RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026Baofeng 5RM vs Radtel RT-920
Our pick
Baofeng 5RM$25.99
The Baofeng 5RM is the clear winner here. This is a straightforward comparison favoring the budget option with better performance across the board.
The single most important differentiator is the overall quality and user experience gap reflected in their scores. The 5RM scores 73/100 versus the RT-920's 61/100, a meaningful 12-point advantage that speaks to superior build quality, reliability, and usability despite costing less than half the price.
The Baofeng 5RM should appeal to budget-conscious operators and those building their first radio collection who want genuine value. The Radtel RT-920 makes sense only for niche users who specifically need its particular feature set or have already experienced compatibility issues with Baofeng products.
For most amateur radio operators, the 5RM delivers better bang for your dollar. It costs $31 less, delivers more transmit power at 10W versus 8W, and includes CHIRP support for hassle-free programming. Unless you have specific technical requirements that only the RT-920 addresses, spending the extra money here represents poor value. Start with the 5RM and invest your savings into a quality antenna or other accessories that will genuinely improve your operations.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time, budget-conscious beginner
Its lower price point and high channel count make it ideal for learning the hobby.
Baofeng 5RMPortable operations and emergency preparedness
The higher power output and robust features are better suited for emergency use cases.
Baofeng 5RMField operator needing Bluetooth connectivity
The integrated Bluetooth feature offers convenient connectivity for field use.
RT-920Beginner exploring ham radio on a budget
Its wide-band monitoring capability is excellent for initial exploration of the spectrum.
RT-920Operator needing maximum channel capacity
With 999 channels, the Baofeng offers superior memory capacity for complex setups.
Baofeng 5RM
Reasons to choose Baofeng 5RM
- 45% cheaper ($25.99 vs $47.04)
- 25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
- 4% more memory channels (999 vs 960)
- 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- Has color TFT display
- IP65 water resistance
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920
- Has Bluetooth
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng 5RMPICK
$25.99 on AmazonRadtel RT-920
$47.04 on AmazonKeep researching
Related Buying Guides
More head-to-heads

