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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng K5 Plus vs Radtel RT-920

Our pick

Radtel RT-920$47.04

The Radtel RT-920 is the better choice for most buyers.

The single most important differentiator is TX power. The RT-920 delivers a specified 8W, while the K5 Plus lists no TX power figure at all. We cannot assess the K5's actual output. For practical radio use, power matters significantly. The RT-920 also includes Bluetooth, which the K5 Plus lacks, enabling wireless audio and programming without a cable.

The K5 Plus costs half as much at $23, and owners report it favorably at 4.5/5 stars from 506 reviews. That large review count represents genuine buyer feedback. However, the budget price and positive ratings do not compensate for unknown output specs that affect basic radio function.

The Radtel costs $47 with documented 8W TX power and Bluetooth connectivity. Owners rate it 4.3/5 from 119 reviews, showing solid approval despite fewer reviews to draw from. Both radios support CHIRP programming.

Buy the K5 Plus only if you want maximum budget savings and acceptable general reviews carry enough confidence for your use case. Buy the RT-920 if you need confirmed TX power output and wireless capability, and can spend twice the price. For most amateur radio operators, the RT-920's specified power and features justify the cost difference.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee learning radio programming basics

    Its analog VHF and UHF simplicity and large memory suit someone learning basic programming without extra cost.

    Baofeng K5 Plus
  • Budget-conscious buyer prioritizing lowest purchase cost

    It costs less than the alternative while still covering VHF and UHF for local repeater use.

    Baofeng K5 Plus
  • Casual monitoring with a large channel list

    Its 999 memory channels exceed the other radio's 960, leaving room for many frequencies.

    Baofeng K5 Plus
  • Shack companion or go-bag user needing more power

    Its 8 watt transmit power and Bluetooth support make it more capable for go-bag and shack use.

    RT-920
  • Field operators wanting Bluetooth and a broader feature set

    It offers a broader feature set, including Bluetooth, for operators who want more than basic analog use.

    RT-920

Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus

  • 4% more memory channels (999 vs 960)
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-920

  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng K5 PlusSpecRadtel RT-920
—
Price
$47.04
46
Overall Score
69
+49% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
8.00W
999
Memory Channels
960
+4% for winner
290g
Weight
—
—
Battery
2200 mAh
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Standard
UHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
K5 Plus
Model Number
RT-920
User Manual
Built-In Media
1x RT-920 Main unit, 1x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English User Manual
[Frequency-based compatibility]: 136-174 MHz (VHF) and 400-480 MHz (UHF)
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, USB-C devices
Rechargable
Additional Features
Bluetooth programming,noise reduction, Type-c,AM/FM Reception,Spectrum
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-920PICK

$47.04 on Amazon

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