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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-26 vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Baofeng UV-26$28.21

The Baofeng UV-26 is the clear winner here. It outperforms the Radtel RT-920 across nearly every metric that matters to budget-conscious operators. The UV-26 costs half as much, delivers superior transmit power at 10 watts versus 8 watts, and achieves a notably higher overall score of 71 compared to 61. Most significantly, the UV-26 supports CHIRP programming, which dramatically improves usability and flexibility for frequency management.

The single most important differentiator is the combination of price and CHIRP compatibility. The UV-26 lets you program frequencies on your computer rather than fumbling with the radio's menu system, and you're saving $29 in the process.

The Baofeng UV-26 suits newcomers and budget builders who want solid performance without breaking the bank, while the Radtel RT-920 might appeal only to operators with specific aesthetic or ergonomic preferences that aren't reflected in the specs provided.

For most amateur radio operators evaluating these two radios, the Baofeng UV-26 represents the better value and the more capable platform.

Runner-up
Radtel RT-920

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensed amateur radio operator

    Its high beginner score and robust features make it ideal for learning the basics.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Budget-constrained emergency preparedness user

    The low price point and high power output offer excellent value for emergency use.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Beginner exploring ham radio for local use

    The Bluetooth feature adds convenience for local shackle-companion monitoring.

    RT-920
  • Portable operator needing wide-band monitoring

    Its design and features are better suited for monitoring various wide-band signals.

    RT-920
  • Operator needing high power for local repeaters

    The higher transmit power gives better range for local repeater access.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • User prioritizing sheer feature count and value

    It offers more channels and a higher overall feature set at a much lower cost.

    Baofeng UV-26

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-26

  • 40% cheaper ($28.21 vs $47.04)
  • 25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
  • 4% more memory channels (999 vs 960)
  • 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-26SpecRadtel RT-920
$28.21
Price
$47.04
71
Overall Score
63
+12% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
8.00W
+25% for winner
999
Memory Channels
960
+4% for winner
2500 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+14% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
color
Standard
2
unitCount
1
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
Color
Standard
VHF/1.25M/UHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV26
Model Number
RT-920
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-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
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
Smartphones, USB-C devices
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
Bluetooth programming,noise reduction, Type-c,AM/FM Reception,Spectrum
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-26PICK

$28.21 on Amazon

Radtel RT-920

$47.04 on Amazon

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