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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

APX-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-860
  • Hikers needing long simplex range

    The 12W output suits simplex contacts over long distances in open terrain.

    APX-8000
  • Operators managing large channel lists

    The 1024-channel memory holds far more frequencies for scanning and organizing local services.

    RT-860
  • Emergency preparedness and distant repeater access

    The 12W transmit power helps reach distant repeaters when emergency traffic matters most.

    APX-8000
  • Lightweight 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

APX-8000SpecRadtel RT-860
—
Price
$36.99
39
Overall Score
45
+15% for winner
12.00W
TX Power (High)
—
128
Memory Channels
1024
7.7× difference
—
Weight
255g
8800 mAh
Battery
2000 mAh
4.3× difference
Color LCD
Display
—
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Green
color
With SW/MW Antennas
Green
Color
With SW/MW Antennas
APX-8000
Model Number
RT-860
Two-way radios operating on VHF (136.025-173.975 MHz) and UHF (406.125-469.125 MHz) frequencies, compatible headsets, earpieces, and external antennas
Compatible Devices
External antennas (50 ohm)
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-860PICK

$36.99 on Amazon

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