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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-82HP vs Radtel RT-860

Our pick

Radtel RT-860$36.99

The Baofeng UV-82HP is the clear winner for most users.

The single most important differentiator is owner feedback. The UV-82HP has 4.4 stars from 4,820 Amazon reviews, while the RT-860 has 3.9 stars from only 139 reviews. This substantial difference in both rating and sample size gives us meaningful buyer evidence that the UV-82HP performs better in the hands of real users.

Specification-wise, the UV-82HP offers 7W transmit power and CHIRP programming support, while we lack the RT-860's transmit power figure. The RT-860 is slightly cheaper at $39 versus $50 and lighter at 255g versus 214g, though the weight difference is modest. The UV-82HP scores 67 overall compared to the RT-860's 45, reflecting better listed specs for the money.

The UV-82HP should appeal to anyone wanting a proven, capable budget handheld with solid owner support. The RT-860 might interest budget-conscious buyers willing to accept less documented performance, though the modest $11 savings hardly justify the lower ratings and missing specifications.

Get the Baofeng UV-82HP unless you have specific reasons favoring the Radtel's form factor or price point.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious new technician on a tight spend

    Costs less than the alternative while still covering local VHF and UHF repeaters and simplex.

    RT-860
  • First-time licensee wanting easy programming

    Higher beginner and feature scores, plus CHIRP support, make setup simpler for newcomers.

    UV-82HP
  • Operators needing large channel memory

    Provides 1024 channels, far more than the alternative's 128, for extensive scanning lists.

    RT-860
  • Hikers wanting a lighter outdoor backup radio

    Weighs less than the alternative and offers 7W output for a reliable outdoor backup.

    UV-82HP
  • Preppers building a low-cost emergency kit

    Lower cost lets preppers stock a spare, and its large memory holds many frequencies.

    RT-860

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82HP

  • 41g lighter (214g 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

Baofeng UV-82HPSpecRadtel RT-860
—
Price
$36.99
53
Overall Score
45
+18% for winner
7.00W
TX Power (High)
—
128
Memory Channels
1024
7.7× difference
214g
Weight
255g
+19% difference
1800 mAh
Battery
2000 mAh
+11% for winner
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
With SW/MW Antennas
Black
Color
With SW/MW Antennas
8.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
UHF, VHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
UV-82HP
Model Number
RT-860
baofeng
Built-In Media
1x RT-860 Main unit, 1x 2000mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1X Desktop charger, 1x lanyard, 1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English User Manual
UV-82HP
Mfr Part Number
RT-860
[INF] Other two-way radios, walkie-talkies, or ham radios compatible with UHF and VHF frequencies, tuner technology, and power levels
Compatible Devices
External antennas (50 ohm)
VOX Talk Around Mode, Battery Saver Mode
Additional Features
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
1 year
Warranty Description
1 Year
Waterproof
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
2.5"D x 7"W x 8.1"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.18"D x 2.36"W x 4.72"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-82HPPICK

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Radtel RT-860

$36.99 on Amazon

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