RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026Baofeng 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.
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-26Operator needing dual-band capability for varied locations
The RT95 offers dual-band functionality, expanding coverage beyond single frequencies.
Retevis RT95Portable operator needing maximum range and power
The UV-26 provides high TX power and excellent portability for field use.
Baofeng UV-26Home base station experimentation and local repeater use
Its design is better suited for setting up and experimenting with a fixed home base.
Retevis RT95Budget-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
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-26PICK
$28.21 on AmazonRetevis RT95
$139.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

