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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-25 vs Radtel RT-880G

Our pick

Baofeng UV-25$63.99

The UV-25 offers better listed specs for the money at nearly half the price, but the choice depends on your specific needs.

Both radios match on transmit power at 10W and include GPS, making them equally capable for basic location tracking. The critical difference is that the RT-880G adds APRS capability, which the UV-25 lacks. APRS is essential if you plan to transmit position data to the APRS network. The RT-880G is also significantly lighter at 341g versus 408g, and the UV-25 supports CHIRP programming while the RT-880G does not.

Owners of both radios report similar satisfaction, with the RT-880G slightly ahead at 4.4/5 from 152 reviews versus 4.3/5 from 89 reviews. This suggests comparable real-world performance from both.

Buy the UV-25 if you need CHIRP support, don't require APRS, and want to save $44. Buy the RT-880G if APRS functionality is important to you or if the lighter weight matters for all-day carry.

For most users without specific APRS requirements, the UV-25 provides better value. If APRS is on your roadmap, the RT-880G justifies the premium despite its lower score.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Technician moving to intermediate field use

    Its higher TX power and feature set make it a better step up for advanced operations.

    UV-25
  • Budget-conscious SOTA activators and field groups

    It offers necessary multi-mode versatility and APRS features at a lower cost.

    RT-880G
  • Operators needing robust backup for emergency comms

    The superior general features and higher power output provide better reliability.

    UV-25
  • New hobbyist needing basic multi-band coverage

    Its beginner-friendly focus and specialized features suit a newcomer's needs.

    RT-880G
  • Advanced users needing maximum channel capacity

    The 1024 channel memory provides more room for complex, dedicated operation plans.

    RT-880G

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-25

  • 25% cheaper ($63.99 vs $85.80)
  • 117% more battery (5200 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880G

  • 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
  • 67g lighter (341g vs 408g)
  • Has APRS support

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-25SpecRadtel RT-880G
$63.99
Price
$85.80
73
Overall Score
70
+4% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
999
Memory Channels
1024
+2% for winner
408g
Weight
341g
+19% difference
5200 mAh
Battery
2400 mAh
2.2× difference
Color LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Standard
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
UV-25 Plus
Model Number
RT-880G
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
1x RT-880G Main unit, 1x 2400mAh 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
UHF VHF 1.25M
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Repeater
Compatible Devices
Radtel two-way radios, devices on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies, compatible external antennas
2" Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Rechargable with USB-C Port, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
GPS/APRS, AM FM SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
5.91"D x 1.97"W x 2.76"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.26"D x 2.36"W x 12"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-25PICK

$63.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-880G

$85.80 on Amazon

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