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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band vs Radtel RT-470X

Our pick

Radtel RT-470X$29.99

The K5 Plus and RT-470X are closely matched budget handhelds with nearly identical composite scores. The K5 Plus offers 10W transmit power, which we cannot confirm for the RT-470X due to missing data. The RT-470X is slightly lighter and carries an IP54 weather rating, while the K5 Plus lacks any listed IP protection. Owners report 4.4 out of 5 stars for the K5 Plus across 216 reviews, compared to 4.1 stars for the RT-470X from 256 reviews. Both support CHIRP programming and lack DMR, APRS, or GPS capability.

The single most important differentiator is the K5 Plus's documented 10W power output versus unknown power for the RT-470X. If transmit power matters for your application, the K5 Plus gives you a concrete specification to evaluate. The RT-470X's IP54 rating provides weather resistance the K5 Plus does not advertise.

Buy the K5 Plus if you want confirmed 10W output and value the higher owner satisfaction reported so far. Buy the RT-470X if weather sealing and lighter weight suit your needs and you're comfortable with unspecified transmit power.

Choose the K5 Plus for better specified performance at a comparable price.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious first-time licensee

    The K5 Plus offers more features and channels for the slightly lower price.

    Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
  • Casual local simplex operations

    The RT-470X is optimized for local use and has a slightly better beginner score.

    RT-470X
  • Learning multiple amateur bands affordably

    Its reputation for broad band coverage makes it ideal for learning across multiple amateur bands.

    Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
  • New amateur needing multi-band receiving

    The RT-470X is specifically highlighted for its multi-band receiver capabilities.

    RT-470X
  • Prepper or emergency communication use

    The K5 Plus's higher power output and feature set suit general emergency use.

    Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band

Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band

  • 4x more memory channels (999 vs 256)
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-470X

  • 12% cheaper ($29.99 vs $33.99)
  • 12% more battery (2800 mAh vs 2500 mAh)
  • 23g lighter (267g vs 290g)
  • Has color TFT display
  • IP54 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-BandSpecRadtel RT-470X
$33.99
Price
$29.99
66
Overall Score
66
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
999
Memory Channels
256
3.8× difference
290g
Weight
267g
+9% difference
2500 mAh
Battery
2800 mAh
+12% for winner
—
Display
1.77in TFT Color
—
IP Rating
IP54
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Standard
K5PLUS
Model Number
RT-470X
2500mAh Battery x 1, BAOFENG K5PLUS Two Way Radio x 1, Earpice x 1; Belt Clip x 1; Lanyard x 1, Speaker Mic x 1; USB-C Charging Cable x 1, Standard ANT x 1; Long ANT x 1
Built-In Media
1x Radtel RT-470X Ham Radio,1x 2800mAh Type-C Battery, 1x 7.87-inch Dual Band 145/435 Antenna, 1x 39-inch USB-C Charger Cable, 1x Belt Clip with Metal Piece, 1x English User Manual,1x AC Power Adapter with USB Port (FCC ID: 2AZSA-RT470X)
UHF VHF 1.25M
Frequency Range
144-148/420-450Mhz
CHIRP software, Earpiece, Standard antenna
Compatible Devices
K-connector
Channel Clone, Digital Display, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
Air band RX, Chirp Programming, Multi-band TX/RX, Type-C Charger, Wireless Copy frequency
18 Months Warranty
Warranty Description
1 Year Warranty

Made your choice?

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band

$33.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-470XPICK

$29.99 on Amazon

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