RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
Radtel RT-860$36.99
The Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS is the clear winner here. Despite costing 62 percent more, it delivers substantially better features and performance, reflected in its 35-point overall score advantage.
The single most important differentiator is functionality. The Baofeng includes DMR digital mode, APRS positioning, and GPS navigation—capabilities the Radtel completely lacks. These aren't minor conveniences. DMR access opens doors to modern digital networks, while APRS and GPS provide critical location tracking and emergency capabilities that serious operators increasingly expect.
The DM-32UV suits operators who want a future-proof radio with genuine digital capability and safety features like location sharing. The Radtel appeals only to budget-conscious users seeking basic FM-only communication with no advanced features whatsoever.
At $37, the Radtel is cheap, but the Baofeng at $60 remains affordable while offering dramatically better value. Unless you're strictly limited to $37 and only need analog FM, the choice is straightforward. Spend the extra $23 for the Baofeng and gain access to modern amateur radio capabilities. The Radtel's low score reflects its fundamental limitations as a radio platform.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious new technicians on a tight start
It costs less and covers local VHF and UHF repeaters, which is all a new technician needs at first.
RT-860Beginners entering DMR digital operation
It supports DMR, which the other radio cannot access, making it the only option for digital contacts.
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSLocal repeater and simplex operators
Its analog VHF and UHF operation suits repeater and simplex use, and it costs less than the alternative.
RT-860Portable field operators using APRS and GPS
Built-in GPS and APRS support give it a higher feature count for field tracking and position reporting.
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSUsers needing lightweight, pocketable handhelds
It weighs noticeably less at 255g, making it easier to carry on long hikes or daily use.
RT-860Operators needing large channel memory for scanning
Its 4000-channel memory far exceeds the other radio's 1024 channels for organizing large channel lists.
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 1,024)
- 25% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- Has color TFT display
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 95g lighter (255g vs 350g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSPICK
Search on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$36.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

