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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Radioddity GA-510 vs Radtel RT-860

Our pick

Radioddity GA-510$45.99

The Radioddity GA-510 is the clear winner here.

The most important differentiator is the TX power specification. The GA-510 delivers a confirmed 10W, while the RT-860's power output is unknown. In a direct comparison between two otherwise similar radios, knowing your transmit capability matters. Both lack digital modes and advanced features, and both have no listed IP rating, so they're functionally equivalent on paper except for this gap.

The GA-510 also benefits from CHIRP compatibility for easier programming and a stronger owner rating. Owners report 4.3 out of 5 stars across 602 reviews for the GA-510, compared to 3.9 out of 5 from 139 reviews for the RT-860. The RT-860 is slightly lighter at 255g versus 299g, and costs only two dollars more, so weight isn't a practical advantage given the price parity.

Buy the Radioddity GA-510 if you want documented performance, CHIRP support, and what owners broadly report as satisfactory operation. Buy the Radtel RT-860 only if the lighter weight is essential and you can confirm its power output elsewhere, since that spec is missing from our data.

The GA-510 is the safer choice at nearly the same price.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious first-time licensee

    Costs less than the alternative and offers better beginner-friendly usability overall.

    GA-510
  • Operator who programs radios with CHIRP

    Offers CHIRP programming support and a higher features rating than the alternative.

    GA-510
  • Simplex field user needing 10W output

    Offers 10W output for field simplex work, alongside its stronger features rating.

    GA-510
  • Local repeater user with long channel lists

    Holds 1024 memory channels, far more than the alternative's 128, suiting large repeater lists.

    RT-860
  • Hiker prioritizing light weight on carries

    Weighs 255g, lighter than the alternative's 299g, which matters on long carries.

    RT-860

Reasons to choose Radioddity GA-510

  • 10% more battery (2200 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860

  • 20% cheaper ($36.99 vs $45.99)
  • 8x more memory channels (1,024 vs 128)
  • 44g lighter (255g vs 299g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radioddity GA-510SpecRadtel RT-860
$45.99
Price
$36.99
63
Overall Score
45
+41% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
128
Memory Channels
1024
7.7× difference
299g
Weight
255g
+18% difference
2200 mAh
Battery
2000 mAh
+10% for winner
LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
With SW/MW Antennas
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
With SW/MW Antennas
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
VHF, UHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
Radioddity GA-510
Model Number
RT-860
1x Radioddity GA-510 Radio, 2x 2200mAh Battery, 1x Dual Band Antenna, 1x Programming Cable, 1x Desktop Charger, 1x Adapter, 1x Belt Clip, 1x Wrist Strap, 1x Earpiece, 1x User Manual
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
144-148MHz, 420-450MHz
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Radioddity GA-510
Mfr Part Number
RT-860
Enable to talk with UHF VHF radio
Compatible Devices
External antennas (50 ohm)
CH340 programming cable (compatiblewith win 11 or previous system), Long Range
Additional Features
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
18 months warranty and lifetime supports
Warranty Description
1 Year
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
1.18"D x 2.17"W x 10.55"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.18"D x 2.36"W x 4.72"H

Made your choice?

Radioddity GA-510PICK

$45.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-860

$36.99 on Amazon

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