RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Baofeng 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-25Budget-conscious SOTA activators and field groups
It offers necessary multi-mode versatility and APRS features at a lower cost.
RT-880GOperators needing robust backup for emergency comms
The superior general features and higher power output provide better reliability.
UV-25New hobbyist needing basic multi-band coverage
Its beginner-friendly focus and specialized features suit a newcomer's needs.
RT-880GAdvanced 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
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-25PICK
$63.99 on AmazonRadtel RT-880G
$85.80 on AmazonKeep researching
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