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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Radtel RT-860 vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Radtel RT-920$47.04

The RT-920 is the stronger choice for most buyers. RadioRanked's overall score of 63 versus 45 reflects better listed specifications for the money, primarily the 8W transmit power that the RT-860 lacks in our data. Both radios omit advanced features like DMR, APRS, and GPS, and neither supports CHIRP programming. The RT-920 costs only eight dollars more while delivering a clearer spec sheet and notably better owner ratings: 4.3 out of 5 from 119 Amazon reviews compared to the RT-860's 3.9 from 139 reviews. That owner feedback suggests RT-920 buyers report better satisfaction. We lack weight data for the RT-920, so if ultra-light portability is essential, you'd need to verify that spec before deciding. The RT-860 makes sense only as a budget compromise if the eight-dollar price difference is genuinely prohibitive, though the owner ratings suggest you'd be sacrificing user satisfaction to save a negligible amount. Buy the RT-920 unless weight is a critical factor you need to confirm first. The RT-860 is a last-resort budget option.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner on a tight budget

    The RT-860 offers ample memory and basic VHF/UHF features at a lower price point.

    RT-860
  • Portable field operator needing wide monitoring

    The RT-920's Bluetooth and wide-band capabilities make it excellent for general field use.

    RT-920
  • Advanced operator needing high channel capacity

    With 1024 channels, the RT-860 provides superior memory for complex repeater setups.

    RT-860
  • Beginner exploring ham radio with connectivity

    The RT-920's Bluetooth feature adds modern connectivity useful for beginners.

    RT-920
  • Budget-conscious user needing basic local comms

    The RT-860 provides essential analog functionality without breaking the bank.

    RT-860
  • Operator prioritizing general utility and features

    The RT-920's higher feature score and wide-band monitoring make it more versatile.

    RT-920

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860

  • 17% cheaper ($39.00 vs $47.04)
  • 7% more memory channels (1,024 vs 960)

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

  • 10% more battery (2200 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-860SpecRadtel RT-920
$39.00
Price
$47.04
45
Overall Score
63
+41% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
8.00W
1024
Memory Channels
960
+6% for winner
255g
Weight
—
2000 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+10% for winner
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
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
RT-860
Model Number
RT-920
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-920 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
External antennas (50 ohm)
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, USB-C devices
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
Additional Features
Bluetooth programming,noise reduction, Type-c,AM/FM Reception,Spectrum
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
1.57"D x 2"W x 10.62"H

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-860

$39.00 on Amazon

Radtel RT-920PICK

$47.04 on Amazon

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