Originally published October 22, 2025. Updated September 2026 for clarity, corrected product information and source attribution.

The Radtel RT-950 Pro looks impressive. It offers VHF/UHF, 27 MHz FM, shortwave reception, Bluetooth programming, GPS, APRS and up to 10 watts of power.

But does it work well? Joe from the Amateur Radio and GMRS YouTube channel tested it and found several problems. The Bluetooth app made programming errors, the receiver missed weak signals, and the radio did not reach 10 watts in his tests.

The short answer: The RT-950 Pro may be fun for experimenting, but it is not the best choice for a first or only handheld radio.

Source note: The test results in this article come from Joe’s video review. I have not repeated every test myself. Software and firmware updates may change how the radio performs.

What Does the RT-950 Pro Offer?

According to the official Radtel RT-950 Pro product page, the radio includes:

  • VHF and UHF transmit and receive
  • 27 MHz FM transmit and receive
  • Shortwave reception
  • Bluetooth phone programming
  • GPS and APRS
  • A color screen
  • A spectrum display
  • USB-C charging
  • Power advertised at up to 10 watts

That is a lot for one handheld. The problem is that several important features did not work well in Joe’s tests.

Bluetooth Programming Problems

The Bluetooth app should make the radio easy to program. Instead, Joe found that it changed an analog CTCSS tone to DCS.

That small error can stop the radio from reaching a repeater. A channel may look correct but still fail to work.

The app or firmware may have been updated since his test. Owners should still check every channel after programming it.

Does It Really Produce 10 Watts?

Joe measured about:

  • 6.5 watts at 136 MHz
  • 8 watts at 148 MHz
  • 8.5 watts at 433 MHz

None of his tests reached the advertised 10 watts.

The difference between 8 and 10 watts will not have a major effect on range. A good antenna and location usually matter more.

The concern is that the radio did not match its advertised power during these tests.

How Well Does It Hear?

Joe found the transmit audio to be clear. That is good news.

The receiver was more disappointing. The RT-950 Pro missed signals that another inexpensive handheld could hear.

One test does not prove that every RT-950 Pro has a weak receiver. Still, it is something buyers should consider. A radio that cannot hear weak signals is not very useful.

What About 27 MHz FM?

The RT-950 Pro can transmit on 27 MHz, but only with FM.

FM is allowed on U.S. CB channels, but many CB operators still use AM or SSB. That means there may not be much local FM activity to hear.

The small antenna is another limit. A handheld antenna is very short for 27 MHz. Do not expect it to perform like a full-size CB antenna.

Be Careful With the Scrambler

The RT-950 Pro includes a voice-scrambler feature. Do not assume that it is legal to use on every band.

Amateur Radio rules generally prohibit messages that are encoded to hide their meaning. GMRS also has rules covering coded messages.

Check the current FCC Amateur Radio rules before using this feature.

KE2YK Takeaway

The RT-950 Pro tries to do too many things at once.

Its Bluetooth problem and weak receiver matter more than its color screen, spectrum display or long feature list. Basic radio functions should work well before extra features are added.

This radio may appeal to experienced operators who enjoy experimenting. It is harder to recommend for a beginner or anyone who needs a dependable everyday handheld.

Consider It If:

  • You enjoy testing unusual radios
  • You want wide receive coverage
  • You are comfortable fixing programming problems
  • You understand its limits

Skip It If:

  • This will be your first radio
  • You need reliable repeater operation
  • Receiver performance is important
  • You want a simple radio that works without much setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RT-950 Pro Really Produce 10 Watts?

Radtel advertises up to 10 watts. Joe measured between 6.5 and 8.5 watts during his tests. Output can change with frequency, battery condition and the individual radio.

Can It Be Used for CB?

The radio supports 27 MHz FM. Its usefulness will depend on local FM activity and the antenna. It does not replace a regular AM or SSB CB radio.

Is Bluetooth Programming Reliable?

It was not reliable in Joe’s test. Check for newer app and firmware versions, and confirm every programmed channel before using it.

Is the Receiver Really Weak?

Joe found that another inexpensive handheld received signals the RT-950 Pro missed. More testing would be needed to know whether every unit performs the same way.

Final Verdict

The Radtel RT-950 Pro offers many features, but Joe’s tests found problems with programming, receive performance and power output.

It might be fun for an experienced operator who enjoys experimenting. For a beginner or someone looking for a dependable primary handheld, a simpler and better-proven radio would probably be a safer choice.

Watch the Original Review

The testing discussed in this article comes from Joe at Amateur Radio and GMRS. Watch his complete review below to see the programming, power and on-air tests.

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