RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radtel RT-730 vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
Radtel RT-730$39.00
The RT-730 and RT-860 are identically priced at $39, making this comparison straightforward. Both lack DMR, APRS, and GPS capabilities. The RT-730 delivers better specified value for the money, with a confirmed 10W transmit power and CHIRP compatibility, reflected in its higher RadioRanked score of 63 versus 45. We don't have the RT-860's transmit power specification, so a direct capability comparison isn't possible on that front. The RT-730 has slightly better owner sentiment, with a 4.1 out of 5 rating from 176 Amazon reviews compared to the RT-860's 3.9 out of 5 from 139 reviews. The most important differentiator is that the RT-730 offers documented specifications and programming flexibility via CHIRP at the same price point.
The RT-730 is the better choice for users who want confirmed specs and software programmability. The RT-860 might appeal only if its unknown transmit power and lack of CHIRP support don't conflict with your specific use case. Given equal pricing and the RT-730's clearer feature set, the RT-730 is the safer recommendation for most buyers.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time licensee learning the hobby
Higher beginner-friendliness rating and CHIRP support make programming easier for newcomers.
RT-730Operator needing many stored channels for scanning
Offers 1024 memory channels, far more than the 199 channels on the RT-730 for scanning.
RT-860Field day or emergency backup operator
Rated at 10W output and scores higher on portability for field deployment.
RT-730Repeater and simplex user on a budget
Costs the same as the RT-730 while providing analog repeater and simplex operation with more stored channels.
RT-860Operators who program with CHIRP software
CHIRP support makes it the stronger pick for customizing channels on a computer.
RT-730
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-730
- 25% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 5% cheaper ($36.99 vs $39.00)
- 5x more memory channels (1,024 vs 199)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radtel RT-730PICK
$39.00 on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$36.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

