Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

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

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?

  • First-time licensee on a tight budget

    Costs less and scores higher on value, making it the stronger entry purchase for a new licensee.

    Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
  • Hiker wanting a lighter, splash-resistant handheld

    Weighs 267 grams and carries an IP54 rating, lighter and better sealed against rain and dust.

    RT-470X
  • Operator wanting 1.25 meter band access

    Adds the 1.25 meter band alongside VHF and UHF, which the other radio does not cover.

    Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
  • Emergency kit buyer needing higher power

    Offers 10 watts of transmit power and 999 memory channels for busy or event-based operating.

    Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
  • Casual local simplex Technician on a simple setup

    Its simpler layout suits casual local simplex use without paying for extra features.

    RT-470X
  • Beginner wanting a multi-band learning tool

    Covers three bands with a higher beginner score, giving new operators more to explore early on.

    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% 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
51
Overall Score
52
+2% for winner
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

Search on Amazon

Radtel RT-470XPICK

Check on Amazon

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons