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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band vs Retevis RT95

Our pick

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band$25.99

The Baofeng K5 Plus is the clear winner here. Despite costing nearly five times less than the Retevis RT95, it delivers superior overall performance with a 68 versus 53 score and concrete 10W transmit power specifications compared to the RT95's unknown output.

The most important differentiator is price-to-performance ratio. The K5 Plus offers exceptional value for entry-level operators who need tri-band capability without breaking the bank, while the RT95's significantly higher cost fails to justify its lower performance metrics on paper.

The Baofeng K5 Plus is ideal for budget-conscious beginners or operators testing different bands before investing in premium equipment. The Retevis RT95 makes sense only if you have specific operational requirements not captured by these specs or need Retevis's particular warranty and support ecosystem.

The K5 Plus should be your default choice unless you have documented reasons to prefer the RT95. Get the Baofeng, learn on it, and upgrade to something genuinely premium once you know what features matter for your use case. Spending five times more for worse scores is difficult to justify no matter the brand loyalty.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensed amateur radio operator

    Its high channel count and lower price make it ideal for learning multiple bands.

    Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
  • Budget-conscious mobile base station setup

    The dedicated dual-band capability is better suited for home base experimentation.

    Retevis RT95
  • Portable operations for POTA/SOTA events

    Its superior value and portability make it excellent for temporary field use.

    Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
  • Operator needing advanced digital features

    While both support CHIRP, the RT95 is better for dedicated mobile setups.

    Retevis RT95
  • Buyer prioritizing maximum channel capacity

    With 999 channels, the Baofeng offers significantly more frequency flexibility.

    Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band

Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band

  • 81% cheaper ($25.99 vs $139.99)
  • 5x more memory channels (999 vs 200)

Reasons to choose Retevis RT95

  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-BandSpecRetevis RT95
$25.99
Price
$139.99
68
Overall Score
49
+39% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
999
Memory Channels
200
5.0× difference
2500 mAh
Battery
Display
TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
11
Black
Color
Black
16 ounces
Item Weight
645 Grams
K5PLUS
Model Number
RT95
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
1 x RT95 Mobile radio, 1 x Power cable, 1 x Handheld mic, 1 x One pack of screw and accessories, 1 x User’s manual, 1 x Magnet Mount Antenna
UHF VHF 1.25M
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
CHIRP software, Earpiece, Standard antenna
Compatible Devices
Vehicle power supplies, microphones, external antennas, other two-way radios on the same frequency band
Channel Clone, Digital Display, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
Dual Band, Dual Band Mobile Transceiver; Mobile Two Way Radio;Mobile Radio for RV Offroad 4x4, Emergency Alarm
18 Months Warranty
Warranty Description
We provide 2 year warranty and 30 days no reason to return;2 year warranty for radio body and 1 year warranty for accessories. Beyond the warranty period: We still offer maintain service, buyers are required to afford corresponding costs. We processed in the most hassle-free way possible.You just need to contact with us on Amazon ,we will reply you within 12 hours
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-BandPICK

$25.99 on Amazon

Retevis RT95

$139.99 on Amazon

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