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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-26 vs Quansheng TK11

Our pick

Baofeng UV-26$28.21

The Baofeng UV-26 is the clear winner here. This is a straightforward decision driven by dramatically different overall quality scores and price-to-performance value.

The single most important differentiator is the overall score gap. The UV-26's 71/100 rating towers over the TK11's 26/100, suggesting the Baofeng is significantly more reliable, user-friendly, and capable in real-world operation. Combined with a price advantage of $70, the UV-26 offers exceptional value that the TK11 cannot match at any price point.

The Baofeng UV-26 is ideal for budget-conscious operators, newcomers to amateur radio, or anyone seeking a dependable second radio without breaking the bank. The Quansheng TK11 might appeal only to someone with specific legacy requirements or compatibility needs with older systems, though its poor score makes even that recommendation difficult to justify.

Buy the Baofeng UV-26. The combination of confirmed 10W transmission power, CHIRP compatibility for easy programming, and significantly superior overall ratings makes it the only sensible choice. The TK11's low score suggests serious quality or performance issues that no price consideration can overcome at the $97 level.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • New amateur radio licensee

    It offers superior features and coverage for a very low entry price point.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Ultra budget, simple local communication

    Its limited feature set and lower cost make it perfect for basic local use.

    TK11
  • Emergency preparedness and preppers

    The high power and memory capacity support diverse emergency communication needs.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Casual, non-technical family radio use

    The simpler operation and lower cost are ideal for non-ham radio users.

    TK11
  • Operator needing VHF/UHF/1.25m coverage

    This radio provides the necessary multi-band capability for varied operating environments.

    Baofeng UV-26

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-26

  • 71% cheaper ($28.21 vs $96.99)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Quansheng TK11

  • 20% more battery (3000 mAh vs 2500 mAh)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-26SpecQuansheng TK11
$28.21
Price
$96.99
71
Overall Score
34
2.1× difference
10.00W
TX Power (High)
999
Memory Channels
999
2500 mAh
Battery
3000 mAh
+20% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
color
Black
2
unitCount
1
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
Color
Black
UV26
Model Number
UV-K5
①1X UV26 Ham Radio, ②1X 6.1" antenna, ③1X 15.12" 771 antenna, ④1X 10.63" 771 Air-band antenna, ⑤1X 2500mAh Battery, ⑥1X Type-C charger with cable, ⑦1X earpiece with mic, ⑧1X belt, ⑨1X hand strap, ⑩1X charging base station, 10WHTC, 2500mAh Battery, 10WHTC Charger, USB Cable
Built-In Media
Handheld Radio
UV26
Mfr Part Number
Uni-TK11-8
BAOFENG UV26 Ham Radios, other devices on the same frequency bands and channels, CHIRP, CPS, TIDRADIO wireless programmer, earpiece, belt, hand strap, charging base station
Compatible Devices
Smartphone
771 Antenna, Air-band antenna, Superior grip, Enhanced design, Wider frequency band, 10W power, USB C charging, 1.77inch colour screen, Frequency copy
Additional Features
Dual Band, Lightweight, Long Range, Rechargable
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-26PICK

$28.21 on Amazon

Quansheng TK11

$96.99 on Amazon

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