RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng K5 Plus vs Retevis HA2
Our pick
Retevis HA2$89.99
The Retevis HA2 edges out the Baofeng K5 Plus, though both radios lack complete specification data that would inform a confident choice.
The most important difference is features: the HA2 includes APRS and Bluetooth connectivity while the K5 Plus offers neither, and the HA2 has IP67 weather sealing versus no rating listed for the K5 Plus. Both support CHIRP programming. We don't have transmit power figures for either radio, which is a significant gap in the data.
Owner feedback heavily favors the HA2, with a 5.0 out of 5 rating reported by owners, though from a small sample of 2 reviews. The K5 Plus has a 4.5 out of 5 rating from 506 reviews, a substantially larger pool. Price differs substantially at 110 dollars versus 23 dollars.
The K5 Plus suits budget-conscious operators who need basic analog FM capability and can tolerate missing specifications. The HA2 is better for users who want digital connectivity features and weather resistance, despite the limited owner feedback.
Choose the HA2 if you want APRS, Bluetooth, and documented weather sealing. Choose the K5 Plus only if price is your primary constraint and you accept purchasing with incomplete information about performance specifications.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious buyer wanting a basic handheld
It costs less than the alternative and covers local VHF and UHF repeaters with analog operation.
Baofeng K5 PlusFirst-time licensee learning basic radio operation
Its simple analog controls and large channel memory make a good first handheld for a new licensee.
Baofeng K5 PlusHiker wanting the lighter of the two radios
At 290 grams it weighs noticeably less than the 403 gram alternative, which matters on long trail days.
Baofeng K5 PlusAPRS operator running portable packet beacons
It supports APRS and Bluetooth, which a basic analog radio cannot offer for packet position reporting.
HA2Field operator needing gear that survives rough weather
Its IP67 rating resists dust and water immersion better than the Baofeng, suiting rugged outdoor use.
HA2Serious hobbyist wanting programming and feature depth
It offers CHIRP compatibility and a higher feature score, giving more room for advanced configuration.
HA2
Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus
- 113g lighter (290g vs 403g)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis HA2
- 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
- Has APRS support
- Has Bluetooth
- IP67 water resistance
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng K5 Plus
Search on AmazonRetevis HA2PICK
$89.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads