Capable and affordable multi-band handheld, but watch out for the fragile side port cover!
For roughly $75, this is a very decent, feature-packed handheld for amateur radio enthusiasts. It arrives nicely packaged with a clear manual and an included antenna that feels fairly sturdy out of the box (though I typically swap antennas out depending on my specific operating needs anyway).
Familiar Architecture & Programming:
Anyone familiar with Radtel handhelds (like the RT-950) will immediately recognize the menus, overall layout, and operating logic. In fact, standard Radtel programming cables work seamlessly with this unit, and I'm convinced it's essentially a rebranded Radtel. That is certainly not a negative, but it's very helpful context for anyone looking up setup guides.
While the unit advertises Bluetooth app programming directly from a smartphone, I found the mobile application clunky and frustrating to navigate. Fortunately, it programs easily using a standard USB cable and CHIRP, which remains my preferred method for loading channels and repeaters.
The One Weak Spot:
The only real drawback on an otherwise solid radio in this price tier is the protective side port cover. The plastic used for the port flap is very thin and brittle - mine snapped after opening and closing it just twice. If you plan to frequently plug in a programming cable or external speaker mic, you’ll want to treat that flap with extreme care.
Aside from the fragile port latch, you get an impressive array of features for the money, including wideband receive, GPS/APRS support, and solid output power. It’s a great value entry into multi-band monitoring and emergency comms!
C
Cam
★★★★★
Decent Reliable Radio. A Solid Choice
This is a all-around genuinely decent radio. Everything works as it should. The radio transmits the wattage advertised. Audio quality is decent. The build construction is reasonable for the price point. The battery life is solid. The ease of charging with USB-C is a plus. You can charge the radio via USB-C on the back of the battery, or using the USB-C port on the back of the cradle. This is an all-around solid radio for the price. It does what's advertised, and that's all that I can ask!
S
Southern Ham
★★★★★
True 10W High-Power Tri-Band with Bluetooth. It does not fit Kenwood or Baofeng accessories
QUICK REVIEW
The Tenway TP-900 PRO is a robust, high-performance handheld that stands out for its legitimate 10W output and its unique tri-watch display. Unlike many budget radios that struggle to meet their power claims, this unit delivers a consistent punch that is vital for fringe area communications.
The transition to a Motorola-style accessory connector suggests a higher level of durability and weather resistance, though it does require specific accessories. With the convenience of USB-C charging and seamless Bluetooth app programming, it is a highly capable tool for the advanced operator who needs extra reach and band versatility.
FULL REVIEW
This is a big radio, much larger than most HTs. The radio is big and a bit heavy. It can be charged by USB or in the charger stand. It comes with a 2600mah battery and a tapered duck antenna but it is not wire thin.
The speaker mic connection is a Motorola connector rather than a Kenwood K1. I am sure this helps with the waterproof level of the radio, but you will have to make sure you find a mic that works with it. There are different mics for different Motorola radios and I do not know which one to order for this one. Google thinks it si the Motorola M12 (APX/XPR style). I expected the mic mount cover to be soft rubber or have a rubber backing or gasket, but it is just a solid piece of hard plastic.
The radio is uniquely tri-watch with three channels in the display. It is also tri-band so it covers 2m, 70cm and the 1 ¼ meter band, 220MHz. In a power test, mine got 9.9w, close enough to 10w, and 8 on the other bands. It gets hot on high power so do not get too talkative in high power and give it time to cool a bit.
It sounds good and I get good sound quality out of the speaker. I would like to program it with Chirp, but it does not have a K1 connector on mine. I have to use ODMaster through Bluetooth and program in the frequencies individually.
Ham bands sound good, but I am in a remote area so I do not seem to find air band traffic on any radio I have.
It has a good base to charge it in, but the battery has a USB C port so you can charge it in your car if you like.
Pros
• Legitimate 10W Performance: Confirmed 9.9W output on VHF provides the extra reach needed for fringe areas and distant repeaters.
• Tri-Watch Functionality: The unique display allows you to monitor three different frequencies or channels simultaneously.
• True Tri-Band Coverage: Includes the 1.25-meter (220MHz) band, which is a rare and valuable feature for a high-power handheld.
• Versatile Charging: The integrated USB-C port on the battery allows for easy charging in a vehicle or via a power bank without a cradle.
• Modern Programming: Bluetooth connectivity with the ODMaster app makes field updates and frequency management fast and cable-free.
• Solid Build Quality: Much larger and heavier than standard HTs, giving it a professional, rugged feel in the hand.
Cons
• Proprietary Accessory Port: The Motorola-style multi-pin connector means your standard 2-pin Kenwood/Baofeng mics and headsets will not fit.
