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RadioRanked

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-25 vs Retevis RA79

Our pick

Retevis RA79$34.99

$34.99 on Amazon

The Retevis RA79 is the better choice for most users. Both radios offer nearly identical feature sets with CHIRP compatibility and no digital mode support, making the specs effectively tied. The decisive factors are price and what owners report. The RA79 costs just $31 compared to an unknown price for the UV-25, and owners give it a slightly higher rating (4.5/5 from 278 reviews versus 4.3/5 from 89 reviews). The UV-25 offers more transmission power at 10W and includes GPS, but we lack the RA79's TX power specification, so we cannot fully compare performance capabilities. The RA79's significantly lighter weight of 225g versus 408g may matter for extended pocket carry.

Buy the Retevis RA79 if you want an affordable, lightweight radio with strong owner feedback. Buy the Baofeng UV-25 only if GPS functionality and higher TX power are essential to your use case and justify the unknown additional cost.

The RA79 merits recommendation as the value choice, though the UV-25 may suit specific GPS-dependent applications if its price proves competitive.

Winner
Baofeng UV-25
Baofeng UV-25
Check on Amazon
See full review and specs
Runner-up
Retevis RA79
Retevis RA79

$34.99

$34.99 on Amazon
See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Cost-conscious newcomer exploring amateur bands

    Costs less and offers a simpler layout, which suits a newcomer learning the basics on a budget.

    RA79

  • Lightweight field operator on long hikes

    At 225g it is far lighter than the Baofeng, making it better for long hikes.

    RA79

  • Technician growing into intermediate operation

    Its 10W transmit power and 999-channel memory leave room to grow beyond basic use.

    UV-25

  • Emergency backup radio buyer

    Higher transmit power and larger channel memory make it the better backup for emergency operations.

    UV-25

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-25

  • 5x more memory channels (999 vs 200)
  • 271% more battery (5200 mAh vs 1400 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Retevis RA79

  • 183g lighter (225g vs 408g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-25SpecRetevis RA79
—
Price
$34.99
61
Overall Score
60
+2% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
999
Memory Channels
200
5.0× difference
408g
Weight
225g
+82% difference
5200 mAh
Battery
1400 mAh
3.7× difference
Color LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
[POSSIBLY] Digital
UV-25 Plus
Model Number
RA79
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 x USB Desktop Charger, 1x RA79 Radio Body & Antenna, Battery, Belt Clip, User Manual
UHF VHF 1.25M
Frequency Range
Dual Band
Repeater
Compatible Devices
[Wide range of CHIRP-compatible devices]
2" Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Rechargable with USB-C Port, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
Emergency Alarm, Frequency copy, Lightweight, Long Range, Weather Alert
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
We provide 2 year warranty and 30 days no reason to return;2 year warranty for radio body and 1 year warranty for accessories. Beyond the warranty period: We still offer maintain service, buyers are required to afford corresponding costs. We processed in the most hassle-free way possible.You just need to contact with us on Amazon ,we will reply you within 12 hours
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
1.48"D x 2.36"W x 4.53"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-25PICK

Check on Amazon

Retevis RA79

$34.99 on Amazon

More head-to-heads

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