Baofeng UV-21R vs Radtel RT-880
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The Baofeng UV-21R is the clear winner here. This is a straightforward choice between a solid budget radio and an inferior alternative.
The single most important differentiator is the overall score gap. The UV-21R scores 71 out of 100 versus the RT-880's 52, a significant 19-point difference that reflects real performance and reliability advantages. Add to that the UV-21R's known 6-watt output, full CHIRP compatibility for easy programming, and substantially lower price of $25, and there's little reason to consider the Radtel.
The UV-21R is ideal for newcomers to amateur radio who want to learn on a dependable, affordable handheld without breaking the bank. The RT-880 might appeal only to someone with specific legacy requirements or network connectivity needs the Baofeng can't meet, though nothing in these specs suggests such a scenario.
Buy the Baofeng UV-21R. It's one of the best value propositions in the entry-level handheld market. The RT-880's higher price and lower overall score make it difficult to recommend unless you have particular reasons to avoid the UV-21R specifically.
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-21R
- 63% cheaper ($27.33 vs $74.00)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- IP54 water resistance
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880
- 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
- 33% more battery (2400 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
$74.00 on Amazon
★ 4.3 (202 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng UV-21R | Radtel RT-880 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $27.33 | $74.00 |
| Overall Score | 74 | 52 |
| TX Power (High) | 6.00W | — |
| Memory Channels | 999 | 1024 |
| Weight | 300g | — |
| Battery | 1800 mAh | 2400 mAh |
| Display | 1.77in TFT Color | TFT Color |
| IP Rating | IP54 | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Not Found |
| Color | gray | Standard |
| Voltage | 3.7 Volts | 7.38 Volts |
| Special Feature | Emergency Alarm, Long Range | AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater Function |
| Tuner Type | UHF VHF | AM/FM/SSB |
| Model Number | UV-21R | RT-880 |
| Built-In Media | 1XRadio Body, 1x21CM Antenna&1x39CM Antenna, 1xBelt Clip&1XType-C Charging Cable&1XUS Plug, 1xLanyard&1XManual&1xScrewdriver, Battery | 1x RT-880 Main unit, 1x 2400mAh 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 |
| Mfr Part Number | UV-21R | Programming Cable |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone | Two-way radios, headsets, earpieces, external antennas, operating on UHF, VHF, AM, FM, USB, LSB, CW, CB, LW, MW, SW, and SSB frequencies and modes |
| Additional Features | Emergency Alarm, Long Range | AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater Function |
| Warranty Description | NO | 1 Year |
| Connectivity Protocol | P25, DMR, NXDN | proprietary_radio_protocol |