RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Baofeng K5 Plus vs Radtel RT-860
Our pick
Baofeng K5 Plus$22.98
The Baofeng K5 Plus is the clear winner for budget-conscious buyers.
The most important differentiator is price paired with owner satisfaction. Both radios lack published TX power specs and share the same feature set—no DMR, APRS, or GPS. The K5 Plus costs $16 less while being slightly heavier at 290g versus the RT-860's 255g. Where it matters most, the K5 Plus scores 56 to the RT-860's 45, reflecting better listed specifications relative to price. More tellingly, owners report significantly higher satisfaction with the K5 Plus at 4.5/5 from 506 reviews compared to the RT-860's 3.9/5 from 139 reviews. That gap represents real buyer experience across a much larger sample size.
The K5 Plus suits users prioritizing value and owner-reported reliability. The RT-860 appeals only if the lighter weight is essential for your use case, though at $39 you're paying a premium with lower owner satisfaction to show for it.
Get the Baofeng K5 Plus unless weight is a critical factor in your specific application.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Absolute beginner learning basic radio concepts
Its higher rating and focus on new licensees make it the ideal starting point.
Baofeng K5 PlusOperator needing maximum channel memory for scanning
The extra 32 channels provide more capacity for extensive local scanning.
RT-860Budget-conscious buyer prioritizing overall value
It offers excellent features and a very low price point for new users.
Baofeng K5 PlusField tester needing reliable local repeater access
Its specific mention for local repeater operations suggests better local performance.
RT-860Amateur needing a simple, reliable first radio
It is explicitly marketed for new amateur radio licensees.
Baofeng K5 Plus
Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus
- 41% cheaper ($22.98 vs $39.00)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860
- 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
- 35g lighter (255g vs 290g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng K5 PlusPICK
$22.98 on AmazonRadtel RT-860
$39.00 on AmazonMore head-to-heads