Baofeng AR-5RM vs Retevis RA79

The Baofeng AR-5RM is the clear winner here. Both radios are budget-friendly entry-level handhelds with virtually identical feature sets, missing advanced capabilities like DMR, APRS, and GPS. They both support CHIRP programming, which is essential for serious users managing complex frequency databases. The single most important differentiator is the AR-5RM's higher overall score of 65 compared to the RA79's 60, suggesting better build quality, reliability, or user experience in real-world testing despite both radios lacking published TX power specifications.

The $4 price difference is negligible at this tier, so value comes down to performance rather than cost. The AR-5RM should appeal to budget-conscious newcomers who want a dependable starter radio or those building a multi-radio kit without breaking the bank. The RA79 makes sense only if you have specific compatibility needs with Retevis equipment or prefer that brand's customer support.

For most buyers, spend the extra four dollars and choose the AR-5RM. The higher score indicates it will provide better day-to-day performance, making it the smarter investment even at this rock-bottom price point.