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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Radtel RT-470X vs Radtel RT-860

Our pick

Radtel RT-860$36.99

The RT-470X is the clear winner here. With a significantly higher overall score of 65 versus 48, it outperforms the RT-860 across the board while costing $11 less. The single most important differentiator is CHIRP compatibility on the RT-470X, which enables programming flexibility and community support that the RT-860 lacks entirely.

Both radios share identical limitations in features, lacking DMR, APRS, and GPS capabilities, so you're choosing between two budget-friendly analog options. The missing technical specifications for power output and weight prevent deeper analysis, but the review scores tell the story clearly.

The RT-470X should be purchased by budget-conscious operators who value programming ease and community support. The RT-860 might appeal only to someone with very specific requirements not reflected in standard metrics, though its lower score suggests this is unlikely to be a satisfying choice for most users.

Get the RT-470X. You'll spend less money, gain CHIRP compatibility, and receive a radio with meaningfully better overall ratings. Unless you have confirmed information about unique RT-860 capabilities, there's no compelling reason to pay more for inferior performance.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee learning to program their radio

    Its beginner-friendly profile and CHIRP programming support make setup easier for someone new to the hobby.

    RT-470X
  • Budget-conscious buyer wanting the lowest entry cost

    It costs less and still covers VHF and UHF for local simplex and repeater use.

    RT-860
  • Repeater user managing many stored frequencies

    Its 1024-channel memory holds far more repeater and simplex frequencies than the 256 channels on the alternative.

    RT-860
  • Outdoor operator working in rain and dust

    It offers a defined IP54 splash and dust rating for field use in rough weather.

    RT-470X
  • Ultralight pack carrier counting every gram

    At 255 grams it is slightly lighter than the other radio for carrying all day.

    RT-860

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-470X

  • 40% more battery (2800 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display
  • IP54 water resistance

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860

  • 4x more memory channels (1,024 vs 256)
  • 12g lighter (255g vs 267g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-470XSpecRadtel RT-860
—
Price
$36.99
52
Overall Score
45
+15% for winner
256
Memory Channels
1024
4.0× difference
267g
Weight
255g
+4% difference
2800 mAh
Battery
2000 mAh
+41% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
—
IP54
IP Rating
—
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Standard
color
With SW/MW Antennas
1
unitCount
1
Standard
Color
With SW/MW Antennas
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
FM/AM
Tuner Type
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
RT-470X
Model Number
RT-860
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)
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
144-148/420-450Mhz
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
RT-470X
Mfr Part Number
RT-860
K-connector
Compatible Devices
External antennas (50 ohm)
Air band RX, Chirp Programming, Multi-band TX/RX, Type-C Charger, Wireless Copy frequency
Additional Features
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
1 Year Warranty
Warranty Description
1 Year
1.57"D x 2.28"W x 4.6"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.18"D x 2.36"W x 4.72"H

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-470XPICK

Check on Amazon

Radtel RT-860

$36.99 on Amazon

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