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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

KSUN HF123D vs Radtel RT-470X

Our pick

KSUN HF123D$55.80

The Radtel RT-470X is the clear winner here. This is an easy choice when one radio scores 65/100 while the other manages only 20/100, and the price difference favors the superior performer by more than half.

The single most important differentiator is CHIRP compatibility. The RT-470X supports CHIRP programming, which means you can manage frequencies and settings via computer without proprietary software or expensive cables. This is invaluable for programming multiple channels and backs up your radio configuration. The KSUN HF123D lacks this critical feature entirely, making it significantly harder to program and maintain.

Both radios share the same fundamental limitations: unknown TX power specs, no digital modes, no location features, and mysterious weight specifications. However, these shared gaps matter far less than the RT-470X's superior overall assessment and user-friendly programming advantage.

The RT-470X should appeal to anyone wanting reliable entry-level VHF/UHF capability with modern software support. The KSUN HF123D is difficult to recommend to anyone, given its poor overall score and lack of CHIRP support.

Get the Radtel RT-470X without hesitation. It costs half as much, scores significantly higher, and offers substantially better usability through CHIRP compatibility.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-focused buyer testing ham radio interest

    It costs less than the alternative, so it lowers the cost of trying the hobby.

    HF123D
  • New Technician wanting VHF and UHF repeaters

    It covers both VHF and UHF, so it reaches more local repeaters from day one.

    RT-470X
  • Light-carry hiker on UHF-only local repeaters

    It scores higher on portability and suits pocket carry for UHF-only local use.

    HF123D
  • Outdoor casual simplex operator in weather

    Its IP54 rating offers dust and splash resistance for casual outdoor simplex use.

    RT-470X
  • Operator wanting customizable channel programming

    It supports CHIRP programming and offers a higher feature score for customizing channels.

    RT-470X

Reasons to choose KSUN HF123D

  • 4x more memory channels (960 vs 256)
  • 43% more battery (4000 mAh vs 2800 mAh)

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-470X

  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display
  • IP54 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

KSUN HF123DSpecRadtel RT-470X
$55.80
Price
—
31
Overall Score
52
+67% for winner
960
Memory Channels
256
3.7× difference
—
Weight
267g
4000 mAh
Battery
2800 mAh
+43% for winner
—
Display
1.77in TFT Color
—
IP Rating
IP54
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
763591159112
UPC
715748983927
Black
Color
Standard
3.7 Volts (DC)
Voltage
7.4 Volts
UHF
Tuner Type
FM/AM
KSUN-HF123D
Model Number
RT-470X
Antenna
Built-In Media
1x Radtel RT-470X Ham Radio,1x 2800mAh Type-C Battery, 1x 7.87-inch Dual Band 145/435 Antenna, 1x 39-inch USB-C Charger Cable, 1x Belt Clip with Metal Piece, 1x English User Manual,1x AC Power Adapter with USB Port (FCC ID: 2AZSA-RT470X)
CB, HF, SSB, AM
Frequency Range
144-148/420-450Mhz
Two-way radios (CB, HF, SSB, AM frequencies), Headsets, Earpieces
Compatible Devices
K-connector
Noise Reduction
Additional Features
Air band RX, Chirp Programming, Multi-band TX/RX, Type-C Charger, Wireless Copy frequency

Made your choice?

KSUN HF123D

$55.80 on Amazon

Radtel RT-470XPICK

Check on Amazon

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