RadioRanked verdict
Updated Sep 2026APX-8000 vs Radtel RT-920
Our pick
Radtel RT-920$47.04
The Radtel RT-920 is the clear winner for most buyers.
Both radios offer similar core specifications: neither supports DMR, APRS, or GPS, and we lack weight data for both. The decisive factor is price paired with owner feedback. The RT-920 costs $47 versus $130 for the APX-8000, yet owners report significantly higher satisfaction with the Radtel at 4.3 out of 5 stars across 119 reviews compared to 3.5 stars from 30 reviews for the APX. While the APX delivers 12 watts versus the RT-920's 8 watts, that modest power advantage doesn't justify the nearly three-fold price premium when buyers consistently rate the cheaper radio more favorably.
The RT-920's superior owner rating and lower price make it the primary differentiator here. The APX-8000 offers better listed specs for the money according to RadioRanked's composite score, but this doesn't translate to what actual owners are experiencing.
Buy the Radtel RT-920 if you want solid performance at a budget price with proven owner satisfaction. Choose the APX-8000 only if maximum transmit power is a specific requirement and you're willing to pay significantly more despite more modest owner feedback.
The Radtel RT-920 is the recommended choice for nearly all handheld radio buyers.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Beginner exploring ham radio basics
Its low cost and high channel count make it perfect for initial exploration.
RT-920Operator needing long-range simplex communication
The higher transmit power provides superior range for direct links.
APX-8000Budget-conscious field operator for monitoring
The extremely low price point makes it ideal for wide-band monitoring.
RT-920Technician needing reliable repeater access
Its design focuses on reliable analog VHF/UHF repeater coverage.
APX-8000Emergency preparedness or go-bag use
Its portability and low cost make it a versatile backup radio.
RT-920
Reasons to choose APX-8000
- 50% more TX power (12W vs 8W)
- 300% more battery (8800 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920
- 64% cheaper ($47.04 vs $129.99)
- 8x more memory channels (960 vs 128)
- Has Bluetooth
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
APX-8000
$129.99 on AmazonRadtel RT-920PICK
$47.04 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

