Baofeng UV-28 vs Retevis HA2

The Retevis HA2 is the clear winner here, despite commanding double the price of the Baofeng UV-28. The single most important differentiator is feature set versus cost trade-off. While the UV-28 is undeniably budget-friendly at $47, the HA2 justifies its $100 price tag with APRS capability—a feature that adds genuine utility for emergency communication and tracking scenarios. The HA2's higher overall score of 63 versus 54 reflects this meaningfully better capability profile.

The Baofeng UV-28 makes sense for beginners experimenting with handheld radio on an absolute shoestring budget or as a throwaway backup radio. The Retevis HA2 suits operators who plan to actually use APRS features for outdoor activities, emergency preparedness, or regular communication work.

For most amateur radio operators seeking a capable handheld that won't break the bank, the Retevis HA2 represents better long-term value. The extra $53 investment yields features you'll actually use. Only choose the UV-28 if budget is your singular concern and features don't matter.