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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-26 vs Retevis RT95

Our pick

Baofeng UV-26$28.21

The Baofeng UV-26 is the clear winner here. Despite costing less than a quarter of the RT95's price, it delivers superior performance metrics and a significantly higher overall score of 71 versus 53.

The single most important differentiator is value proposition. The UV-26 offers confirmed 10W transmit power at an exceptional $27 price point, making it difficult to justify the RT95's $126 premium when it doesn't even specify its output wattage. Both radios share identical feature sets regarding DMR, APRS, and GPS capabilities, and both support CHIRP programming, so there's no meaningful functional advantage to the more expensive model.

The Baofeng UV-26 is ideal for budget-conscious operators, beginners, or anyone looking for a reliable backup radio without breaking the bank. The Retevis RT95 might appeal to users with specific durability or ergonomic requirements not captured in these specs, though those would need careful verification before purchase.

For most amateur radio enthusiasts, the Baofeng UV-26 represents exceptional value and delivers better overall performance. Unless you have particular reasons to prefer the RT95 that aren't reflected in the available data, the UV-26 is the smarter choice.

Runner-up
Retevis RT95

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensed operator on a tight budget

    Its low cost and high channel count make it an excellent entry-level choice.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Operator needing dual-band capability for varied locations

    The RT95 offers dual-band functionality, expanding coverage beyond single frequencies.

    Retevis RT95
  • Portable operator needing maximum range and power

    The UV-26 provides high TX power and excellent portability for field use.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Home base station experimentation and local repeater use

    Its design is better suited for setting up and experimenting with a fixed home base.

    Retevis RT95
  • Budget-conscious emergency preparedness use

    The extremely low price point makes it ideal for emergency preparedness kits.

    Baofeng UV-26

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-26

  • 80% cheaper ($28.21 vs $139.99)
  • 5x more memory channels (999 vs 200)

Reasons to choose Retevis RT95

  • No clear advantages in this comparison

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-26SpecRetevis RT95
$28.21
Price
$139.99
71
Overall Score
49
+45% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
999
Memory Channels
200
5.0× difference
2500 mAh
Battery
1.77in TFT Color
Display
TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
color
Black
2
unitCount
11
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
Color
Black
VHF/1.25M/UHF
Tuner Type
Dual band
UV26
Model Number
RT95
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
1 x RT95 Mobile radio, 1 x Power cable, 1 x Handheld mic, 1 x One pack of screw and accessories, 1 x User’s manual, 1 x Magnet Mount Antenna
UV26
Mfr Part Number
FA9129A-J9129A-C9058A
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
Vehicle power supplies, microphones, external antennas, other two-way radios on the same frequency band
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, Dual Band Mobile Transceiver; Mobile Two Way Radio;Mobile Radio for RV Offroad 4x4, Emergency Alarm
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-26PICK

$28.21 on Amazon

Retevis RT95

$139.99 on Amazon

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