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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Radtel RT-730 vs Radtel RT-950 PRO

Our pick

Radtel RT-950 PRO$96.00

The RT-950 PRO is the clear winner for most users despite costing twice as much. The single most important differentiator is the feature set: the RT-950 PRO includes APRS and GPS capabilities that enable location tracking and messaging, making it vastly more versatile for modern amateur radio applications. The RT-730 offers nothing comparable in return for its lower price.

The RT-730 suits budget-conscious operators who exclusively want straightforward FM voice communication and don't mind managing frequencies through CHIRP software. The RT-950 PRO is ideal for anyone who values GPS tracking, APRS messaging, or operational flexibility, and the higher overall score confirms this advantage justifies the investment.

The power difference slightly favors the RT-730 at 10W versus 4W, but this becomes irrelevant if you can't reach repeaters or rely on modern digital capabilities. The absence of CHIRP support on the RT-950 PRO is a minor inconvenience compared to its functional advantages.

For nearly all operators, the RT-950 PRO represents better long-term value. Only choose the RT-730 if your budget is severely constrained and you have zero interest in GPS or APRS functionality.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious first-time licensee

    Costs less and scores higher for beginners, making it the easier starting point.

    RT-730
  • APRS and GPS tracking enthusiast

    Only this model offers APRS, GPS, and Bluetooth, with a higher feature score.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • Field day and emergency backup operator

    Its 10W output outpaces the 4W model for reaching distant repeaters and stations.

    RT-730
  • Multi-band operator wanting large memory banks

    Provides 960 memory channels, far more than the 199 on the other model.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • Hams wanting CHIRP programming support

    Its CHIRP support makes programming simple for operators who prefer that software.

    RT-730

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-730

  • 59% cheaper ($39.00 vs $96.00)
  • 150% more TX power (10W vs 4W)
  • 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-950 PRO

  • 5x more memory channels (960 vs 199)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-730SpecRadtel RT-950 PRO
$39.00
Price
$96.00
63
Overall Score
76
+20% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
4.00W
2.5× difference
199
Memory Channels
960
4.8× difference
2500 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+14% for winner
LCD
Display
Color LCD
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
1 PCS + Prog Cable
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
1 PCS + Prog Cable
Color
Black
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
RT-730
Model Number
RT-950 PRO
1 RT-730 Ham Radio, 1xProgramming Cable,1x 2500mAh Li-ion Battery Pack, 1x Standard Long Antenna, 1x Desktop charger, 1x belt clip, 1x user manual
Built-In Media
1x RT-950 PRO Main unit, 1x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,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
RT-730
Mfr Part Number
Black
Two-way radios on the same frequency band, compatible accessories like headsets, earpieces, or external antennas, and computers for programming.
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, Desktops
16-630Mhz Receiver, Long Range, High quality resolution LCD, Type C charging, Full band radio am/fm/air/cb/ham/noaa/short wave receiver
Additional Features
27MHz TX/RX at FM Modulation with power 3-4W,Shortwave ML/LW/SW/USB/LSB/CW Reception, Bluetooth App Programming,High Output Power,GPS/APRS Position Sending, Channel Zone Function,Full-Color Display,PC Programming, Integrated Spectrum Analyzer,Wireless Frequency Copy,NOAA Weather Channel Support
1 Year
Warranty Description
1 Year
Waterproof
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-730

$39.00 on Amazon

Radtel RT-950 PROPICK

$96.00 on Amazon

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