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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng GT-5R vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Radtel RT-920$47.04

The Baofeng GT-5R is the clear winner here. Despite costing significantly less than the Radtel RT-920, it delivers superior overall performance and scores notably higher across the board.

The single most important differentiator is value for money. The GT-5R costs just $18 compared to $56, representing a 211% price difference, while only sacrificing 2 watts of transmit power. The GT-5R's CHIRP compatibility is another crucial advantage, allowing users to program frequencies easily without proprietary software, whereas the RT-920 lacks this flexibility.

The GT-5R is ideal for budget-conscious operators, newcomers to amateur radio, or anyone building a basic portable radio collection. The RT-920 makes sense only for users who specifically need slightly higher transmit power and don't mind paying a premium without gaining meaningful functionality in return.

For most operators, the Baofeng GT-5R represents exceptional value. You get a capable 2-meter radio with programming versatility at an unbeatable price point. Unless you have specific reasons to prefer the RT-920's marginally higher power output, investing your money elsewhere makes considerably more sense.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee on a tight budget

    Lowest cost and simple controls suit a newcomer learning simplex and local repeater use.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • Operator monitoring many frequencies across wide ranges

    Its 960 memory channels suit monitoring many frequencies across wide ranges.

    RT-920
  • Shack companion or go-bag user

    Bluetooth and higher 8W output make it a stronger shack companion than the Baofeng.

    RT-920
  • Club loaner or backup radio

    Low cost makes it easy to lend out while still covering local VHF and UHF simplex.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • Portable operator reaching distant repeaters

    Double the transmit power of the Baofeng helps when reaching distant repeaters from the field.

    RT-920
  • Owner who programs radios from a computer

    CHIRP support lets the Baofeng be programmed from a computer with a free, widely used tool.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band

Reasons to choose Baofeng GT-5R

  • No clear advantages in this comparison

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

  • 100% more TX power (8W vs 4W)
  • 8x more memory channels (960 vs 128)
  • 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng GT-5RSpecRadtel RT-920
—
Price
$47.04
49
Overall Score
69
+41% for winner
4.00W
TX Power (High)
8.00W
2.0× difference
128
Memory Channels
960
7.7× difference
227g
Weight
—
1800 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+22% for winner
LCD
Display
—
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Standard
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
GT 5R
Model Number
RT-920
BAOFENG GT-5R Ham Radio x 1, Battery x 1, Belt Clip x 1, Hand Strap x 1, Desktop Charger & Adapter x 1, Headset x 1
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 - 148 MHz
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Baofeng UV-5R series accessories
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, USB-C devices
Dual Band, Lightweight, Long Range, Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
Bluetooth programming,noise reduction, Type-c,AM/FM Reception,Spectrum
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
3.78"D x 4.29"W x 7.17"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.57"D x 2"W x 10.62"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng GT-5R

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Radtel RT-920PICK

$47.04 on Amazon

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