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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

KSUN 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.

    HF123D
  • Budget-focused user needing high channel count

    The significantly lower price and 1024 channels offer better overall value.

    RT-860
  • Operator needing basic local repeater access

    The KSUN model is specifically geared toward learning basic repeater operation.

    HF123D
  • Experienced hams needing reliable local communication

    The high channel memory is excellent for managing local repeater and simplex traffic.

    RT-860
  • Buyer 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

KSUN HF123DSpecRadtel RT-860
$55.80
Price
$39.00
31
Overall Score
45
+45% for winner
960
Memory Channels
1024
+6% for winner
—
Weight
255g
4000 mAh
Battery
2000 mAh
2.0× difference
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
With SW/MW Antennas
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
With SW/MW Antennas
3.7 Volts (DC)
Voltage
7.4 Volts
UHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
KSUN-HF123D
Model Number
RT-860
Antenna
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
CB, HF, SSB, AM
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Two-way radios (CB, HF, SSB, AM frequencies), Headsets, Earpieces
Compatible Devices
External antennas (50 ohm)
Noise Reduction
Additional Features
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

KSUN HF123D

$55.80 on Amazon

Radtel RT-860PICK

$39.00 on Amazon

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