RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Baofeng GT-5R vs Baofeng UV-28
Our pick
Baofeng UV-28$47.19
It depends on your priorities and budget. The GT-5R costs half the price of the UV-28, while the UV-28 offers significantly more power (10W versus 4W), GPS capability, and Bluetooth connectivity. The single most important differentiator is transmit power: the UV-28's 2.5x advantage matters substantially for range and reaching distant repeaters. However, owners of the GT-5R report a slightly higher satisfaction rating (4.4 out of 5 from 1145 reviews versus 4.1 out of 5 from 44 reviews), though the UV-28's smaller review sample introduces more uncertainty. The GT-5R should appeal to budget-conscious operators who prioritize affordability and reported owner satisfaction, while the UV-28 suits those needing higher power output and modern features like GPS and Bluetooth, provided they accept the weight penalty and higher cost. If extended range or location tracking matters to your use case, the UV-28 justifies its expense. If you're price-sensitive and primarily need basic VHF/UHF capability, the GT-5R delivers solid value.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-constrained first-time licensee
It costs less and its simple controls suit a new ham learning the basics of VHF and UHF.
GT-5R 5W Dual BandClub loaner or backup radio
Its low cost makes it easier to lend out or leave in a go-bag without worrying about loss or damage.
GT-5R 5W Dual BandField coordinator for SOTA or emergency deployment
Its 10W transmitter, GPS, and Bluetooth support longer reach and easier coordination in the field.
UV-28ARES or RACES emergency responder
Its 1000-channel memory and higher power suit organized net work and wider repeater coverage.
UV-28Operator prioritizing ultra-light portability
At 227g it is considerably lighter than the 360g UV-28 for pack-in, hike-in activations.
GT-5R 5W Dual BandDual-band monitoring enthusiast with a larger channel list
Its 1000 memory channels and higher feature score make it better for monitoring many frequencies.
UV-28
Reasons to choose Baofeng GT-5R
- 58% cheaper ($19.99 vs $47.19)
- 133g lighter (227g vs 360g)
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28
- 150% more TX power (10W vs 4W)
- 8x more memory channels (1,000 vs 128)
- 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has color TFT display
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng GT-5R
$19.99 on AmazonBaofeng UV-28PICK
$47.19 on AmazonKeep researching
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