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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Sep 2026

Baofeng 5RM vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Baofeng 5RM$25.99

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?

  • First-time, budget-conscious beginner

    Its lower price point and high channel count make it ideal for learning the hobby.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • Portable operations and emergency preparedness

    The higher power output and robust features are better suited for emergency use cases.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • Field operator needing Bluetooth connectivity

    The integrated Bluetooth feature offers convenient connectivity for field use.

    RT-920
  • Beginner exploring ham radio on a budget

    Its wide-band monitoring capability is excellent for initial exploration of the spectrum.

    RT-920
  • Operator 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

Baofeng 5RMSpecRadtel RT-920
$25.99
Price
$47.04
76
Overall Score
63
+20% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
8.00W
+25% for winner
999
Memory Channels
960
+4% for winner
2500 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+14% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
—
IP65
IP Rating
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Standard
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
VHF/1.25M/UHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
5RM
Model Number
RT-920
1X 5RM radio, 1X charging base station, 1X Type C charging cable, 1X 6.1" antenna, 1X 15.12" 771 antenna, 1X 2500mAh battery, 1X handset with mic, 1X Belt, 1X hand strap, 1X user manual
Built-In Media
1x RT-920 Main unit, 1x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English User Manual
144-174MHz, 420-470MH
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
BF-F8HP Pro, BaoFeng AR-5RM, BaoFeng UV-5R, baofeng k5 plus, weather radio
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, USB-C devices
1.77inch colour screen, 10W power, Frequency copy, USB C charging
Additional Features
Bluetooth programming,noise reduction, Type-c,AM/FM Reception,Spectrum

Made your choice?

Baofeng 5RMPICK

$25.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-920

$47.04 on Amazon

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