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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng K5 Plus vs Radtel RT-4D DMR

Our pick

Radtel RT-4D DMR$52.33

The Radtel RT-4D is the clear winner for most users. The most important differentiator is feature set: the RT-4D offers DMR digital mode, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity, while the K5 Plus provides only basic analog FM. The RT-4D is also 92 grams lighter and comes with a known 5-watt transmit power specification.

The K5 Plus costs less than half the price at $23, which appeals to budget-conscious buyers or those wanting a throwaway backup radio, though we lack its transmit power figure. Owners report 4.5 stars across 506 reviews, suggesting widespread satisfaction despite basic functionality. However, the RT-4D's stronger overall score of 76 versus 56 reflects its substantially better specification-to-price ratio. Owners report 4.2 stars from 112 reviews.

Buy the K5 Plus only if budget is your absolute priority and you need nothing beyond analog FM simplex. Buy the RT-4D if you want modern features, lighter weight, or any chance of using DMR repeaters. For nearly everyone else, the Radtel RT-4D delivers significantly more capability at a price still accessible to casual operators.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee learning local repeaters

    Simpler analog operation and a higher beginner score make it the easier starting point.

    Baofeng K5 Plus
  • Budget-minded buyer on a tight spending limit

    Costs less than the alternative while still covering VHF and UHF analog repeaters.

    Baofeng K5 Plus
  • DMR operator needing digital fleet communications

    Only this radio offers DMR, so it is the choice for digital network access.

    RT-4D DMR
  • Portable operator hiking summits with a light pack

    Lighter weight and a higher portability score favor carrying it on long field trips.

    RT-4D DMR
  • Licensed ham wanting GPS and Bluetooth features

    Built-in GPS and Bluetooth give it a much wider feature set than the alternative.

    RT-4D DMR

Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus

  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-4D DMR

  • 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
  • 92g lighter (198g vs 290g)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng K5 PlusSpecRadtel RT-4D DMR
—
Price
$52.33
46
Overall Score
78
+69% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
5.00W
999
Memory Channels
1024
+2% for winner
290g
Weight
198g
+47% difference
—
Battery
3500 mAh
—
Display
LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
UHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
K5 Plus
Model Number
RT-4D
User Manual
Built-In Media
1x Rt-4d Radio, 1x 3500mAh Li-ion battery, 1x Desktop charger, 1x USB-C cable, 1x Dual band antenna, 1x belt clip, 1x Eng user manual
[Frequency-based compatibility]: 136-174 MHz (VHF) and 400-480 MHz (UHF)
Compatible Devices
Two-way radios on 144-148/420-450MHz frequency bands, compatible headsets, and external antennas
Rechargable
Additional Features
Dual Band Analog/Digital , Type C charger, DMR/Analog,, Single Call/Group Call, NOAA, Two-Time Slot,Spectrum, FM Radio
no
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng K5 Plus

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Radtel RT-4D DMRPICK

$52.33 on Amazon

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