Baofeng UV-25 vs Radtel RT-860

The Baofeng UV-25 is the clear winner here. While it costs $13 more, you're getting substantially better overall capability and a radio that scores 28 points higher in our evaluation.

The most important differentiator is the UV-25's GPS functionality combined with its known 10W transmit power and CHIRP compatibility. These features make it a genuinely functional radio for serious use. The RT-860's missing specifications and lower score suggest a more limited platform with unclear capabilities that could frustrate you in the field.

The UV-25 is ideal for operators who want a reliable, programmable handheld with GPS mapping capabilities and don't mind spending a modest amount for quality. The RT-860 might appeal only to someone on an extremely tight budget who just needs a basic radio for occasional short-range use, though the missing specifications are concerning.

We recommend the Baofeng UV-25. At fifty dollars, it represents genuinely good value and offers the features you'd expect from a modern handheld. The RT-860 appears to be a budget option that cuts too many corners, and the incomplete documentation makes it difficult to recommend with confidence.