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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Radtel RT-880G vs Yaesu FT-70DR

Our pick

Radtel RT-880G$85.80

The RT-880G is the clear winner for most buyers. The single most important differentiator is price: at $98 versus $300, the Radtel costs one-third as much while offering twice the transmit power, built-in GPS and APRS, and substantially better owner ratings (4.4/5 from 152 reviews versus 4.8/5 from only 6 reviews). The Yaesu's advantages are modest: it's 91 grams lighter, supports CHIRP programming, and carries an IP54 weather rating. However, these don't justify the $200 premium for most use cases.

The RT-880G should appeal to budget-conscious operators who want practical features like APRS and GPS without spending significantly. The Yaesu FT-70DR makes sense only for users who specifically need its lighter weight for extended portable work, require IP54 weather sealing, or strongly prefer CHIRP-based programming.

Buy the Radtel RT-880G. It delivers stronger specs, better owner feedback, and dramatically lower cost. The Yaesu is a specialist choice, not a general recommendation.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious SOTA/POTA activators

    Its lower price and built-in GPS make it perfect for field operations.

    RT-880G
  • New technician needing basic repeater access

    The FT-70DR offers reliable C4FM and is excellent for local club repeaters.

    FT-70DR
  • Emergency preparedness and field groups

    The RT-880G's multi-mode versatility and APRS support are ideal for emergencies.

    RT-880G
  • Advanced user needing robust digital modes

    The FT-70DR's advanced features and dedicated digital support appeal to serious hams.

    FT-70DR
  • Operator prioritizing low cost and portability

    It offers essential features like GPS at a much lower price point.

    RT-880G

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880G

  • 71% cheaper ($85.80 vs $299.98)
  • 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
  • 33% more battery (2400 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS

Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-70DR

  • 8% more memory channels (1,108 vs 1,024)
  • 91g lighter (250g vs 341g)
  • Has C4FM/System Fusion
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • IP54 water resistance
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-880GSpecYaesu FT-70DR
$85.80
Price
$299.98
70
Overall Score
49
+43% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
2.0× difference
1024
Memory Channels
1108
+9% for winner
341g
Weight
250g
+37% difference
2400 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
+33% for winner
—
Display
LCD
—
IP Rating
IP54
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Standard
color
black
Standard
Color
black, orange
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts (DC)
RT-880G
Model Number
FT 70DR
1x RT-880G 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 English User Manual
Built-In Media
Battery, Charger
Radtel two-way radios, devices on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies, compatible external antennas
Compatible Devices
Yaesu radios (144/430 MHz), compatible accessories
GPS/APRS, AM FM SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater
Additional Features
Mars/Cap Modification for Extended Transmit Frequency Ranges

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-880GPICK

$85.80 on Amazon

Yaesu FT-70DR

$299.98 on Amazon

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