RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radtel RT-880G vs Y23UV-98PLUS
Our pick
Radtel RT-880G$97.50
The Radtel RT-880G is the better choice here, though the margin is modest.
Both radios share identical core specs: 10W output, APRS, GPS, and no digital mode support. The RT-880G pulls ahead on three fronts. It supports CHIRP programming, which matters if you manage multiple radios or need scriptable frequency management. Owners report 4.4 stars across 152 reviews versus 4.0 stars from just 16 reviews on the Y23UV-98PLUS, giving you substantially more buyer feedback to trust. The RT-880G also outscores on RadioRanked's composite metric at 75 versus 71, reflecting these advantages.
The Y23UV-98PLUS costs $20 less at $78, a meaningful difference for budget-conscious buyers. We lack weight data for it, so direct comparison on portability isn't possible.
The RT-880G suits buyers who value CHIRP support, stronger owner consensus, and don't mind the extra $20. The Y23UV-98PLUS appeals to those prioritizing lowest entry price and willing to operate with less published owner feedback. For most users, the RT-880G's CHIRP capability and owner rating advantage justify the modest premium.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee
Costs less and scores higher for beginner ease, making it the easier starting point.
Y23UV-98PLUSSOTA activator wanting multi-mode features
Offers a higher feature score and multi-mode versatility suited to summit activations needing position reporting.
RT-880GARES member needing position reporting
Its stronger feature set and APRS position reporting suit emergency net coordination.
RT-880GCamping trips with basic APRS tracking
Basic APRS tracking and a beginner-friendly design fit camping trips without extra spending.
Y23UV-98PLUSHikers prioritizing portability over feature depth
Scores higher for portability, so it suits hikers who value carrying ease over feature depth.
Y23UV-98PLUS
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880G
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS
- 20% cheaper ($78.28 vs $97.50)
- Has color TFT display
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radtel RT-880GPICK
$97.50 on AmazonY23UV-98PLUS
$78.28 on AmazonMore head-to-heads