RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng 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-860Operator needing 1.25m band access
Only the UV-26 covers the 1.25m band, so it fits operators working that segment.
Baofeng UV-26Emergency preparedness buyer wanting more output
The UV-26 lists 10W transmit power and a higher feature score for emergency readiness.
Baofeng UV-26Operator 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
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-26PICK
Search on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$36.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

