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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-25 vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Baofeng UV-25$54.39

The Baofeng UV-25 is the clear winner here. It outperforms the Radtel RT-920 across nearly every meaningful metric at a comparable price point.

The single most important differentiator is the UV-25's built-in GPS capability combined with superior transmit power. The 10W output versus 8W gives you noticeably better range and penetration, while GPS opens up APRS functionality for future expansion or alternative firmware options. Add CHIRP programmability to the equation, and the UV-25 simply offers more flexibility and capability for less money.

The UV-25 suits anyone looking for a capable budget handheld that won't limit their amateur radio activities or growth. The RT-920 makes sense only for operators with extremely tight budgets who need nothing beyond basic VHF/UHF voice, though even then the $6 savings hardly justifies the compromises.

We recommend the Baofeng UV-25 without reservation. It delivers better value, more features, and higher performance in the same price class. The 15-point overall score advantage reflects a radio that will serve you longer as your skills develop. Skip the RT-920 entirely unless you find it significantly discounted.

Winner
Baofeng UV-25
Runner-up
Radtel RT-920

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Field operations needing GPS and high power

    Its higher power output and GPS features make it superior for serious field work.

    UV-25
  • Beginner exploring ham radio on a budget

    The RT-920 is ideal for beginners due to its low cost and simple, wide-band monitoring capabilities.

    RT-920
  • Operator needing reliable backup or go-bag radio

    The UV-25 offers better overall reliability and more features for emergency preparedness.

    UV-25
  • Budget-conscious user needing simple connectivity

    The slightly lower price and Bluetooth feature make the RT-920 a better budget option.

    RT-920
  • Intermediate user needing coordinate sharing

    The built-in GPS and APRS support make the UV-25 perfect for coordinate-heavy operations.

    UV-25

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-25

  • 25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
  • 4% more memory channels (999 vs 960)
  • 136% more battery (5200 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

  • 14% cheaper ($47.04 vs $54.39)
  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-25SpecRadtel RT-920
$54.39
Price
$47.04
76
Overall Score
63
+20% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
8.00W
+25% for winner
999
Memory Channels
960
+4% for winner
5200 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
2.4× difference
Color LCD
Display
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Standard
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV-25 Plus
Model Number
RT-920
5200mAh Li-ion Battery x 1, Type-C Charging Cable x 1, Adapter x 1, Gooseneck ANT x 1, High-Gain ANT x 1, Radio Pouch x 1, Belt Clip x 1, Wrist Strap x 1, Speaker Mic x 1, Headset x 1, UV-25 Plus Radio 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
UHF VHF 1.25M
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Repeater
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, USB-C devices
2" Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Rechargable with USB-C Port, 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
5.91"D x 1.97"W x 2.76"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.57"D x 2"W x 10.62"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-25PICK

$54.39 on Amazon

Radtel RT-920

$47.04 on Amazon

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