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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-28 vs Quansheng UV-K5(8)

Our pick

Baofeng UV-28$40.99

The Quansheng UV-K5(8) is the clear winner here. It scores higher overall, costs $16 less, and actually specifies its 5W transmit power, while the Baofeng UV-28 leaves this critical spec unknown. The single most important differentiator is price-to-performance ratio: you're getting a radio with a documented higher score for substantially less money.

The UV-28's only real advantage is GPS capability, which matters only if you specifically need position tracking and can't use your phone. For most users, this feature doesn't justify the higher cost and lower performance rating. Both radios share identical limitations—no DMR, APRS, or CHIRP support—so you're not sacrificing modern features either way.

Buy the Quansheng UV-K5(8) if you want better value and proven performance metrics. Buy the Baofeng UV-28 only if GPS tracking is a must-have requirement and you're willing to pay more for an unspecified power output.

Go with the Quansheng. It's cheaper, better-reviewed, and doesn't hide its specifications.

Winner
Baofeng UV-28

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious beginner needing basic VHF/UHF

    Its lower price and simple feature set make it ideal for a first-time, basic licensee.

    Quansheng UV-K5(8)
  • SOTA/POTA activators needing GPS and high channels

    The built-in GPS and larger channel memory support complex field operations.

    UV-28
  • Emergency preparedness or ARES/RACES use

    Its robust feature set and higher channel count are better suited for emergency deployment.

    UV-28
  • Minimalist buyer needing absolute lowest cost

    This radio offers the lowest entry cost for a functional, basic ham radio.

    Quansheng UV-K5(8)
  • Advanced user needing more than basic features

    The UV-28 provides more features and channels, supporting more complex operating modes.

    UV-28

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28

  • 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
  • 5x more memory channels (1,000 vs 200)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Quansheng UV-K5(8)

  • 24% cheaper ($30.99 vs $40.99)
  • IP65 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-28SpecQuansheng UV-K5(8)
$40.99
Price
$30.99
77
Overall Score
69
+11% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
2.0× difference
1000
Memory Channels
200
5.0× difference
2200 mAh
Battery
Color LCD
Display
LCD
IP Rating
IP65
On file, scope unconfirmed
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
1
unitCount
1
16 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF
1 Pounds
Item Weight
0.2 Kilograms
UV-28 Plus
Model Number
UV-K5(8)
Repeater, Smartphone
Compatible Devices
Earphones, Type-C charging devices
CHIRP Compatible, Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Wireless APP Programmable
Additional Features
Dual Band

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-28PICK

$40.99 on Amazon

Quansheng UV-K5(8)

$30.99 on Amazon

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