RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-21R vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Radtel RT-920$47.04

The UV-21R is the clear winner here. Both radios lack listed digital mode support and neither has an IP rating specified, so they're functionally similar on features. The real differentiator is price combined with what owners report: the UV-21R costs $27 versus $47 for the RT-920, a significant gap. Owners report 4.5 stars across 775 reviews for the Baofeng against 4.3 stars from just 119 reviews for the Radtel. The UV-21R also supports CHIRP programming, making it easier to manage frequencies.

The RT-920 does offer 8 watts versus 6 watts and Bluetooth connectivity, which could matter if you need those capabilities. However, you're paying 74 percent more for a radio with fewer documented owner reviews and slightly lower reported satisfaction.

Buy the UV-21R if you want solid value and broad owner validation. Buy the RT-920 only if Bluetooth and the extra 2 watts of power address a specific need worth the premium price.

The UV-21R is the better choice for most buyers.

Runner-up

Baofeng UV-21R

Average

Search on Amazon

See full review and specs

Winner

Radtel RT-920

$47.04

Good

$47.04 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

First-time licensee on a tight budget
It costs less and its beginner score is higher, making it the sensible starting point for new operators.
UV-21R 6W Tri-Band
Operator needing 220 MHz band access
Only the UV-21R covers 220 MHz, so it is the choice for that band.
UV-21R 6W Tri-Band
Shack companion or go-bag buyer wanting Bluetooth
Bluetooth support makes the RT-920 more convenient for shack use and accessory pairing.
RT-920
Field operator wanting extra transmit power
The RT-920 transmits at 8W against the UV-21R's 6W, giving more output from the same setup.
RT-920
Portable operator prioritizing a lighter carry
The RT-920 has a higher portability score, so it suits operators who carry the radio all day.
RT-920

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-21R

4% more memory channels (999 vs 960)
Has color TFT display
FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

33% more TX power (8W vs 6W)
22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-21RSpecRadtel RT-920

—

Price

$47.04

Overall Score

+19% for winner

6.00W

TX Power (High)

8.00W

+33% for winner

999

Memory Channels

960

+4% for winner

300g

Weight

—

1800 mAh

Battery

2200 mAh

+22% for winner

1.77in TFT Color

Display

—

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

No grant found

gray

color

Standard

unitCount

gray

Color

Standard

3.7 Volts

Voltage

7.4 Volts

UHF VHF

Tuner Type

UHF/VHF

UV-21R

Model Number

RT-920

1XRadio Body, 1x21CM Antenna&1x39CM Antenna, 1xBelt Clip&1XType-C Charging Cable&1XUS Plug, 1xLanyard&1XManual&1xScrewdriver, Battery

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

Smartphone

Compatible Devices

Smartphones, USB-C devices

Emergency Alarm, Long Range

Additional Features

Bluetooth programming,noise reduction, Type-c,AM/FM Reception,Spectrum

Warranty Description

1 Year

Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?