RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026Baofeng UV-28 vs Retevis RT95
Our pick
Baofeng UV-28$40.99
The Baofeng UV-28 is the clear winner here, though the margin is razor-thin. Both radios score virtually identically on performance metrics, but the UV-28 costs less than 40 percent of the RT95's price while maintaining a slightly higher overall score. The single most important differentiator is value for money. At $47, you're getting comparable core functionality to a radio costing nearly three times as much, and the UV-28 includes GPS capability that the RT95 lacks entirely.
The Baofeng UV-28 should appeal to budget-conscious operators who want basic dual-band handheld capability without breaking the bank. The Retevis RT95 makes sense only if CHIRP programming support is essential to your workflow and you can justify the premium price for that convenience.
For most amateur radio operators, particularly those new to the hobby or building a budget-conscious repeater kit, the UV-28 delivers better value proposition. However, verify that unknown TX power rating before purchasing, as this missing specification is a notable gap in the comparison data that could affect your decision.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Ultra-budget entry-level operator
The UV-28 offers excellent features and monitoring for the lowest possible price.
UV-28New operator needing learning features
The RT95's CHIRP support and higher beginner score make it ideal for learning modes.
Retevis RT95Portable SOTA/POTA field activators
The UV-28's strong axes in field coordination and GPS make it perfect for outdoor use.
UV-28Home base station experimentation
The RT95 is better suited for home setups due to its higher memory and CHIRP capability.
Retevis RT95Emergency/ARES/RACES deployment
The UV-28 is specifically listed for ARES/RACES, making it a reliable choice for emergency use.
UV-28Operator needing advanced digital modes
The RT95's inclusion of CHIRP gives it superior capability for modern digital modes.
Retevis RT95
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28
- 71% cheaper ($40.99 vs $139.99)
- 5x more memory channels (1,000 vs 200)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
Reasons to choose Retevis RT95
- No clear advantages in this comparison
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-28PICK
$40.99 on AmazonRetevis RT95
$139.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

