RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radtel RT-880G vs Yaesu FT-65R
Our pick
Radtel RT-880G$97.50
The Radtel RT-880G is the clear winner for most users.
The most important differentiator is features per dollar. The RT-880G costs half the price while delivering double the transmit power, APRS, and GPS capability. The Yaesu FT-65R offers CHIRP support, IP54 weather resistance, and lighter weight at 215g versus 341g, but these don't justify doubling your budget. Owners report high satisfaction with both radios: 4.4/5 from 152 reviews for the Radtel and 4.6/5 from 464 reviews for the Yaesu. The Yaesu's higher review count reflects broader market presence, not superior performance.
The Radtel wins on bang for buck if you value APRS and GPS or simply want to spend less. The Yaesu makes sense only if you specifically need CHIRP programmability, weatherproofing for harsh conditions, or prefer a lighter handheld.
Buy the Radtel RT-880G unless you need the Yaesu's weatherproofing or CHIRP support. Buy the Yaesu FT-65R if operating in wet environments or managing frequencies through CHIRP is non-negotiable for your use case.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious SOTA or POTA portable operator
It costs less and offers 10W transmit power, which helps when working distant stations from the field.
RT-880GARES member needing position reporting
Built-in APRS and GPS let it send position data during served-agency events, a capability the FT-65R lacks.
RT-880GComplete beginner seeking simple, proven analog radio
Its simpler FM-only operation and stronger beginner score make it easier to learn on before adding features.
FT-65RLocal repeater user needing reliable analog comms
It is built for FM repeater work and carries an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance in rough conditions.
FT-65RHiker wanting the lightest handheld
At 215g it weighs noticeably less than the Radtel, which matters on long days carrying gear.
FT-65ROperator wanting large channel memory and multi-mode use
With 1024 channels and more mode versatility, it handles crowded channel lists and varied operating needs better.
RT-880G
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880G
- 48% cheaper ($97.50 vs $188.00)
- 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
- 5x more memory channels (1,024 vs 200)
- 23% more battery (2400 mAh vs 1950 mAh)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-65R
- 126g lighter (215g vs 341g)
- IP54 water resistance
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radtel RT-880GPICK
$97.50 on AmazonYaesu FT-65R
$188.00 on AmazonKeep researching
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