RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng BF-F8HP vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
Baofeng BF-F8HP$84.89
The Baofeng BF-F8HP is the clear winner for most users seeking a capable entry-level handheld.
The single most important differentiator is owner feedback. The BF-F8HP has 4.5 stars across over 15,000 Amazon reviews, while the RT-860 has 3.9 stars from only 139 reviews. That gap reflects what owners actually report experiencing with these radios over time. The BF-F8HP also offers 8W transmit power and CHIRP programming support, both useful features the RT-860 lacks. The RT-860 is lighter and cheaper, but we don't have its transmit power specification, leaving a critical gap in comparing performance.
Buy the Baofeng BF-F8HP if you want a proven budget radio with strong owner satisfaction and useful programming flexibility. Buy the Radtel RT-860 only if portability is your absolute priority and you're comfortable with limited user feedback to guide your purchase.
The BF-F8HP's combination of lower price than expected, documented transmit power, wider software support, and substantially stronger owner reporting makes it the better choice for someone entering the hobby without special constraints.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious new technician on a tight budget
Costs less and provides 1024 channels, which suits local repeater and simplex use.
RT-860First-time licensee wanting easy programming support
Supports CHIRP programming and offers more features for someone learning to program a radio.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-CLocal repeater user needing many stored channels
Stores 1024 channels, far more than the 128 available on the other model.
RT-860Emergency preparedness buyer wanting stronger transmit power
Transmits at 8W, giving more reach in a field backup or emergency situation.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-CHiker or portable operator prioritizing a lighter radio
Weighs 255g, lighter than the alternative at 286g, which eases carrying on long outings.
RT-860
Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-F8HP
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- Has color TFT display
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 56% cheaper ($36.99 vs $84.89)
- 8x more memory channels (1,024 vs 128)
- 31g lighter (255g vs 286g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng BF-F8HPPICK
$84.89 on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$36.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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