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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng GT-5R vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Baofeng GT-5R$20.64

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.

Runner-up
Radtel RT-920

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner exploring ham radio

    Its high beginner score and low cost make it ideal for initial testing.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • Field operator needing wide-band monitoring

    The massive channel memory and Bluetooth connectivity support wide monitoring.

    RT-920
  • Budget-constrained club loaner radio

    At $18.99, it offers excellent basic functionality for minimal investment.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • Operator needing basic go-bag or backup radio

    Its robust features and higher power make it suitable for emergency preparedness.

    RT-920
  • Testing VHF/UHF commitment for new hams

    The radio is specifically designed for new users to test their commitment.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band

Reasons to choose Baofeng GT-5R

  • 56% cheaper ($20.64 vs $47.04)
  • 73% more battery (3800 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

  • 33% more TX power (8W vs 6W)
  • 8x more memory channels (960 vs 128)
  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng GT-5RSpecRadtel RT-920
$20.64
Price
$47.04
69
Overall Score
63
+10% for winner
6.00W
TX Power (High)
8.00W
+33% for winner
128
Memory Channels
960
7.7× difference
3800 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+72% 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-5RPICK

$20.64 on Amazon

Radtel RT-920

$47.04 on Amazon

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