• Thermal Management: The radio chassis acts as a heat sink and becomes significantly hot when transmitting on the high 10W power setting.
• Accessory Port Cover: The hard plastic cover for the mic port lacks a rubber gasket, which may be a concern for long-term weather sealing.
• Size and Weight: Its larger footprint may be a drawback for users looking for a compact or lightweight EDC (Every Day Carry) radio.
• Accessory Availability: Finding the specific Motorola speaker mic that matches this pin configuration can be difficult and more expensive than standard parts.
Information from the manufacturer
• Output Power: High 10W / Mid 5W / Low 1W selectable power levels.
• Triple Band: VHF 136-174MHz, 220-225MHz, and UHF 400-480MHz.
• Connectivity: Built-in Bluetooth for app-based programming and frequency cloning.
• Visuals: 1.77-inch color display with Tri-Watch channel monitoring.
• Battery: 2600mAh high-capacity lithium-ion with integrated USB-C charging.
A very cool labor of technical love, not perfect, but cool!
First let me set the stage. I am a licensed Ham and GMRS operator and an avid user, collector, and programmer of radios.
This radio is a few flaws away from being one heck of a Swiss Army knife HT (handheld). This is a rebranded Radtel RT-950 Pro and as such there is an ecosystem out there for programming software, accessories, firmware, and support. I updated the firmware to the latest. I also bought the correct programming cable and correct speaker Mic for the radio. This is a testament to the radio considering I spent real money despite the radio being free through vine. I programmed the radio through thr bluetooth app, the radio UI itself, the Radtel CPS, and an experimental Chirp module.
Let’s start with the pros. The UI design is probably one of the better ones I’ve seen out of all these lesser named brands. It actually allows you to see the channel name, frequency, channel number, and even bank name all at the same time for 3 watch zones (areas, vfos). This is stellar! It’s beyond me why other radios won’t let you see that at the same time.
The radio works. It transmits and receives well on all the allowable bands and others could easily communicate with me. Air band reception even is decent on AM. HF reception is even workable with the right antenna. I was on a trip to Charlotte and was listening to radio friends transmitting NVIS from Atlanta. Kills me not to be able to transmit back, but this is a handheld so no HF Tx was expected. The CB Tx on FM only is a non starter but honestly no ones seems to be using CB much anyway anywhere in my areas. Scanning is bank based which is workable with 10 banks. Scan speed could be faster but it’s not as slow as other radios I have. The lack of the radio to properly monitor all watch zones during scanning is a buzz kill for scanning though many cheap radios have this issue.
The ability to replace the boot up image is super cool as I added a custom image with my call signs and contact info in case I lose the radio. The latest firmware lets you control how long that screens stays up when the radio is turned on.
Battery life has been great. I’ve never drained it totally and I’ve left it on all night receiving. Transmitting is where your drain is so a ton of long conversations or trying to run a Net would be problematic I assume.
I’ve never tested frequencies above GMRS or 900Mhz but I expect it to be good.
Let’s talk about some challenges. You need to devote yourself to learning all the nuances of using this radio. It’s not easy. So much functionality is hidden in secret button presses. It’s a labor of technical love for sure.
Programming this radio while possible is a problem. The Bluetooth app works for quick changes though quick changes are fine to do on the radio. The app is pretty horrible though for any sort of bulk work. With the correct cable, the CPS from radtel is mid at best. It works. But it has no bulk capabilities itself other than a blanket chirp xml import. It’s a usable workflow but it’s complex and leaves some settings out of whack. I travel a lot and need to constantly add repeaters and air bands for cities I travel to and it’s too annoying to do this every trip without proper Chiro support or a better CPS/app from radtel.
Dual/Triple watch works but like many cheap radios if any zone has any activity going on, it’s totally dead to the others. I 100% get that this radio doesn’t have two true receivers, but I have used other radios that only have a single receiver and are still able to programmatically monitor multiple watch zones by sort of behind the seeds quickly checking them all and effectively monitor multiples. Any radio that has this problem, and this is not the only one, is a real problem for me to use as my regular workhorse I need to be able to monitor multiple channels at the same time without missing transmissions on any of them. And I need to be able to have a channel constantly monitored while scanning. Again I have other inexpensive radios that can do this so I know it’s possible.
Now let’s talk about the biggest problem with the radio. The accessory attachments. There is a really weird designed choice or flaw in this radio and you can only use the rad tell accessories for speaker bike. If you try to buy some other aftermarket one you will burn up this radio. And unfortunately, the first party rad tells speaker Mike is garbage. No one can hear me. This problem alone keeps me from using this radio as my daily. And honestly, if I was considering buying this radio, I would not buy it based on this problem. There are some wonderful Facebook groups of enthusiasts for this radio that have fully documented and understand the problem and have communicated with the radio manufacturer, but nothing is being done.
