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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng 5RM vs Retevis HA1UV

Our pick

Baofeng 5RM$25.99

The Baofeng 5RM is the clear winner here. It scores higher overall, costs less than half the price of the HA1UV, and offers a specified 10-watt transmit power that gives you legitimate range advantage for the money. The single most important differentiator is the price-to-performance ratio: you're getting a better-scoring radio at $25 versus $57, which is a significant gap in the budget radio market.

The Baofeng 5RM should appeal to newcomers, casual operators, or anyone building a backup radio on a tight budget who values straightforward performance. The Retevis HA1UV might interest someone specifically needing HA1UV's particular form factor or interface, though the spec sheet here doesn't reveal what unique advantages justify the price premium or lower score.

Buy the Baofeng 5RM unless you have specific operational requirements the HA1UV uniquely meets. At this price point, the 5RM delivers solid value and better overall ratings, making it the logical choice for most amateur radio operators evaluating entry-level handhelds.

Winner
Baofeng 5RM
Runner-up
Retevis HA1UV

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner on a tight budget

    The Baofeng offers maximum features and channels for the lowest possible entry price.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • Outdoor POTA/SOTA operation requiring durability

    The IP67 rating ensures reliable operation even in adverse weather conditions.

    HA1UV
  • Operator needing maximum coverage and channels

    Its massive 999 channel memory provides superior flexibility for multi-band use.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • New technician focusing on rugged local repeater work

    The combination of durability and beginner-friendly features makes it ideal for local use.

    HA1UV
  • Emergency preparedness or survival radio use

    The superior build quality and IP rating provide peace of mind during emergencies.

    HA1UV

Reasons to choose Baofeng 5RM

  • 63% cheaper ($25.99 vs $69.99)
  • 4x more memory channels (999 vs 256)
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Retevis HA1UV

  • 12% more battery (2800 mAh vs 2500 mAh)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng 5RMSpecRetevis HA1UV
$25.99
Price
$69.99
76
Overall Score
61
+25% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
999
Memory Channels
256
3.8× difference
2500 mAh
Battery
2800 mAh
+12% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
Color LCD
IP65
IP Rating
IP67
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts (DC)
VHF/1.25M/UHF
Tuner Type
U/V band
5RM
Model Number
HA1UV
1X 5RM radio, 1X charging base station, 1X Type C charging cable, 1X 6.1" antenna, 1X 15.12" 771 antenna, 1X 2500mAh battery, 1X handset with mic, 1X Belt, 1X hand strap, 1X user manual
Built-In Media
1 x 2800mAh lithium_ion battery, 1 x Belt clip & Hand strap, 1 x Data cable, 1 x HA1UV two way radio, 1 x Type-C charging cable & Charging base
144-174MHz, 420-470MH
Frequency Range
U/V band
5RM
Mfr Part Number
FA9244B-J9131P-C9034A
IP65
Waterproof Rating
IP67
BF-F8HP Pro, BaoFeng AR-5RM, BaoFeng UV-5R, baofeng k5 plus, weather radio
Compatible Devices
Repeater, Speaker, two way radio with the same frequency and the same CTCSS/DCS
1.77inch colour screen, 10W power, Frequency copy, USB C charging
Additional Features
Handheld Ham Radio with Cable;IP67 waterproof;NOAA Weather Receiver;Type-C Rechargeable;VFO
48 Hours
Battery Average Life
20 Hours

Made your choice?

Baofeng 5RMPICK

$25.99 on Amazon

Retevis HA1UV

$69.99 on Amazon

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