RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng K5 Plus vs Retevis RA79
Our pick
Retevis RA79$34.99
The Baofeng K5 Plus edges out the Retevis RA79, but the margin is slim and depends on your priorities.
Both radios share identical feature sets: no digital modes, no GPS, no Bluetooth, and no weather sealing. The listed specs are effectively tied except for weight. The K5 Plus weighs 290 grams while the RA79 weighs 225 grams, making the RA79 noticeably lighter. Both support CHIRP programming and show equivalent owner satisfaction at 4.5 stars, though the K5 Plus has more reviews (506 vs 278), suggesting broader real-world usage data.
The real differentiator is price. At $23 versus $31, the K5 Plus costs $8 less while scoring slightly higher on RadioRanked's composite metric. That price advantage matters for budget-conscious buyers.
The K5 Plus is the better choice if price is your primary concern and you don't mind carrying an extra 65 grams. The RA79 suits anyone who values portability enough to pay the premium for a lighter radio.
Go with the Baofeng K5 Plus unless weight is critical to your use case.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious buyer wanting the lowest entry cost
Costs less than the alternative while covering the same VHF and UHF amateur bands.
Baofeng K5 PlusFirst-time licensee learning radio basics
Its higher beginner-friendliness and CHIRP programming support make it easier for newcomers to learn.
RA79Operator wanting 1.25m band access
Covers the 1.25m band alongside VHF and UHF, which the Baofeng does not offer.
RA79Hiker prioritizing a lighter handheld on trails
At 225 grams it is noticeably lighter than the 290 gram alternative for long days outdoors.
RA79Casual local repeater monitoring on a tight budget
Its 999-channel memory handles large local repeater lists at a lower cost.
Baofeng K5 Plus
Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus
- 5x more memory channels (999 vs 200)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis RA79
- 65g lighter (225g vs 290g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng K5 Plus
Search on AmazonRetevis RA79PICK
$34.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads