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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-25 vs Retevis A3

Our pick

Retevis A3$109.99

The UV-25 is the clear winner for most users.

The most important differentiator is the TX power specification. The UV-25 delivers 10W, while the A3's transmit power is unlisted. This missing data leaves the A3 at a disadvantage since power output is fundamental to radio capability. The UV-25 also includes GPS, CHIRP support, and a higher owner rating of 4.3/5 from 89 reviews versus the A3's 3.6/5 from 31 reviews. Owners report more satisfaction with the UV-25 across a larger sample. The A3 is lighter at 286g versus 408g, but this modest weight difference rarely justifies sacrificing power and features.

The UV-25 should be your choice if you need confirmed TX power, GPS capability, and CHIRP programmability with stronger owner feedback. The A3 might appeal only to weight-conscious users who need a bare-bones radio and don't mind the unknown TX power specification, though the lower owner rating raises questions.

Buy the UV-25. It has better specifications where we have data, works with CHIRP, includes GPS, costs less (though the A3's exact price is known), and owners report notably better satisfaction. The A3's advantages don't outweigh these gaps.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious first-time licensee

    Costs less and weighs 286g, making it a sensible starting point for a new licensee.

    A3
  • Lightweight daily carry or hiking

    At 286g versus 408g, the Retevis A3 is the easier radio to carry all day.

    A3
  • Operators needing higher transmit power

    The 10W transmitter gives the UV-25 more reach for distant repeater and simplex contacts.

    UV-25
  • NOAA weather and repeater monitoring

    The Retevis A3 is built for NOAA monitoring and repeater use without extra features to learn.

    A3
  • Technician growing into intermediate use

    Multi-band coverage, CHIRP programming, and 999 channels leave room to grow beyond basic use.

    UV-25

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-25

  • 108% more battery (5200 mAh vs 2500 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Retevis A3

  • 122g lighter (286g vs 408g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-25SpecRetevis A3
—
Price
$109.99
61
Overall Score
27
2.3× difference
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
999
Memory Channels
999
408g
Weight
286g
+43% difference
5200 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
2.1× difference
Color LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Green
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-25PICK

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