RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026KSUN HF123D vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
Radtel RT-860$39.00
The Radtel RT-860 is the clear winner here. Both radios share identical feature sets—neither offers DMR, APRS, or GPS capability, and we lack transmit power specifications for both. The single most important differentiator is price combined with owner feedback: the RT-860 costs $23 less and owners have reported meaningfully higher satisfaction, with 139 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5 compared to the KSUN's 3.4 from just 13 reviews. RadioRanked's overall scores reflect this advantage, with the RT-860 scoring 45 to the KSUN's 31—primarily because you're getting better-documented owner approval for less money.
The KSUN HF123D makes sense only if you need a lighter radio and can confirm its weight meets your requirements, though we don't have that specification listed. For everyone else, the Radtel RT-860 is the better value.
The RT-860 should be your go-to budget handheld unless weight is a critical constraint. Buy the KSUN only if you have specific confirmation it meets an ultralight requirement that the RT-860 cannot.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Absolute beginner testing ham radio interest
Its higher perceived value and beginner focus make it ideal for first-time users.
HF123DBudget-focused user needing high channel count
The significantly lower price and 1024 channels offer better overall value.
RT-860Operator needing basic local repeater access
The KSUN model is specifically geared toward learning basic repeater operation.
HF123DExperienced hams needing reliable local communication
The high channel memory is excellent for managing local repeater and simplex traffic.
RT-860Buyer prioritizing portability and initial learning
The KSUN model has a slight edge in perceived portability for new learners.
HF123D
Reasons to choose KSUN HF123D
- 100% more battery (4000 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 30% cheaper ($39.00 vs $55.80)
- 7% more memory channels (1,024 vs 960)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
KSUN HF123D
$55.80 on AmazonRadtel RT-860PICK
$39.00 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

