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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-28 vs Radtel RT-730

Our pick

Baofeng UV-28$58.99

The Baofeng UV-28 edges out the Radtel RT-730 for better listed specifications at a competitive price point. Both radios match on core transmit power at 10 watts and support CHIRP programming, with owners reporting identical 4.1/5 satisfaction across different sample sizes. The UV-28's GPS capability is the decisive differentiator, providing location tracking that the RT-730 lacks. The UV-28 scores higher overall because its extra feature delivers more capability for the money, though we lack weight data for the RT-730 so cannot fully evaluate portability comparison.

The UV-28's $4 price premium is justified by GPS functionality, which matters for emergency situations, repeater hunting, or field operations. The RT-730 remains a solid budget option if you need basic VHF/UHF performance and price is paramount, though its feature set is more stripped-down.

Buy the Baofeng UV-28 if you want location tracking and value-added features for minimal extra cost. Choose the Radtel RT-730 only if you need the absolute lowest price and GPS is irrelevant to your use case.

The UV-28 is the better overall choice for most amateur operators.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious beginner ham radio operator

    The RT-730 offers excellent value and strong CHIRP support for new users.

    RT-730
  • SOTA activators needing GPS and high channel count

    The UV-28's built-in GPS and higher channel count are ideal for field operations.

    UV-28
  • Emergency communications and ARES deployment

    Its robust feature set makes it excellent for coordinated emergency radio deployment.

    UV-28
  • Technician prioritizing reliable output and CHIRP

    The RT-730's focus on reliable TX power and CHIRP makes it a technician's choice.

    RT-730
  • Portable field day backup radio

    The RT-730 provides reliable performance and CHIRP support for field day needs.

    RT-730

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28

  • 5x more memory channels (1,000 vs 199)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-730

  • 34% cheaper ($39.00 vs $58.99)
  • 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-28SpecRadtel RT-730
$58.99
Price
$39.00
75
Overall Score
63
+19% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
1000
Memory Channels
199
5.0× difference
360g
Weight
—
2200 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+14% for winner
Color LCD
Display
LCD
On file, scope unconfirmed
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV-28 Plus
Model Number
RT-730
1 x Headset, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Wrist Strap, 1 x High-Gain ANT, 1 x Speaker Mic, 1 x UV-28 PLUS Ham Radio, 2 x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery, 1 x Desktop Charger with Adapter
Built-In Media
1 RT-730 Ham Radio, 1xProgramming Cable,1x 2500mAh Li-ion Battery Pack, 1x Standard Long Antenna, 1x Desktop charger, 1x belt clip, 1x user manual
UHF VHF
Frequency Range
144-148MHZ / 420-450MHZ
QYWBAUVEBPSB21
Mfr Part Number
RT-730
Repeater, Smartphone
Compatible Devices
Two-way radios on the same frequency band, compatible accessories like headsets, earpieces, or external antennas, and computers for programming.
CHIRP Compatible, Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Wireless APP Programmable
Additional Features
16-630Mhz Receiver, Long Range, High quality resolution LCD, Type C charging, Full band radio am/fm/air/cb/ham/noaa/short wave receiver
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-28PICK

$58.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-730

$39.00 on Amazon

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