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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng 5RM vs Retevis HA1UV

Our pick

Retevis HA1UV$69.99

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.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious buyer wanting the lowest entry cost

    Costs less than the alternative while offering more channels and multi-band coverage for learning repeaters.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • First-time licensees learning on repeaters

    Offers an easier beginner experience and CHIRP programming for a smoother first repeater setup.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • Hikers needing a rugged, water-resistant handheld

    Its IP67 rating resists dust and temporary immersion, suiting trail and field use better.

    HA1UV
  • Operators wanting 1.25m band access

    Only this radio covers the 1.25m band, opening additional local repeaters and experimentation.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • Emergency preparedness buyers needing large memory

    Holds 999 channels and a 10W transmit power, useful for storing many frequencies during emergencies.

    Baofeng 5RM

Reasons to choose Baofeng 5RM

  • 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)
  • IP67 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng 5RMSpecRetevis HA1UV
—
Price
$69.99
60
Overall Score
59
+2% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
999
Memory Channels
256
3.8× difference
—
Weight
337g
2500 mAh
Battery
2800 mAh
+12% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
Color LCD
—
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

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Retevis HA1UV

$69.99 on Amazon

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