RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Baofeng UV-28 vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
Baofeng UV-28$58.99
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?
SOTA/POTA activators needing GPS tracking
The UV-28's built-in GPS makes tracking and logging field activities much easier.
UV-28Ultra budget-conscious beginner operator
The RT-860 offers high channel memory at a lower price point for basic use.
RT-860Emergency preparedness and ARES/RACES use
Its feature set and dual-band capability make it better suited for emergency deployment.
UV-28Local repeater and simplex VHF/UHF operations
The RT-860 specializes in analog VHF/UHF, which is ideal for local repeater access.
RT-860Advanced users needing more than basic features
The UV-28 offers a more robust feature set and higher overall capability.
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
- 34% cheaper ($39.00 vs $58.99)
- 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
$58.99 on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$39.00 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

