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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-28 vs Radtel RT-860

Our pick

Radtel RT-860$36.99

The UV-28 is the clear winner for most users. The single most important differentiator is the UV-28's GPS capability and significantly better specified transmit power at 10W versus an unknown figure for the RT-860. The UV-28 also offers CHIRP programming support, making configuration easier for technical users.

The UV-28 scores 75 to the RT-860's 45, reflecting better specifications for the money. Owners of the UV-28 report 4.1 stars across 44 reviews versus 3.9 stars from 139 RT-860 owners, suggesting more consistent satisfaction despite the smaller sample size. The UV-28 costs four dollars more but delivers substantially more capability.

The RT-860's only advantage is weight at 255g versus the UV-28's 360g, if portability is your priority. The RT-860 should appeal only to users who value maximum lightness above all other considerations and accept unknown power output. Buy the UV-28 if you want documented specs, GPS, stronger transmission, and easier programming. Buy the RT-860 only if ultralight weight justifies accepting missing specifications and accepting what owners report as slightly less reliable satisfaction. For nearly everyone else, the UV-28 delivers better value.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious new technician on a tight start

    It costs less and covers the VHF and UHF repeater and simplex work most new technicians begin with.

    RT-860
  • Operator needing maximum channel memory for local use

    It offers 1024 channels, enough for a large list of local repeaters and simplex frequencies.

    RT-860
  • Lightweight carry for casual local operation

    At 255 grams it is noticeably lighter for pocket or belt carry during everyday local use.

    RT-860
  • SOTA or POTA activator needing GPS and power

    It adds GPS and Bluetooth plus 10W transmit power, which suit summit and park activations.

    UV-28
  • Emergency group planning ARES or RACES deployments

    Its higher transmit power and broader feature set better support coordinated field communication.

    UV-28
  • Experimenter wanting CHIRP programming support

    It supports CHIRP programming and offers a higher feature score for users who customize settings.

    UV-28

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28

  • 10% more battery (2200 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860

  • 2% more memory channels (1,024 vs 1,000)
  • 105g lighter (255g vs 360g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-28SpecRadtel RT-860
—
Price
$36.99
64
Overall Score
45
+43% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
1000
Memory Channels
1024
+2% for winner
360g
Weight
255g
+41% difference
2200 mAh
Battery
2000 mAh
+10% for winner
Color LCD
Display
—
On file, scope unconfirmed
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
With SW/MW Antennas
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
With SW/MW Antennas
16 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
UV-28 Plus
Model Number
RT-860
1 x Headset, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Wrist Strap, 1 x High-Gain ANT, 1 x Speaker Mic, 1 x UV-28 PLUS Ham Radio, 2 x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery, 1 x Desktop Charger with Adapter
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
UHF VHF
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
QYWBAUVEBPSB21
Mfr Part Number
RT-860
Repeater, Smartphone
Compatible Devices
External antennas (50 ohm)
CHIRP Compatible, Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Wireless APP Programmable
Additional Features
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

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Baofeng UV-28PICK

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Radtel RT-860

$36.99 on Amazon

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