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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-25 vs Radtel RT-730

Our pick

Baofeng UV-25$63.99

The UV-25 is the better value here, offering more listed specifications for the money despite its higher price tag.

Both radios share identical transmit power at 10 watts and both support CHIRP programming, making them functionally equivalent on core specs. The UV-25's GPS capability is the single most important differentiator, giving you location tracking that the RT-730 lacks. We don't have weight data for the RT-730, so we cannot compare portability. RadioRanked's score gap reflects the UV-25's GPS feature and stronger owner feedback: 4.3 stars from 89 reviews versus the RT-730's 4.1 stars from 176 reviews. Both ratings indicate solid owner satisfaction.

The RT-730 appeals to buyers on a strict budget who don't need GPS and want the absolute lowest entry price. The UV-25 suits operators who value GPS positioning, can spend the extra fifteen dollars, and prefer the stronger owner rating based on a meaningful sample size.

Go with the UV-25 if GPS matters to your operations or you want the radio that delivers more features per dollar. Choose the RT-730 only if your budget is fixed at thirty-nine dollars and GPS is irrelevant to your needs.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Beginner needing basic reliable field radio

    Its lower price point and CHIRP support make it ideal for new hams.

    RT-730
  • Intermediate operator needing advanced features

    The UV-25 offers superior features like GPS and higher channel capacity.

    UV-25
  • Budget-conscious ham prioritizing CHIRP support

    It provides reliable, necessary features at a significantly lower cost.

    RT-730
  • Advanced operator needing coordinate sharing and APRS

    The integrated GPS and APRS focus make it superior for field coordinate work.

    UV-25
  • Ham needing a simple, dependable backup radio

    Its simplicity and reliability make it a perfect, cost-effective backup unit.

    RT-730

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-25

  • 5x more memory channels (999 vs 199)
  • 108% more battery (5200 mAh vs 2500 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-730

  • 39% cheaper ($39.00 vs $63.99)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-25SpecRadtel RT-730
$63.99
Price
$39.00
73
Overall Score
63
+16% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
999
Memory Channels
199
5.0× difference
408g
Weight
—
5200 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
2.1× difference
Color LCD
Display
LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV-25 Plus
Model Number
RT-730
5200mAh Li-ion Battery x 1, Type-C Charging Cable x 1, Adapter x 1, Gooseneck ANT x 1, High-Gain ANT x 1, Radio Pouch x 1, Belt Clip x 1, Wrist Strap x 1, Speaker Mic x 1, Headset x 1, UV-25 Plus Radio x 1
Built-In Media
1 RT-730 Ham Radio, 1xProgramming Cable,1x 2500mAh Li-ion Battery Pack, 1x Standard Long Antenna, 1x Desktop charger, 1x belt clip, 1x user manual
UHF VHF 1.25M
Frequency Range
144-148MHZ / 420-450MHZ
Repeater
Compatible Devices
Two-way radios on the same frequency band, compatible accessories like headsets, earpieces, or external antennas, and computers for programming.
2" Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Rechargable with USB-C Port, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
16-630Mhz Receiver, Long Range, High quality resolution LCD, Type C charging, Full band radio am/fm/air/cb/ham/noaa/short wave receiver
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-25PICK

$63.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-730

$39.00 on Amazon

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