RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026AnyTone AT-D890UV vs Baofeng AR-5RM
Our pick
Baofeng AR-5RM$21.84
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?
Advanced hams needing DMR and multi-mode
The AnyTone offers advanced DMR features and superior operational flexibility.
AT-D890UVBrand new, budget-conscious technician licensee
The Baofeng provides an extremely affordable entry point for learning basic radio skills.
Baofeng AR-5RMOperators needing reliable emergency communication nets
Its robust feature set and ARES focus make it ideal for organized emergency use.
AT-D890UVCasual monitoring or simplex frequency testing
The Baofeng is perfectly adequate for simple, low-stakes frequency monitoring.
Baofeng AR-5RMExperienced hams upgrading from basic analog radios
The AnyTone provides the necessary upgrade path to modern digital modes like DMR.
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
- 93% cheaper ($21.84 vs $299.00)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D890UV
$299.00 on AmazonBaofeng AR-5RMPICK
$21.84 on AmazonKeep researching
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