Radtel RT-860 vs Yaesu VX-6R

The Yaesu VX-6R is the stronger choice here. Both radios lack digital modes and advanced features like GPS or Bluetooth, making the specs effectively tied on capability. The VX-6R's real advantages are CHIRP support for easier programming and a higher owner rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 238 reviews versus the RT-860's 3.9 from 139. Those owners are reporting better satisfaction. We don't have the VX-6R's price or the RT-860's transmit power, so we're missing data on both sides, but what we do have favors the Yaesu. The RT-860 costs just $39, which is tempting, but you're trading documented owner satisfaction and programming convenience for that savings.

Buy the RT-860 only if you need the absolute cheapest entry point and accept the trade-offs. Buy the VX-6R if you want what owners report as a more satisfying radio and the tools to configure it yourself. Get the VX-6R unless your budget absolutely won't stretch beyond $39.