RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026AnyTone AT-D890UV vs Baofeng K5 Plus
Our pick
Baofeng K5 Plus$23.64
The Baofeng K5 Plus is the clear winner here. Despite the AnyTone AT-D890UV's DMR capability and professional positioning, the K5 Plus delivers superior overall performance at a fraction of the cost, earning a 57/100 score versus 48/100.
The single most important differentiator is value proposition. The K5 Plus costs $25 while the AnyTone commands $299, yet still outperforms it on our overall rating scale. This 12-fold price difference cannot be justified by the AnyTone's DMR support alone, especially when both radios lack APRS, GPS, and CHIRP compatibility.
The AnyTone AT-D890UV appeals to DMR enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for digital mode capability and potentially superior build quality, despite lower performance metrics. The Baofeng K5 Plus is the obvious choice for budget-conscious operators seeking reliable handheld performance without unnecessary complexity.
For most amateur radio operators, the Baofeng K5 Plus represents exceptional value and should be your default selection. Only consider the AnyTone if DMR network participation is a non-negotiable requirement for your operating activities.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Emergency net operations and ARES use
Its DMR capability and large channel memory support complex emergency nets.
AT-D890UVNew amateur radio licensee on a budget
It offers basic VHF/UHF functionality for learning radio fundamentals cheaply.
Baofeng K5 PlusAdvanced hobbyist needing multi-mode comms
The AT-D890UV supports advanced digital modes crucial for serious operators.
AT-D890UVCasual monitoring of local repeaters
Its simplicity and low cost are perfect for basic local monitoring tasks.
Baofeng K5 PlusOperator needing regional talk group support
The extensive memory and DMR features handle large regional talk groups easily.
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 K5 Plus
- 92% cheaper ($23.64 vs $299.00)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D890UV
$299.00 on AmazonBaofeng K5 PlusPICK
$23.64 on AmazonKeep researching
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