RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026AnyTone AT-D890UV vs Baofeng UV-5R Mini
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D890UV$309.00
The Baofeng UV-5R Mini is the clear winner for most users. Despite the AnyTone's higher price point and DMR capability, the UV-5R Mini delivers superior overall performance with a 68/100 score versus 48/100, plus it's dramatically more affordable at $33 compared to $299.
The single most important differentiator is CHIRP compatibility. The UV-5R Mini's full CHIRP support means effortless programming and frequency management, while the AnyTone's lack of CHIRP support creates a significant usability burden. This alone justifies choosing the Baofeng for most operators.
The Baofeng UV-5R Mini suits beginners, casual users, and budget-conscious operators who prioritize ease of programming and reliable basic VHF/UHF performance. The AnyTone AT-D890UV appeals only to dedicated DMR enthusiasts willing to navigate its programming limitations and justify the ten-fold price premium for digital mode capability.
Go with the Baofeng UV-5R Mini unless DMR is a hard requirement for your specific use case. The combination of affordability, higher overall score, and CHIRP support makes it the smarter choice for nearly everyone entering the hobby.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious buyer wanting a cheap backup radio
It costs far less than the alternative, making it the practical pick for a spare backup unit.
UV-5R Mini Dual-bandNewly licensed operator starting on local repeaters
Its simpler interface and beginner-friendly score suit someone learning repeater use and basic operation.
UV-5R Mini Dual-bandOperator wanting a second handheld for monitoring
A low cost and light 200g weight make it easy to keep around as an extra monitoring unit.
UV-5R Mini Dual-bandARES or emergency net volunteer using DMR
Its DMR support and 4000-channel memory fit emergency nets and large regional talk groups.
AT-D890UVExperienced operator needing multi-mode capability
It offers a higher feature score and digital operation that advanced hobbyists typically require.
AT-D890UVOperator relying on large channel memory lists
Its 4000-channel memory far exceeds the alternative's 999 channels for complex programming needs.
AT-D890UV
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D890UV
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
- 72% more battery (3100 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R Mini
- 93g lighter (200g vs 293g)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D890UV
$309.00 on AmazonBaofeng UV-5R MiniPICK
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