RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026APX-8000 vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
Radtel RT-860$36.99
The Radtel RT-860 is the clear winner for most buyers.
The single most important differentiator is price: the RT-860 costs $39 versus $130 for the APX-8000, while delivering better listed specifications for the money. RadioRanked's overall score reflects this value proposition, with the RT-860 scoring 45 to the APX-8000's 39. Both radios share the same core feature set—no DMR, APRS, or GPS on either—making the value calculation straightforward.
Owner feedback slightly favors the RT-860, with 3.9 stars from 139 Amazon reviews compared to 3.5 stars from 30 reviews for the APX-8000. The RT-860's larger review sample gives more confidence in what owners are reporting. The APX-8000 advertises 12W transmit power, but we lack that specification for the RT-860, so we cannot claim a power advantage either way.
The APX-8000 is only worth considering if you specifically need its higher transmit power and can verify it justifies the $91 premium. For everyone else, the RT-860 offers substantially better value and comparable owner satisfaction at a fraction of the price.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time licensee on a tight budget
Costs less and includes plenty of channels for a new technician learning local repeaters.
RT-860Hikers needing long simplex range
The 12W output suits simplex contacts over long distances in open terrain.
APX-8000Operators managing large channel lists
The 1024-channel memory holds far more frequencies for scanning and organizing local services.
RT-860Emergency preparedness and distant repeater access
The 12W transmit power helps reach distant repeaters when emergency traffic matters most.
APX-8000Lightweight belt-carry field users
At 255g it is a manageable weight for pocket or belt carry on long days.
RT-860
Reasons to choose APX-8000
- 340% more battery (8800 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 8x more memory channels (1,024 vs 128)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
APX-8000
Search on AmazonRadtel RT-860PICK
$36.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

