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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-26 vs Radtel RT-730

Our pick

Radtel RT-730$39.00

The RT-730 is the stronger choice here. Both radios match on transmit power and lack digital mode support, but the RT-730 offers CHIRP compatibility for easier programming, comes at a known price point of 39 dollars, and has gathered feedback from 176 Amazon owners reporting 4.1 out of 5 stars. The UV-26 lacks CHIRP support, has an unknown price, and we're missing weight specifications for both radios. We cannot assess either radio's build quality or durability from available data, and both lack weather ratings. Owners of the UV-26 report 4.4 out of 5 stars from 94 reviews, which reflects their experience, but the RT-730's larger owner feedback sample and CHIRP support create a more practical package for someone wanting straightforward frequency management without proprietary software. Buy the RT-730 if you want a basic 10-watt FM radio with standard programming tools and transparent pricing. Buy the UV-26 only if you find it at a compelling price and have no need for CHIRP compatibility. The RT-730 presents fewer unknowns and more documented user experience.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee on a tight budget

    Costs less and scores higher for beginners, making it the easier starting point.

    RT-730
  • Operators who need 1.25m band coverage

    Only this radio covers the 1.25m band alongside VHF and UHF for local work.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Field day backup radio buyers

    Its lower cost makes it an easy spare for field day where losses are a risk.

    RT-730
  • Hams programming many repeater channels

    With 999 memory channels, it holds far more repeater and simplex entries than the alternative.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Experienced hams wanting a richer feature set

    Its higher feature score and larger memory suit operators who want more capability from a handheld.

    Baofeng UV-26

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-26

  • 5x more memory channels (999 vs 199)
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-730

  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-26SpecRadtel RT-730
—
Price
$39.00
49
Overall Score
63
+28% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
999
Memory Channels
199
5.0× difference
2500 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
1.77in TFT Color
Display
LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
2
unitCount
1
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
Color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
VHF/1.25M/UHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV26
Model Number
RT-730
①1X UV26 Ham Radio, ②1X 6.1" antenna, ③1X 15.12" 771 antenna, ④1X 10.63" 771 Air-band antenna, ⑤1X 2500mAh Battery, ⑥1X Type-C charger with cable, ⑦1X earpiece with mic, ⑧1X belt, ⑨1X hand strap, ⑩1X charging base station, 10WHTC, 2500mAh Battery, 10WHTC Charger, USB Cable
Built-In Media
1 RT-730 Ham Radio, 1xProgramming Cable,1x 2500mAh Li-ion Battery Pack, 1x Standard Long Antenna, 1x Desktop charger, 1x belt clip, 1x user manual
UV26
Mfr Part Number
RT-730
BAOFENG UV26 Ham Radios, other devices on the same frequency bands and channels, CHIRP, CPS, TIDRADIO wireless programmer, earpiece, belt, hand strap, charging base station
Compatible Devices
Two-way radios on the same frequency band, compatible accessories like headsets, earpieces, or external antennas, and computers for programming.
771 Antenna, Air-band antenna, Superior grip, Enhanced design, Wider frequency band, 10W power, USB C charging, 1.77inch colour screen, Frequency copy
Additional Features
16-630Mhz Receiver, Long Range, High quality resolution LCD, Type C charging, Full band radio am/fm/air/cb/ham/noaa/short wave receiver
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-26

Search on Amazon

Radtel RT-730PICK

$39.00 on Amazon

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