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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-82HP vs Radtel RT-860

Our pick

Baofeng UV-82HP$50.00

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?

  • New operator needing basic repeater access

    The UV-82HP offers superior features and power for starting repeater operations.

    UV-82HP
  • Ultra budget buyer needing high channel count

    The RT-860's massive 1024 channel memory is unbeatable at this low price point.

    RT-860
  • Portable outdoor communications and field use

    Its higher transmit power and better overall feature set make it ideal for the field.

    UV-82HP
  • Technician focused purely on local simplex comms

    The RT-860 provides enough basic functionality without the added complexity.

    RT-860
  • Operator needing advanced features and future proofing

    The inclusion of CHIRP and higher features makes the UV-82HP a better long-term choice.

    UV-82HP

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

  • 22% cheaper ($39.00 vs $50.00)
  • 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
$50.00
Price
$39.00
67
Overall Score
45
+49% 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 GMRS only (Part 95E)
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

$50.00 on Amazon

Radtel RT-860

$39.00 on Amazon

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