RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng UV-5R vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
Radtel RT-860$36.99
The UV-5R is the clear winner for most users. Both radios offer similar core specifications—neither includes DMR, APRS, or GPS, and both weigh around 250 grams. The decisive factors are price and owner feedback. At $16 versus $39, the UV-5R costs less than half as much while delivering known transmit power of 5 watts and CHIRP compatibility for programming. The UV-5R's owner rating of 4.5 stars from over 10,000 Amazon reviews represents substantial buyer feedback, whereas the RT-860's 3.9 stars come from only 139 reviews. We lack the RT-860's transmit power specification, so direct performance comparison is incomplete.
Buy the UV-5R if you want an affordable entry point with strong owner consensus and established CHIRP support. Buy the RT-860 only if you need features the UV-5R lacks or have specific knowledge the higher price delivers value for your use case—the available data doesn't support that conclusion.
The UV-5R remains the recommendation for newcomers seeking reliable, budget-conscious performance backed by extensive user experience.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time licensee learning the hobby
Its higher beginner score and CHIRP support make it the easier starting point for newcomers.
UV-5RBudget-conscious buyer on a tight spend
It costs less than the alternative while offering a much higher value rating.
UV-5ROperator needing large channel memory
The RT-860 offers 1024 channels, far more than the 128 on the UV-5R.
RT-860Scanner-style user monitoring many local frequencies
Its 1024-channel memory suits monitoring large frequency lists without constant reprogramming.
RT-860Portable field user prioritizing the lightest handheld
It is slightly lighter at 250 grams, though both radios are close in portability.
UV-5R
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R
- 5g lighter (250g vs 255g)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 8x more memory channels (1,024 vs 128)
- 11% more battery (2000 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-5RPICK
Check on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$36.99 on AmazonKeep researching
Related Buying Guides
More head-to-heads