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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Radtel RT-860 vs Radtel RT-880

Our pick

Radtel RT-880$65.12

The RT-880 is the better radio for most buyers. Both handhelds share identical feature sets—no DMR, APRS, GPS, or CHIRP support—so your choice comes down to price and what owners report.

The single most important differentiator is owner satisfaction. The RT-880 has earned a 4.3/5 rating from 207 Amazon reviews, compared to the RT-860's 3.9/5 from 139 reviews. That's meaningful feedback from a larger sample of actual users. The RT-880 also scores higher on our composite metric, indicating better listed specifications relative to its price point.

The RT-860 makes sense only if budget is your absolute constraint; at $39, it's the cheapest option. However, the RT-880's extra $35 buys you a radio that owners report more favorably, and you're still spending less than $75.

Buy the RT-880 if you want a handheld that owners recommend and better value for money. Buy the RT-860 only if you're strictly limited to under $40 and understand you're making a budget compromise.

We lack TX power and weight figures for the RT-880, so request those specs directly from Radtel before deciding. All else equal, the RT-880 is your better bet.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Beginner operator on a strict budget

    The RT-860 offers excellent value for basic VHF/UHF communication needs.

    RT-860
  • Experienced operator needing better features

    The RT-880 provides superior features and slightly better overall performance.

    RT-880
  • Portable field scanning and local ops

    Its slightly lighter profile and focus on basic local comms make it ideal.

    RT-860
  • Multi-region or advanced technician-class user

    The RT-880's enhanced features suit the needs of more experienced operators.

    RT-880
  • Budget-conscious buyer prioritizing basic function

    The lower price point of the RT-860 makes it the clear choice for beginners.

    RT-860

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860

  • 40% cheaper ($39.00 vs $65.12)

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880

  • 20% more battery (2400 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-860SpecRadtel RT-880
$39.00
Price
$65.12
45
Overall Score
54
+20% for winner
1024
Memory Channels
1024
255g
Weight
—
2000 mAh
Battery
2400 mAh
+20% for winner
—
Display
TFT Color
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
With SW/MW Antennas
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
With SW/MW Antennas
Color
Standard
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.38 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
RT-860
Model Number
RT-880
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
Built-In Media
1x RT-880 Main unit, 1x 2400mAh 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-860
Mfr Part Number
Programming Cable
External antennas (50 ohm)
Compatible Devices
Two-way radios, headsets, earpieces, external antennas, operating on UHF, VHF, AM, FM, USB, LSB, CW, CB, LW, MW, SW, and SSB frequencies and modes
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
Additional Features
AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater Function
1 Year
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
1.18"D x 2.36"W x 4.72"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.26"D x 2.36"W x 12"H

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-860

$39.00 on Amazon

Radtel RT-880PICK

$65.12 on Amazon

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