RadioRanked verdict
Radtel
Radtel RT-880G
The RT-880G offers strong value for outdoor operators needing integrated APRS and GPS. It provides robust features without the premium cost of high-end Japanese units.
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Budget-conscious SOTA activators
- ✓ARES members needing position reporting
- ✓Outdoor hiking and field groups
- ✓Operators needing multi-mode versatility
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Advanced users seeking top polish
- ✕Operators requiring high IP rating
- ✕Those needing deep, specialized features
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- Integrated GPS and APRS functionality
- Solid build quality and comfortable handling
- Good battery life for extended field use
- Multi-band capability (HF, VHF, UHF)
- Multiple VFOs for simultaneous operation
What we don't
- No listed water resistance rating
- APRS decoding can be buggy initially
- Programming curve is challenging for new users
- Polish and depth lag behind premium units
Proprietary RR score
How we scored it
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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10.00W
TX Power
2400mAh
Battery
1024
Channels
341g
Weight
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Audio and build quality
Users praise the audio clarity and solid feel.
APRS reliability
Initial APRS functionality can be buggy, needs updates.
Feature set and value
Offers many advanced features for a low price.
Programming complexity
Setup and programming require significant learning time.
Overview
The RT-880G is aimed squarely at outdoor-oriented Technician and General class operators who want integrated GPS and APRS without stepping up to a Yaesu FT5DR or similar. Think hiking groups, SOTA activators on a budget, or ARES members needing basic position reporting without carrying a separate GPS unit.
The 2400mAh battery and 1024-channel memory are genuinely useful for extended field use, and APRS support with onboard GPS means you can beacon your position and decode incoming packets without any external hardware. The radio scores exceptionally well for value given its feature set, though the features score itself is middling, so do not expect the polish or depth of a Japanese-made unit at twice the price.
No water resistance rating is listed, which is a real limitation for a radio marketed toward outdoor use. At this price, it represents a reasonable entry point for operators who want to experiment with APRS tracking on a budget, but operators regularly working in wet conditions or demanding RF environments should look elsewhere.
Specifications
| Price | $83.16 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W |
| Memory Channels | 1024 |
| Weight | 341g |
| Battery | 2400 mAh |
| FCC Authorization | No grant found |
| color | Standard |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Standard |
| Voltage | 7.4 Volts |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Tuner Type | AM/FM/SSB |
| Model Number | RT-880G |
| Built-In Media | 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 |
| Frequency Range | 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz |
| Mfr Part Number | RT-880G |
| Compatible Devices | Radtel two-way radios, devices on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies, compatible external antennas |
| Additional Features | GPS/APRS, AM FM SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 1.26"D x 2.36"W x 12"H |
Key Features
- Dual-band VHF/UHF operation with onboard GPS; no external receiver needed
- APRS encode and decode supported; calculates distance and bearing from received positions
- 1024 memory channels; accommodating for operators managing multiple regional nets
- 2400mAh lithium-ion battery included; adequate for full-day portable use
- One-touch GPS position query with manual or timed track recording
- Not water resistant; unsuitable for rain-exposed field deployment
- 7.4V nominal battery voltage; verify compatibility before sourcing aftermarket cells
Recommended Antenna Upgrades
A better antenna is the cheapest way to extend your range. These fit the SMA-Female jack on the Radtel RT-880G.
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What Customers Say
The audio quality on this radio is fantastic - I think it sounds better than my Kenwood TH-D75. The battery life seems pretty good so far, with the initial charge from the factory lasting a whole day of me playing with the radio and setting it up. The radio feels solid in your hand and is comforta...
My first APRS radio. Built in hf with sw, mw and even cb. I am very satisfied and at first the APRS had issues with v1.14 but after the latest firmware update the APRS has been perfect. For the price, it is well worth it and I use it on the daily. Monitor quality is decent, can hear loud and clear. ...
Received in brand new perfect condition. It’s taken me a few days to learn how to program this radio. Own way to many different radios. And they all have a learning curve. This one is no different. I’m not into GPS or APRS. Did that a good many of years ago. Now since I figured out some things the r...