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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng 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-860
  • Beginners 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 APRS
  • Local repeater and simplex operators

    Its analog VHF and UHF operation suits repeater and simplex use, and it costs less than the alternative.

    RT-860
  • Portable 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 APRS
  • Users needing lightweight, pocketable handhelds

    It weighs noticeably less at 255g, making it easier to carry on long hikes or daily use.

    RT-860
  • Operators 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

Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSSpecRadtel RT-860
—
Price
$36.99
79
Overall Score
45
+75% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
4000
Memory Channels
1024
3.8× difference
350g
Weight
255g
+37% difference
2500 mAh
Battery
2000 mAh
+25% for winner
Color LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black & Green
color
With SW/MW Antennas
1
unitCount
1
Black & Green
Color
With SW/MW Antennas
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
DM-32UV
Model Number
RT-860
2500mAh Battery x 1, Standard ANT x 1, BAOFENG DMR Radio x 1, Desktop Charger Base x 1, USB-C Charger x 1, Headset x 1, Radio Case Holder x 1
Built-In Media
1x RT-860 Main unit, 1x 2000mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1X Desktop charger, 1x lanyard, 1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English User Manual
UHF VHF
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
QYWBDDMSEUV23
Mfr Part Number
RT-860
Repeater, Two Way Radio
Compatible Devices
External antennas (50 ohm)
Digital Display, Dual Band, GPS & Digital APRS, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable
Additional Features
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSPICK

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Radtel RT-860

$36.99 on Amazon

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