Radtel RT-860 vs Retevis HA2

The Retevis HA2 is the clear winner for most users. While it costs nearly three times as much as the Radtel RT-860, the 15-point overall score advantage and integrated APRS capability justify the premium. APRS functionality is the single most important differentiator here, enabling position tracking and messaging that the RT-860 cannot match.

The RT-860 makes sense only for budget-conscious operators who need basic FM simplex communication with zero frills and don't care about location reporting or data features. The HA2 is the better choice for anyone who wants a functional, versatile handheld that can participate in modern amateur radio activities beyond simple voice repeater access.

If you're serious about amateur radio, the HA2 is worth stretching your budget for. The RT-860's $37 price tag is tempting, but the HA2 delivers substantially more capability and scoring that suggests significantly better build quality and performance. Save the money or invest it; either way, the HA2 is the smarter purchase for someone planning to keep their radio longer than a few months.