RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng 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-860Operator needing maximum channel memory for local use
It offers 1024 channels, enough for a large list of local repeaters and simplex frequencies.
RT-860Lightweight carry for casual local operation
At 255 grams it is noticeably lighter for pocket or belt carry during everyday local use.
RT-860SOTA or POTA activator needing GPS and power
It adds GPS and Bluetooth plus 10W transmit power, which suit summit and park activations.
UV-28Emergency group planning ARES or RACES deployments
Its higher transmit power and broader feature set better support coordinated field communication.
UV-28Experimenter 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
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-28PICK
Search on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$36.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

