RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng 5RM vs Radtel RT-920
Our pick
Radtel RT-920$47.04
The Baofeng 5RM is the clear winner for most users.
The most important differentiator is price combined with specifications. The 5RM costs $21 less while delivering better listed specs for the money, reflected in its RadioRanked score of 76 versus the RT-920's 63. The 5RM offers 2 watts more transmit power and CHIRP programmability, which matters for users who want easier frequency management. Both radios lack DMR, APRS, and GPS, so they compete on equal footing there. Owner ratings are effectively tied at 4.4 versus 4.3 stars, though the 5RM's rating comes from substantially more reviews (720 versus 119), giving it stronger buyer evidence.
The Baofeng 5RM suits budget-conscious operators and those who value CHIRP compatibility for flexible programming. The RT-920 makes sense only if you have specific reasons to prefer its feature set or have had positive experiences with Radtel products, but the data doesn't support paying the premium.
Buy the Baofeng 5RM unless you have particular requirements the RT-920 addresses. It delivers better listed specifications at a significantly lower price with more owner feedback to back it up.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-constrained first-time licensee
Costs less and scores higher for beginners, with CHIRP support for easy programming.
Baofeng 5RMShack companion or go-bag user
Bluetooth support makes the Radtel RT-920 a practical choice for a shack companion or go-bag.
RT-920Emergency preparedness planner
Higher 10W output and the 1.25m band give the Baofeng 5RM broader emergency coverage options.
Baofeng 5RMWide-band monitoring listener
Listeners wanting wide-band monitoring will find the Radtel RT-920 better suited to scanning tasks.
RT-920Field operator needing more transmit power
The 10W Baofeng 5RM outputs more power than the 8W Radtel RT-920 for field contacts.
Baofeng 5RM
Reasons to choose Baofeng 5RM
- 25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
- 4% more memory channels (999 vs 960)
- 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
- Has color TFT display
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920
- Has Bluetooth
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng 5RM
Search on AmazonRadtel RT-920PICK
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