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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

APX-8000 vs Quansheng TK11

Top pick

Quansheng TK11$96.99

The Quansheng TK11 is the clearer choice here. Both radios score identically at 39/100 and share the same feature set: no DMR, APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, or digital modes. The deciding factor is price and owner feedback. The TK11 costs $97 with a known, affordable price point, while the APX-8000's price remains unknown. Owners report 4.2 out of 5 stars on the TK11 across 15 reviews, compared to 3.5 out of 5 on the APX-8000 from 30 reviews. The TK11 also lists CHIRP compatibility for easier programming, a practical advantage for amateur operators.

We lack TX power data for the TK11 and weight for the APX-8000, so direct hardware comparison has gaps. However, the available inputs all favor the TK11. Its known price, higher owner satisfaction score, and programming flexibility make it the better buy for someone seeking a basic handheld radio.

Buy the TK11 if you want a straightforward handheld at a transparent price with solid owner feedback. Buy the APX-8000 only if its unknown price turns out significantly lower and you can verify it meets your needs.

Get the Quansheng TK11.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee on a tight budget

    Costs less and suits a first radio for local simplex chatting without advanced features.

    TK11
  • Family member loaner radio

    Simple controls and a lower price make it a sensible loaner for relatives learning on the air.

    TK11
  • Emergency preparedness and repeater access

    Twelve watts of output and repeater coverage suit emergency preparedness better than a lighter handheld.

    APX-8000
  • Technician operator wanting longer simplex range

    Its 12W transmit power gives longer simplex reach for Technician-class operators.

    APX-8000
  • Operator managing a large frequency list

    Holds 999 channels, leaving more room to organize a long list of frequencies.

    TK11

Reasons to choose APX-8000

  • 193% more battery (8800 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Quansheng TK11

  • 8x more memory channels (999 vs 128)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

APX-8000SpecQuansheng TK11
—
Price
$96.99
39
Overall Score
39
12.00W
TX Power (High)
—
128
Memory Channels
999
7.7× difference
—
Weight
284g
8800 mAh
Battery
3000 mAh
2.9× difference
Color LCD
Display
—
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Green
color
Black
Green
Color
Black
APX-8000
Model Number
UV-K5
Two-way radios operating on VHF (136.025-173.975 MHz) and UHF (406.125-469.125 MHz) frequencies, compatible headsets, earpieces, and external antennas
Compatible Devices
Smartphone
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Quansheng TK11

$96.99 on Amazon

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