Radtel RT-920 vs Retevis RT85

The Retevis RT85 is the clear winner for most buyers. While both radios lack advanced features like DMR, APRS, and GPS, the RT85 edges ahead with CHIRP compatibility, which allows you to program frequencies on your computer instead of manually entering them on the radio. This single feature dramatically improves usability and reduces programming errors, making it the most important differentiator between these two models.

The RT85 also scores higher overall at 63 versus 61 points, despite costing five dollars less. The trade-off is transmit power: the RT920 outputs 8W compared to the RT85's 5W, which matters if you need maximum range in fringe coverage areas. However, for typical local communications, 5W is adequate.

The Radtel RT920 makes sense only if you operate primarily in a weak signal area where that extra 3W of power noticeably improves your ability to hit repeaters. Otherwise, the programming convenience and lower price of the RT85 make it the practical choice. Buy the RT85 for straightforward operation and value, or choose the RT920 if raw transmit power is your priority and you don't mind tedious manual programming.