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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng GT-5R vs Radtel RT-950 PRO

Our pick

Radtel RT-950 PRO$96.00

The RT-950 PRO is the clear winner for most users, despite its higher price point. The single most important differentiator is the feature set: the RT-950 PRO includes APRS and GPS capabilities, making it substantially more versatile for emergency communication, location sharing, and digital modes. The GT-5R compensates with significantly lower cost and higher transmit power, plus CHIRP compatibility for easy programming.

Buy the Baofeng GT-5R if you're a budget-conscious operator who primarily needs basic VHF/UHF voice communication and values the extra transmit wattage. Buy the Radtel RT-950 PRO if you want a modern radio with location tracking and APRS functionality, or if you're willing to invest in a more capable handheld for long-term use.

We recommend the RT-950 PRO for most operators. Its superior 75/100 overall score reflects genuine capability advantages that justify the $61 price difference. The APRS and GPS features prove invaluable in field operations and emergency scenarios. However, the GT-5R remains a solid choice for minimalists who need rock-solid reliability without spending much money.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee learning on a budget

    Simple controls and a low price make it the easier starting point for a new licensee.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • Club loaner or backup radio buyer

    Its low cost makes losing or damaging it less painful for a shared or spare radio.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • APRS and GPS integration seeker

    Built-in APRS, GPS, and Bluetooth give it the integration features the other radio lacks.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • Operator needing many stored repeater channels

    Its 960 memory channels far exceed the other radio's 128 for logging many repeaters.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • Simplex-focused portable operator

    Its 227 gram body and simple operation suit grab-and-go simplex use without extra setup.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band

Reasons to choose Baofeng GT-5R

  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-950 PRO

  • 8x more memory channels (960 vs 128)
  • 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng GT-5RSpecRadtel RT-950 PRO
—
Price
$96.00
49
Overall Score
76
+56% for winner
4.00W
TX Power (High)
4.00W
128
Memory Channels
960
7.7× difference
227g
Weight
—
1800 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+22% for winner
LCD
Display
Color LCD
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
GT 5R
Model Number
RT-950 PRO
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
1x RT-950 PRO Main unit, 1x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English User Manual
144 - 148 MHz
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Baofeng UV-5R series accessories
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, Desktops
Dual Band, Lightweight, Long Range, Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
27MHz TX/RX at FM Modulation with power 3-4W,Shortwave ML/LW/SW/USB/LSB/CW Reception, Bluetooth App Programming,High Output Power,GPS/APRS Position Sending, Channel Zone Function,Full-Color Display,PC Programming, Integrated Spectrum Analyzer,Wireless Frequency Copy,NOAA Weather Channel Support
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
3.78"D x 4.29"W x 7.17"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.57"D x 2"W x 13.79"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng GT-5R

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Radtel RT-950 PROPICK

$96.00 on Amazon

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