Overall I do love the radio but it’s just going to be one of many I own and not my daily HT. I gave the radio 4 stars as it’s really a cool piece of tech and does its job. But a few flaws keel it from being amazing. If I were actually spending the 90 plus dollars myself, I probably wouldn’t. But as a Vine item or if it were a lower price it’s a wonderful purchase!
R
Rob Goldsher
★★★★★
Ham radio made simple. Also easy to carry with you.
This offers all of the features and benefits of the very expensive brands. I find this to be a great value for the money as well as offering all of the features that I like. The charging station is easy to use, and the range is exceptional. I found it very simple to set up.
Rock hound
★★★★★
What doesn't it do?
We got this handheld CB radio to take with us when hiking. We enjoy stomping through the woods of Michigan looking for adventures. We already had one handheld radio and wanted another so we would both have one in case of separation. I was a little intimidated by it at first as it seems very complex but its easy to use once you have thoroughly read the instructions. We leave our radios in our vehicles when we aren't camping or on a hike. This radio will play some tunes on your favorite FM station. It will bring you up to date weather information quickly when needed. But best of all it allows you the ability to communicate when other avenues aren't available. We are able to hear one another clearly from quite a distance and felt like kids again playing with the walkie talkies. We like that this one has a clip that makes it essy to carry hands free. I had a little bit of sticker shock when we bought this as these are not cheap, but I do think it was worth the price. This is a quality handheld radio that is easy to carry and has a plethora of tools ready to save your day. We haven't had to charge the battery yet and have used it twice, seems to stay charged well.
MK
★★★★★
Tips for novices
I grabbed this despite having basically zero radio experience, and the included instruction manual was honestly not very beginner-friendly. After some experimenting, though, I ended up being surprisingly impressed with it.
First impressions: this thing feels solid. It’s heavy-duty, rugged, and definitely doesn’t feel like a toy. The charging dock works well, the screen is bright and easy to read, and the keypad/buttons have a satisfying tactile feel. It looks and feels much more expensive than I expected.
What surprised me most is how capable it actually is. I originally assumed it was just a basic walkie-talkie, but it can receive aviation frequencies, weather radio, ham radio frequencies, and more. We were able to tune into Indianapolis airport traffic and hear real tower/pilot communications, which was incredibly cool once we figured out how to use it.
A few beginner tips that would have helped me a LOT:
- The “VFO” mode is where you manually type in frequencies. Press the V/M button to switch into that mode.
- Aviation frequencies use AM mode, not FM. If you’re trying to listen to aircraft and hearing nothing, check the top of the screen to make sure it says “AM.”
- NOAA weather radio is the easiest way to test whether the radio is working correctly. Try entering 162.550 and you should hear constant weather broadcasts.
- The “squelch” setting controls background static. If it’s too high, you won’t hear weak signals. If it’s too low, you’ll hear nonstop hiss. A setting around 2–5 worked best for us.
- The radio CAN transmit, not just listen, so beginners should be careful not to accidentally press the side transmit button on frequencies they shouldn’t use.
I recommend Googling frequencies near you to find a good list. It’s a great homeschool or school activity.
The manual really assumes you already know radio terminology, which made the learning curve steeper than necessary. But once we got past that, this became a genuinely fun gadget to experiment with. It feels like a great entry point for someone curious about radio scanning, aviation listening, emergency/weather monitoring, or amateur radio.
Overall, this ended up being one of those products that was much more interesting and capable than expected. Definitely recommended for hobbyists, tinkerers, preppers, scanner enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys learning new tech, just expect to spend a little time figuring it out.
Angela
★★★★★
Could use a better manual and antenna, but overall good!
The radio picks up signals well out of the box, but benefits greatly from a better antenna. The owner's manual isn't great, but there are lots of excellent YouTube videos available to help you figure things out. The radio is essentially a clone of the Radtel 950; parts and support for that radio transfer over with no issues. Maybe not the best option for beginners, but if you have some experience, it's good, and I would recommend it.
Nightshade
★★★★★
One of my favorite items, period
Overall quality feels incredible! This thing is heavy duty. It feels much nicer than other brands I've held and the color screen, navigation, bluetooth, among a zillion other features just speak wonders about how nice of a product this is. 10W is powerful for handhelds, definitely on the top end of range and quality. I also love the built in NOAA and AM/FM features. Extremely easy to navigate to those options and many more. Plenty of volume, easy to customize, and charging dock/base is really secure and strong too. I can see this being a product I keep literally for decades, if not forever.
