RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026Baofeng K5 Plus vs Baofeng UV-28
Our pick
Baofeng UV-28$40.99
The Baofeng K5 Plus is the clear winner here, despite the UV-28's GPS advantage. While both radios suffer from incomplete specifications and lack CHIRP programmability, the K5 Plus edges ahead with a higher overall score of 57 versus 54, better value at $25 versus $47, and comparable feature sets otherwise.
The single most important differentiator is price. The K5 Plus costs nearly half as much as the UV-28, making it the smarter choice for budget-conscious operators who don't specifically need GPS functionality.
The K5 Plus suits newcomers wanting to explore handheld operation without significant financial commitment, while the UV-28 appeals to users who prioritize location tracking capabilities enough to justify the premium price.
However, neither radio is ideal. Both show concerning gaps in manufacturer specifications and lack CHIRP support, which limits programming flexibility. Before purchasing either, verify current specs and consider alternatives from manufacturers who provide complete technical documentation. If you absolutely need GPS in this price range, the UV-28 justifies its cost, but the K5 Plus remains the better general recommendation.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Absolute beginner learning basic radio concepts
Its focus on analog VHF/UHF makes it ideal for learning core radio principles.
Baofeng K5 PlusSOTA/POTA activators needing location tracking
The integrated GPS feature is invaluable for documenting and coordinating field activities.
UV-28Budget-conscious user prioritizing low entry cost
The K5 Plus offers excellent value for basic, foundational radio operation.
Baofeng K5 PlusEmergency preparedness and ARES/RACES use
Its dual-band capability and GPS support make it better for emergency deployment.
UV-28Advanced user needing maximum channel memory
The 1000-channel memory provides slightly more flexibility for complex setups.
UV-28
Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus
- 42% cheaper ($23.64 vs $40.99)
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28
- 0% more memory channels (1,000 vs 999)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- Has color TFT display
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng K5 Plus
$23.64 on AmazonBaofeng UV-28PICK
$40.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

