RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Baofeng UV-5RM Plus vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
Baofeng UV-5RM Plus$59.99
The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is the clear winner for most users.
The single most important differentiator is price-to-spec value. The UV-5RM Plus costs $21 more but delivers confirmed 10W transmit power, CHIRP software compatibility for easier programming, and substantially better owner feedback. Baofeng owners report 4.6 out of 5 stars across 352 reviews, while Radtel owners report 3.9 out of 5 across 139 reviews. We lack the Radtel's transmit power specification, so direct power comparison is impossible, but the UV-5RM Plus offers more transparent specs overall.
The UV-5RM Plus scores 71 out of 100 compared to the Radtel's 45, meaning you get better listed specifications for the money. Both radios share the same feature set otherwise: no DMR, APRS, or GPS on either model. The Radtel is slightly lighter at 255g versus 290g, a marginal practical difference.
The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus suits buyers who want proven owner satisfaction and straightforward PC programming. The Radtel suits only budget-conscious buyers willing to accept less owner support and missing specification data.
Buy the Baofeng UV-5RM Plus unless your budget is absolutely fixed below $40.
By use case
Which should you buy?
New license holder needing basic features
Its higher features and better beginner rating offer more growth potential.
UV-5RM PlusExtreme budget buyer needing simple local comms
The significantly lower price point makes it the best entry-level choice.
RT-860Operator prioritizing maximum channel memory
With 1024 channels, it offers more memory than the UV-5RM Plus.
RT-860Field team needing basic repeater monitoring
Its higher transmit power and CHIRP feature are better for field use.
UV-5RM PlusAdvanced user needing simple, reliable analog radio
It provides a straightforward analog experience without complex digital features.
RT-860
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- Has color TFT display
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 35% cheaper ($39.00 vs $59.99)
- 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
- 11% more battery (2000 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- 35g lighter (255g vs 290g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-5RM PlusPICK
$59.99 on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$39.00 on AmazonMore head-to-heads