RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng 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-860First-time licensee wanting easy programming
Higher beginner and feature scores, plus CHIRP support, make setup simpler for newcomers.
UV-82HPOperators needing large channel memory
Provides 1024 channels, far more than the alternative's 128, for extensive scanning lists.
RT-860Hikers wanting a lighter outdoor backup radio
Weighs less than the alternative and offers 7W output for a reliable outdoor backup.
UV-82HPPreppers 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
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-82HPPICK
Search on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$36.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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