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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Quansheng UV-K5(8) vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Radtel RT-920$47.04

The UV-K5(8) is the stronger choice here. The single most important differentiator is price combined with owner feedback: you pay $28 instead of $47, and owners report 4.5 stars across 686 reviews versus 4.3 stars from 119 reviews. The UV-K5(8) also offers CHIRP compatibility for easier programming, while the RT-920 adds Bluetooth and slightly higher transmit power at 8W versus 5W. Both omit digital modes and lack listed IP ratings.

The UV-K5(8) should appeal to budget-conscious operators who want established community feedback and programmability. The RT-920 suits those who specifically need Bluetooth connectivity and can justify the extra cost for additional power output. For most buyers, the UV-K5(8) delivers better value: substantially cheaper, better supported by a larger owner base, and equipped with standard configuration tools. The RT-920's advantages are narrow and situational.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-constrained first-time licensee

    Costs less and has a stronger beginner rating, making it the easier entry point for new licensees.

    Quansheng UV-K5(8)
  • Operator programming many repeaters and frequencies

    Holds 960 channels against 200, suiting operators who program many repeaters and monitoring frequencies.

    RT-920
  • Go-bag or shack companion needing more reach

    Offers 8W transmit power against 5W, giving more reach for portable use.

    RT-920
  • Hands-on tinkerer exploring firmware and programming

    Supports CHIRP programming and open source firmware, suiting experimenters who like to modify their radio.

    Quansheng UV-K5(8)
  • Buyer wanting wireless app or accessory connectivity

    Includes Bluetooth connectivity, which the other radio lacks, for wireless accessory and app use.

    RT-920

Reasons to choose Quansheng UV-K5(8)

  • 40% cheaper ($27.99 vs $47.04)
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

  • 60% more TX power (8W vs 5W)
  • 5x more memory channels (960 vs 200)
  • 57% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1400 mAh)
  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Quansheng UV-K5(8)SpecRadtel RT-920
$27.99
Price
$47.04
67
Overall Score
69
+3% for winner
5.00W
TX Power (High)
8.00W
+59% for winner
200
Memory Channels
960
4.8× difference
200g
Weight
—
1400 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+56% for winner
LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
7.1 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
UHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV-K5(8)
Model Number
RT-920
Earphones, Type-C charging devices
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, USB-C devices
Dual Band
Additional Features
Bluetooth programming,noise reduction, Type-c,AM/FM Reception,Spectrum
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
1.48"D x 4.53"W x 1.48"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.57"D x 2"W x 10.62"H

Made your choice?

Quansheng UV-K5(8)

$27.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-920PICK

$47.04 on Amazon

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