RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026AnyTone AT-D890UV vs Baofeng UV-5R
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D890UV$309.00
The Baofeng UV-5R is the clear winner for most users. Despite the AnyTone's DMR capability and higher price point, the Baofeng delivers superior overall value with nearly double the performance score, genuine CHIRP software support, and documented specifications across all key metrics. The AnyTone suffers from missing critical information—unknown transmit power and weight—which raises red flags about incomplete product documentation and support.
The single most important differentiator is the Baofeng's dramatically lower price combined with its higher overall score. At sixteen dollars versus two hundred ninety-nine, the UV-5R offers proven reliability and user support that the AnyTone cannot justify.
The UV-5R suits newcomers, budget-conscious operators, and anyone seeking a dependable starter radio with excellent community documentation. The AnyTone appeals only to operators specifically requiring DMR capability and willing to accept incomplete specifications and support gaps. For nearly everyone else, spend the sixteen dollars on the Baofeng and invest the savings elsewhere in your station setup.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee
It costs far less and gives a new operator a simple, affordable way to start monitoring local repeaters.
UV-5REmergency communications net volunteer
Its DMR support and 4000-channel memory suit ARES and regional talk groups that need digital multi-mode capability.
AT-D890UVLocal repeater monitor on a tight budget
Its 5W VHF and UHF FM operation covers local repeaters at a fraction of the cost.
UV-5RExperienced operator wanting digital modes
It offers DMR operation and a much higher feature score for advanced hobbyists running talk groups.
AT-D890UVLightweight field user wanting minimal weight
At 250g it is lighter than the alternative and suits casual field use where weight matters most.
UV-5R
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D890UV
- 31x more memory channels (4,000 vs 128)
- 72% more battery (3100 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R
- 43g lighter (250g vs 293g)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D890UV
$309.00 on AmazonBaofeng UV-5RPICK
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