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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-26 vs Radtel RT-860

Our pick

Radtel RT-860$36.99

The UV-26 edges ahead here, scoring 49 to the RT-860's 45, but the gap is narrow and the specs tell most of the story. Both radios lack the same advanced features and neither has an IP rating listed. The key difference is power output: the UV-26 delivers 10W while the RT-860's transmit power is unknown to us. Owners report slightly higher satisfaction with the UV-26 at 4.4 stars from 94 reviews versus 3.9 stars from 139 reviews for the RT-860, meaning buyers have given it more consistent praise across a substantial sample. The RT-860 costs $39, though we lack the UV-26's price, which makes direct value comparison incomplete. If budget is your only concern and $39 appeals to you, the RT-860 is an option. If you want documented 10W output and what owners report as marginally better performance, the UV-26 is the safer choice. The UV-26 should appeal to buyers who prioritize confirmed power and owner satisfaction. The RT-860 suits buyers on a strict budget who can live with an unknown power specification. Choose the UV-26 for a clearer picture of what you're getting.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-focused new technician on a tight spend

    It costs less and offers a higher value rating, suiting a first purchase on a limited budget.

    RT-860
  • Operator needing 1.25m band access

    Only the UV-26 covers the 1.25m band, so it fits operators working that segment.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Emergency preparedness buyer wanting more output

    The UV-26 lists 10W transmit power and a higher feature score for emergency readiness.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Operator needing the largest channel memory

    The RT-860 stores 1024 channels, more than the UV-26's 999, for large repeater lists.

    RT-860

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-26

  • 25% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860

  • 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-26SpecRadtel RT-860
—
Price
$36.99
49
Overall Score
45
+9% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
999
Memory Channels
1024
+2% for winner
—
Weight
255g
2500 mAh
Battery
2000 mAh
+25% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
color
With SW/MW Antennas
2
unitCount
1
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
Color
With SW/MW Antennas
VHF/1.25M/UHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
UV26
Model Number
RT-860
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
1x RT-860 Main unit, 1x 2000mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1X Desktop charger, 1x lanyard, 1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English User Manual
UV26
Mfr Part Number
RT-860
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
External antennas (50 ohm)
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
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-26PICK

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Radtel RT-860

$36.99 on Amazon

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