RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng UV-5R Mini vs Radtel RT-880G
Our pick
Radtel RT-880G$97.50
The Radtel RT-880G is the stronger choice for most users, though the best pick depends on your needs and budget.
The single most important differentiator is power and features. The RT-880G delivers 10 watts compared to the UV-5R Mini's 2 watts, plus it adds APRS and GPS capabilities that the UV-5R Mini lacks entirely. This makes the Radtel substantially more capable for distance and situational awareness. Both radios support CHIRP programming and have no listed IP rating. Owners report favorably on both, with the UV-5R Mini at 4.6 out of 5 stars from 450 reviews and the RT-880G at 4.4 out of 5 from 152 reviews. The trade-off is weight and cost. The UV-5R Mini weighs 200 grams and costs just 32 dollars, making it genuinely portable and budget friendly. The RT-880G weighs 341 grams and costs 98 dollars.
Buy the UV-5R Mini if budget is your primary concern and you need a lightweight backup or entry level handheld. Buy the RT-880G if you want meaningfully more power, APRS, and GPS in exchange for higher cost and weight.
We recommend the RT-880G for users who can afford it and will actually use the extra features and power.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time licensee learning local repeater operation
Simple controls and a beginner-friendly interface make it the easier choice for learning repeater operation.
UV-5R Mini Dual-bandBudget-constrained buyer wanting a backup radio
Costs less than the alternative while still covering VHF and UHF for basic backup communication.
UV-5R Mini Dual-bandSOTA activator needing position reporting
APRS and GPS support in a 10W radio suits summit activators who want location tracking.
RT-880GARES member sending position reports
Built-in APRS and GPS let members transmit position data during served-agency deployments.
RT-880GLight-pack hiker carrying an emergency radio
At 200g it weighs noticeably less, which suits hikers carrying a radio for emergency use only.
UV-5R Mini Dual-bandOutdoor group needing higher transmit power
Its 10W output outpowers the 2W radio for reaching distant stations from field locations.
RT-880G
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R Mini
- 141g lighter (200g vs 341g)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880G
- 400% more TX power (10W vs 2W)
- 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
- 33% more battery (2400 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-5R Mini
Search on AmazonRadtel RT-880GPICK
$97.50 on AmazonMore head-to-heads