RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radtel RT-860 vs Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus
Our pick
Radtel RT-860$36.99
The Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus is the clear winner for most users, but the choice depends on your budget and needs.
The single most important differentiator is price versus confirmed power output. The RT-860 costs just $39 but we don't have its transmit power specification, leaving a critical capability unknown. The Wouxun costs $180 and delivers a confirmed 5W of TX power, which is standard for handheld dual-band radios and sufficient for most amateur use cases. Both radios are similarly equipped otherwise, lacking DMR, APRS, and GPS.
The RT-860 appeals to budget-conscious operators who need basic receive capability or are willing to accept unknown transmit performance for minimal investment. The Wouxun suits anyone who needs reliable, specified TX power and can justify the premium; its 4.2/5 owner rating from 42 reviewers suggests buyers report satisfaction with their purchase.
Despite the RT-860's higher RadioRanked score, that reflects better listed specs relative to price, not overall capability. With unknown transmit power, the RT-860 remains a gamble. Choose the Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus unless you're strictly experimenting on a shoestring budget and can verify its actual performance independently.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time licensee on a tight budget
Costs less than the alternative and covers local analog repeaters and simplex, which suits a new technician well.
RT-860Airband and broadcast frequency listener
Its wideband receive coverage handles airband and broadcast monitoring, which the other radio cannot do.
KG-UV9D PlusOperator managing large channel lists
Holds 1024 channels, more than the other radio, for operators juggling many local frequencies.
RT-860Emergency preparedness on a limited budget
Lower cost and simple analog VHF and UHF coverage make it a practical grab-and-go backup.
RT-860Field operator prioritizing light weight
Weighs slightly less at 250 grams, which helps on portable outings where every gram counts.
KG-UV9D Plus
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 79% cheaper ($36.99 vs $179.99)
- 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
Reasons to choose Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus
- 5g lighter (250g vs 255g)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radtel RT-860PICK
$36.99 on AmazonWouxun KG-UV9D Plus
$179.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads