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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

AnyTone AT-D890UV vs Baofeng K5 Plus

Our pick

AnyTone AT-D890UV$309.00

The Baofeng K5 Plus is the clear winner for most users. The most important differentiator is price: at $23 versus $299, the K5 Plus costs a fraction of the AnyTone while delivering comparable core specifications. Both radios weigh nearly identical amounts, lack published TX power figures, and offer no GPS, Bluetooth, APRS, D-STAR, or C4FM support. The key difference is that the AnyTone includes DMR capability while the K5 Plus does not, but this matters only if you need DMR networks. The K5 Plus gains an advantage with CHIRP support for easier programming. Owner ratings show the K5 Plus has been purchased and reviewed far more extensively (506 reviews at 4.5/5) compared to the AnyTone's limited sample (5 reviews at 4.8/5). Buy the K5 Plus if you want an affordable handheld for basic VHF/UHF operation without DMR requirements. Buy the AnyTone only if you specifically need DMR functionality and can justify the thirteen-fold price premium. For the typical amateur without specialized digital mode needs, the K5 Plus offers substantially better value.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious buyer wanting a low-cost starter radio

    It costs far less than the alternative while still covering VHF and UHF for local repeater use.

    Baofeng K5 Plus
  • Brand-new licensee learning radio programming basics

    Its simpler analog feature set and lower beginner difficulty make it a gentler first radio to program.

    Baofeng K5 Plus
  • Casual listener monitoring local repeaters and talk groups

    Analog VHF and UHF coverage handles everyday repeater monitoring without the complexity of digital modes.

    Baofeng K5 Plus
  • ARES or emergency net volunteer using DMR talk groups

    DMR support and a 4000-channel memory suit large regional talk groups and organized emergency nets.

    AT-D890UV
  • Experienced operator needing multi-mode digital capability

    It offers a much higher feature score and DMR operation that the analog-only alternative cannot match.

    AT-D890UV
  • Operator managing very large channel lists

    Its 4000-channel memory far exceeds the 999-channel capacity of the other radio.

    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

  • 3g lighter (290g vs 293g)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

AnyTone AT-D890UVSpecBaofeng K5 Plus
$309.00
Price
—
49
Overall Score
46
+6% for winner
4000
Memory Channels
999
4.0× difference
293g
Weight
290g
+1% difference
3100 mAh
Battery
—
Color LCD
Display
—
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
1.77 inches
size
compact
Blue
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Blue
Color
Black
AT-D890UV
Model Number
K5 Plus
Power Supply
Built-In Media
User Manual
Digital Display
Additional Features
Rechargable
1 Year
Warranty Description
no
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

AnyTone AT-D890UVPICK

$309.00 on Amazon

Baofeng K5 Plus

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