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RadioRanked

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Radtel RT-860 vs Y23UV-98PLUS

Our pick

Y23UV-98PLUS$96.85

$96.85 on Amazon

The Y23UV-98PLUS is the clear winner for most users. This radio delivers significantly better overall functionality at a reasonable price premium, scoring 72 versus 48 points.

The most important differentiator is feature set. The Y23UV-98PLUS includes APRS and GPS capabilities, making it genuinely useful for emergency communication and location tracking, while the RT-860 offers neither. Both lack DMR and CHIRP support, but the Y23UV-98PLUS's 10W transmission power gives it real-world range advantage, though we wish the RT-860's power was specified.

The RT-860 suits only budget-conscious operators who need absolute basics and accept its severe feature limitations. The Y23UV-98PLUS is appropriate for anyone wanting a capable handheld with modern positioning features and reasonable durability at an accessible price point.

We recommend the Y23UV-98PLUS unless budget is genuinely your only concern. The extra $48 investment delivers substantially more capability and a 24-point quality gap. The RT-860 feels like a false economy given how inexpensive the Y23UV-98PLUS already is.

Runner-up
Radtel RT-860
Radtel RT-860

$39.00

$39.00 on Amazon
Winner
Y23UV-98PLUS
Y23UV-98PLUS

$96.85

$96.85 on Amazon

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner on a tight budget

    The RT-860 offers basic VHF/UHF functionality at a significantly lower entry cost.

    RT-860

  • Beginner needing GPS and APRS tracking

    The Y23UV-98PLUS provides essential modern features like GPS and APRS tracking out of the box.

    Y23UV-98PLUS

  • Portable field use and camping operations

    Its added features and GPS capability make it superior for varied outdoor field use.

    Y23UV-98PLUS

  • Operator needing maximum channel memory

    Both radios offer 1024 channels, but the RT-860 is designed for basic, high-memory local ops.

    RT-860

  • Budget-conscious operator needing basic VHF/UHF

    The RT-860 provides core analog functionality without the cost of extra features.

    RT-860

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860

  • 60% cheaper ($39.00 vs $96.85)

Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS

  • 20% more battery (2400 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-860SpecY23UV-98PLUS
$39.00
Price
$96.85
45
Overall Score
70
+56% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
10.00W
1024
Memory Channels
1024
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
RT-860
Model Number
Y23UV-98PLUS
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 Y23UV-98PLUS 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 MW Antenna, 1x SW Antenna,1x English User Manual
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
External antennas (50 ohm)
Compatible Devices
FRS Radios on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
Additional Features
1024 Chlannels, AM FM SSB R Eeception, Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity, Cross Band Repeater, GPS/APRS
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

Y23UV-98PLUSPICK

$96.85 on Amazon

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