RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radtel RT-880G vs Yaesu FT-5DR
Our pick
Radtel RT-880G$97.50
The Radtel RT-880G is the clear winner for most users.
The single most important differentiator is price. The RT-880G costs $98 versus $480 for the Yaesu FT-5DR, a nearly five-fold difference. The Yaesu adds C4FM capability, Bluetooth, and an IPX7 weather rating, but the Radtel delivers the core features both share: APRS, GPS, and CHIRP compatibility. The Radtel also transmits at twice the power (10W vs 5W), which matters for range. Critically, the Radtel has verified owner feedback: 152 Amazon reviews averaging 4.4/5 stars. The Yaesu has no owner ratings yet, so we cannot assess real-world performance or reliability.
The Radtel is lighter by 59 grams, another practical advantage. The Yaesu's missing IP rating means we have no data on weather resistance, not evidence of weakness, but the Radtel's lack of a listed rating creates a similar unknown.
Buy the Radtel RT-880G if you need solid APRS and GPS features with proven owner satisfaction and want to spend under $100. Buy the Yaesu FT-5DR only if C4FM digital mode support is essential to your area and you accept paying a premium without owner feedback yet.
Get the Radtel.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious buyer on a tight spend
It costs far less and still delivers 10W on VHF and UHF with APRS and GPS.
RT-880GC4FM Fusion repeater operator
C4FM support and WIRES-X connectivity make this the natural choice for Fusion operators.
FT-5DRField operator needing waterproof durability
Its IPX7 waterproofing suits field work in rain, mud, and near-submersion conditions.
FT-5DRARES member sending position reports
Built-in APRS and GPS let the Radtel send position reports at a lower cost.
RT-880GDual-receiver operator monitoring two channels
Two independent receivers let the FT-5DR monitor two frequencies at once.
FT-5DR
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880G
- 80% cheaper ($97.50 vs $489.95)
- 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
- 9% more battery (2400 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-5DR
- 17% more memory channels (1,200 vs 1,024)
- 59g lighter (282g vs 341g)
- Has Bluetooth
- Has C4FM/System Fusion
- Has color TFT display
- IPX7 water resistance
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radtel RT-880GPICK
$97.50 on AmazonYaesu FT-5DR
$489.95 on AmazonKeep researching
Related Buying Guides
More head-to-heads