RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng 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 BandOperator monitoring many frequencies across wide ranges
Its 960 memory channels suit monitoring many frequencies across wide ranges.
RT-920Shack companion or go-bag user
Bluetooth and higher 8W output make it a stronger shack companion than the Baofeng.
RT-920Club loaner or backup radio
Low cost makes it easy to lend out while still covering local VHF and UHF simplex.
GT-5R 5W Dual BandPortable operator reaching distant repeaters
Double the transmit power of the Baofeng helps when reaching distant repeaters from the field.
RT-920Owner 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
Made your choice?
Baofeng GT-5R
Search on AmazonRadtel RT-920PICK
$47.04 on AmazonKeep researching
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