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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Radtel RT-920 vs TIDRADIO TD-H9

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H9$69.99

The Radtel RT-920 is the clear winner here, despite the TD-H9's extra features. While the TD-H9 offers APRS and GPS capabilities along with slightly higher power output, these additions don't justify the 60 percent price premium when the RT-920 scores significantly higher overall and costs just $56 versus $90.

The single most important differentiator is value for money. The RT-920 delivers superior performance at nearly half the price, making it the smarter financial choice for most operators. The TD-H9's additional features appeal only to specific use cases like position tracking, but they don't translate to better radio fundamentals or user experience given the lower overall score.

The RT-920 suits budget-conscious operators who want a reliable workhorse radio without paying extra for features they may never use. The TD-H9 makes sense only for users specifically needing GPS tracking and APRS messaging capabilities where those features justify the cost difference.

For most amateur radio enthusiasts, the RT-920 is the recommendation. It offers the best bang for your dollar with proven performance. Save your money and invest in a quality antenna instead of paying extra for GPS you probably won't use regularly.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time, budget-conscious beginner

    Its lower price point and beginner focus make it an excellent entry point.

    RT-920
  • Operator needing APRS tracking and GPS

    The inclusion of APRS and GPS features makes the TD-H9 ideal for tracking.

    TD-H9
  • Portable field operator for monitoring

    Its wide-band monitoring capabilities are superior for general field use.

    RT-920
  • Local simplex and repeater work

    The TD-H9's higher power and triband coverage suit local repeater operations.

    TD-H9
  • Budget-conscious user needing wide channels

    The high channel count offers more flexibility for varied operating environments.

    RT-920

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

  • 33% cheaper ($47.04 vs $69.99)
  • 5x more memory channels (960 vs 199)

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H9

  • 25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
  • 9% more battery (2400 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display
  • IP54 water resistance
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-920SpecTIDRADIO TD-H9
$47.04
Price
$69.99
63
Overall Score
85
+35% for winner
8.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
+25% for winner
960
Memory Channels
199
4.8× difference
2200 mAh
Battery
2400 mAh
+9% for winner
Display
Color LCD
IP Rating
IP54
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers FRS only (Part 95B)
Standard
color
1Pack & Antenna-Green
1
unitCount
1
Standard
Color
1Pack & Antenna-Green
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
RT-920
Model Number
TD-H9
1x RT-920 Main unit, 1x 2200mAh 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
1 X 2500mAh Battery; 1 X Destop Charger, 1 X Original Antenna; 1 X 18.8inch Foldable Tactical Antenna, 1 X TIDRADIO TD-H9 Ham radio(Green), 1 X USB-C Charging Cable
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Frequency Range
AM/FM/VHF/1.25M/UHF
Smartphones, USB-C devices
Compatible Devices
Ham Radios
Bluetooth programming,noise reduction, Type-c,AM/FM Reception,Spectrum
Additional Features
Bluetooth Device Connectivity, Built-in GPS & APRS, Odmaster APP; Global Talk; Firmware Upgradeable, SMS Text Messaging, Spectrum Analysis
1 Year
Warranty Description
1

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-920

$47.04 on Amazon

TIDRADIO TD-H9PICK

$69.99 on Amazon

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