RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026AnyTone AT-D890UV vs Baofeng AR-5RM
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D890UV$309.00
The Baofeng AR-5RM is the clear winner for most users. Despite costing eleven times less than the AnyTone AT-D890UV, it achieves a significantly higher overall score of 65 versus 48, making it the better value proposition by nearly every measure.
The single most important differentiator is price paired with practical usability. The Baofeng's CHIRP compatibility means you can program frequencies on your computer rather than wrestling with the radio's interface, a massive advantage for casual operators. The AnyTone's DMR capability is its only real strength, but that feature justifies neither its premium cost nor its substantially lower overall score.
The Baofeng AR-5RM suits beginners, budget-conscious operators, and anyone wanting reliable VHF/UHF performance without complexity. The AnyTone AT-D890UV is only worth considering if you specifically need DMR digital mode operation and have already decided that feature's cost premium is acceptable to your use case.
Buy the Baofeng. Its combination of affordability, higher performance rating, and superior programming flexibility makes it the stronger radio. The AnyTone fails to justify its price regardless of its DMR feature.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time Technician licensee starting out
Its simpler operation and higher beginner score make it a gentler introduction to handheld radio.
Baofeng AR-5RMBudget-conscious buyer testing the hobby
It costs far less, letting new operators try the hobby without a large investment.
Baofeng AR-5RMEmergency communications and ARES volunteer
Its DMR support and large 4000-channel memory suit served talk groups and emergency nets.
AT-D890UVOperator using regional DMR talk groups
Digital voice capability and a higher feature score cover the multi-mode needs of established networks.
AT-D890UVCasual simplex frequency monitor
Its 999 memory channels and low cost handle basic monitoring without the complexity of advanced features.
Baofeng AR-5RMExperienced hobbyist seeking multi-mode capability
Advanced users wanting deep feature sets will find the AT-D890UV's digital modes and programming depth worthwhile.
AT-D890UV
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D890UV
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Baofeng AR-5RM
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D890UVPICK
$309.00 on AmazonBaofeng AR-5RM
Search on AmazonKeep researching
Related Buying Guides
More head-to-heads

