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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-7B vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Radtel RT-920$47.04

The Radtel RT-920 is the better choice for most users. Both radios share identical feature sets (Bluetooth but no digital modes, GPS, or APRS), making price and owner feedback the deciding factors. The RT-920 costs roughly double at $47, but you gain CHIRP programming support and known 8W transmit power, while the UV-7B's transmit output remains unspecified. Owners report comparable satisfaction (4.3/5 vs 4.4/5), though the RT-920's larger review sample of 119 owners versus 98 provides slightly better data.

The single most important differentiator is CHIRP support on the RT-920, which matters significantly if you plan to program frequencies beyond factory channels. Unknown specs on the UV-7B (transmit power and weight) leave questions about its capabilities that prevent confident recommendation despite its attractive price.

Buy the UV-7B only if budget is your absolute constraint and you're willing to accept missing specifications and potentially limited programming flexibility. Buy the RT-920 if you want a straightforward radio with known performance specs and standard computer programming support.

We recommend the Radtel RT-920 for its transparency and practical advantages that justify the modest price difference.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious buyer wanting the lowest entry cost

    Costs considerably less than the alternative while covering the same VHF and UHF bands.

    UV-7B
  • Club loaner or exam prep radio

    Its low price makes it easy to lend out or leave with students without worry.

    UV-7B
  • Beginner exploring ham radio on VHF and UHF

    Higher beginner-friendliness and a stronger feature set make it the easier starting point.

    RT-920
  • Operator wanting wide-band monitoring and CHIRP programming

    It offers a broader feature set along with CHIRP support for easier channel programming.

    RT-920
  • Shack companion or go-bag user

    Its stated 8W output suits shack-companion and go-bag use where more power helps.

    RT-920

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-7B

  • 4% more memory channels (1,000 vs 960)
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

  • 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-7BSpecRadtel RT-920
—
Price
$47.04
47
Overall Score
69
+47% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
8.00W
1000
Memory Channels
960
+4% for winner
260g
Weight
—
1800 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+22% for winner
Color LCD
Display
—
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Blue
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
Blue
Color
Standard
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV-7B
Model Number
RT-920
1 x 1800mAh Battery, 1 x USB Charging Cable, 1 x Adapter, 1 x Headset, 1 x UV-7B Radio, 1 x Wrist Strap, Belt Clip
Built-In Media
1x RT-920 Main unit, 1x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,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
Repeater, Smartphone
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, USB-C devices
1.77 inches Digital Display, APP Programmable via Bluetooth, Tri-band transmit, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
Bluetooth programming,noise reduction, Type-c,AM/FM Reception,Spectrum
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-7B

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Radtel RT-920PICK

$47.04 on Amazon

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