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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng GT-5R vs Baofeng UV-7B

Our pick

Baofeng UV-7B$29.99

The GT-5R edges out the UV-7B based on better listed specifications for the money. Both radios share identical feature sets—no DMR, APRS, or GPS—and owners rate them equally at 4.4 stars, though the GT-5R benefits from a much larger review sample of 1145 owners versus 98. The GT-5R's most significant advantage is its confirmed 6-watt transmit power; we lack the UV-7B's TX power specification, which is a notable gap. The GT-5R also weighs 33 grams less, making it more portable.

The price difference of seven dollars tips further in the GT-5R's favor. Both support CHIRP programming, a practical feature for frequency management. RadioRanked's scores reflect these specifications against pricing: the GT-5R scores 69 to the UV-7B's 70, essentially a tie that favors the cheaper, lighter option with documented power output.

The GT-5R is the better choice for buyers prioritizing value and portability with known specifications. The UV-7B might appeal only if its unknown power rating meets your needs, but that's a gamble. Choose the GT-5R unless the UV-7B's TX specs are confirmed to meet your specific requirements.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner or first-time licensee

    Its higher channel memory and Bluetooth make it a more versatile starter radio.

    UV-7B
  • Budget-constrained backup or loaner radio

    The lower price point makes it ideal for a secondary or temporary unit.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • Portable field use or POTA/SOTA operations

    Its excellent portability score and simpler design suit off-grid field work.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • User needing basic Bluetooth connectivity

    The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity is a key feature the GT-5R lacks.

    UV-7B
  • New hams focusing on simplex communication

    The GT-5R is explicitly designed for simplex and portable operations.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band

Reasons to choose Baofeng GT-5R

  • 33% cheaper ($19.99 vs $29.99)
  • 111% more battery (3800 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • 33g lighter (227g vs 260g)

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-7B

  • 8x more memory channels (1,000 vs 128)
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng GT-5RSpecBaofeng UV-7B
$19.99
Price
$29.99
69
Overall Score
70
+1% for winner
6.00W
TX Power (High)
—
128
Memory Channels
1000
7.7× difference
227g
Weight
260g
+15% difference
3800 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
2.1× difference
LCD
Display
Color LCD
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Blue
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Blue
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF
GT 5R
Model Number
UV-7B
BAOFENG GT-5R Ham Radio x 1, Battery x 1, Belt Clip x 1, Hand Strap x 1, Desktop Charger & Adapter x 1, Headset x 1
Built-In Media
1 x 1800mAh Battery, 1 x USB Charging Cable, 1 x Adapter, 1 x Headset, 1 x UV-7B Radio, 1 x Wrist Strap, Belt Clip
144 - 148 MHz
Frequency Range
UHF VHF
Baofeng UV-5R series accessories
Compatible Devices
Repeater, Smartphone
Dual Band, Lightweight, Long Range, Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
1.77 inches Digital Display, APP Programmable via Bluetooth, Tri-band transmit, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng GT-5R

$19.99 on Amazon

Baofeng UV-7BPICK

$29.99 on Amazon

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