RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus$249.99
The AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus is the clear winner for anyone who needs digital radio capability.
The most important differentiator is features: the AnyTone includes DMR, APRS, and GPS, while the Radtel RT-860 offers none of these. The AnyTone also provides an IP54 weather rating and significantly higher transmit power at 7W. We don't have the Radtel's TX power specification, so a direct comparison there isn't possible. Both radios weigh similarly and neither supports CHIRP programming.
Owner feedback slightly favors the AnyTone at 4.8/5 from 6 reviews versus the Radtel at 3.9/5 from 139 reviews. The larger review count for the Radtel provides a broader sample, though it still trails in reported satisfaction.
The AT-D878UVII Plus costs $250 while the Radtel is $39. That six-fold price gap reflects real functional differences, not just marketing.
The AnyTone is for operators who want digital modes, emergency positioning, or weather resistance. The Radtel is for budget-conscious users who need only basic analog FM operation.
Buy the AnyTone if digital capability or features matter to your use case. Buy the Radtel only if your budget is severely constrained and basic analog FM suffices.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious new technician on a tight spend
It costs far less than the alternative while covering the VHF and UHF analog repeater work most new technicians need.
RT-860Local repeater and simplex operator
Its analog VHF and UHF operation with 1024 channels suits everyday local repeater and simplex use without extra features.
RT-860Intermediate DMR operator wanting digital access
It supports DMR alongside analog FM, which the other radio cannot do at all.
AT-D878UVII PlusField surveyor logging position on the air
Built-in GPS and APRS support make it the better choice for location-tagged field work.
AT-D878UVII PlusOperator wanting a larger 4000-channel memory
With 4000 channels and 7W transmit power, it handles large channel lists and stronger output than the alternative.
AT-D878UVII PlusCasual hobbyist wanting light, simple handheld
At 255g it is slightly lighter and far simpler to pick up for occasional weekend listening and talking.
RT-860
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 1,024)
- 55% more battery (3100 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has color TFT display
- IP54 water resistance
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 85% cheaper ($36.99 vs $249.99)
- 25g lighter (255g vs 280g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D878UVII PlusPICK
$249.99 on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$36.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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