 watts. This was bench tested on the test radios.). The output power difference is indistinguishable in real life situations. Actual range would be determined upon local conditions (terrain, obstacles, etc.)
Miscellaneous Information (from the FCC website):