Baofeng AR-5RM vs Retevis RT85

The AR-5RM and RT85 are effectively matched on the specs we have. Both earn 4.5/5 from owners, both support CHIRP programming, and neither offers DMR, APRS, or GPS. The RT85 lists 5W transmit power while the AR-5RM's is unknown; the RT85 weighs 227g while the AR-5RM's weight is unlisted. Without those missing figures for the Baofeng, we cannot claim either radio is more capable. Price tips the scales: at $22 versus $50, the AR-5RM costs less than half as much, and owner ratings are identical.

The single most important differentiator is price and the unknown specifications of the AR-5RM. The Baofeng's missing power and weight data leave gaps you should verify before buying if those figures matter to your use case.

Buy the AR-5RM if budget is your primary concern and you can confirm its transmit power and weight suit your needs. Buy the RT85 if you want a fully specified radio with published 5W output and known weight, and the $28 premium is acceptable.

The AR-5RM is the value choice, but fill in those blanks first.