RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026AnyTone AT-D168UV vs Baofeng UV-26
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D168UV$139.99
The UV-26 is the better choice for most users.
The single most important differentiator is transmission power. The UV-26 delivers 10W compared to the AT-D168UV's 5W, giving you double the output for stronger signal penetration and range. Neither radio lists an IP rating, so weather resistance is unknown for both.
The AT-D168UV offers DMR and APRS capability, which matters only if you operate on those digital modes; if you do not, these features add cost without value. Both radios lack CHIRP support, GPS, and Bluetooth. The AT-D168UV is lighter at 220g, though we lack the UV-26's weight specification.
Owners report higher satisfaction with the UV-26: 4.4 out of 5 from 94 Amazon reviews versus 3.7 out of 5 from 16 reviews for the AT-D168UV. This larger sample size gives the UV-26 rating more weight. The UV-26's price is unlisted, which complicates the value calculation; if it costs significantly more than 140 dollars, the cost-to-benefit ratio shifts.
Buy the UV-26 if you prioritize range and power, and if its price remains reasonable relative to the AT-D168UV. Buy the AT-D168UV only if you specifically need DMR or APRS support and can accept half the transmission power.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time licensee using local repeaters
Its beginner-friendly setup and lower price suit operators starting with local VHF and UHF repeaters.
Baofeng UV-26Budget-conscious emergency preparedness buyer
Higher 10W transmit power and 1.25m coverage make it a practical, lower-cost emergency backup.
Baofeng UV-26Digital mode operator needing DMR
DMR support and APRS messaging give it the digital capability the Baofeng lacks.
AnyTone AT-D168UVOperator managing many networks and channels
Storing 4000 channels suits operators juggling many networks and talkgroups across repeaters.
AnyTone AT-D168UVExperienced ham wanting broader features
Its higher feature score and digital modes serve experienced operators better than the basic Baofeng.
AnyTone AT-D168UV
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D168UV
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-26
- 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
- 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D168UVPICK
$139.99 on AmazonBaofeng UV-26
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