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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-5R Plus vs Quansheng TK11

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5R Plus$16.79

The Baofeng UV-5R Plus is the clear winner for most users. Both radios lack the same advanced features (DMR, APRS, GPS) and neither specifies transmit power, so they're functionally similar on paper. The decisive factor is price: the UV-5R Plus costs one-fifth as much as the TK11 while offering CHIRP compatibility for easier programming. Owners of the UV-5R Plus report satisfaction at 4.5 out of 5 across 1,818 reviews, giving you substantial real-world feedback. The TK11's 4.2 rating comes from only 15 reviews, providing far less evidence of user experience.

The UV-5R Plus should be your choice if you want a budget-friendly entry point with proven owner satisfaction and programming flexibility. The TK11 might interest you only if you specifically prefer its slightly heavier build or have a particular reason to avoid CHIRP-compatible radios, though the price premium is hard to justify given the limited owner feedback available.

Buy the UV-5R Plus for practical value and established user confidence. Buy the TK11 only if its specific design appeals to you enough to warrant nearly five times the cost.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious beginner needing basic VHF/UHF

    The UV-5R Plus offers superior features and memory management for the price.

    UV-5R PLUS [5 Colors]
  • Casual local simplex communication only

    The TK11's simpler analog design might be sufficient for very basic local use.

    TK11
  • Emergency preparedness and backup comms

    Its advanced features and memory capacity make it better for reliable emergency operations.

    UV-5R PLUS [5 Colors]
  • Advanced operator needing digital modes

    The UV-5R Plus supports necessary digital modes and advanced features the TK11 lacks.

    UV-5R PLUS [5 Colors]
  • New licensee needing a very simple loaner radio

    The TK11's limited feature set is ideal for a simple, basic loaner radio.

    TK11

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R Plus

  • 83% cheaper ($16.79 vs $96.99)
  • 34g lighter (250g vs 284g)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Quansheng TK11

  • 8x more memory channels (999 vs 128)
  • 67% more battery (3000 mAh vs 1800 mAh)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5R PlusSpecQuansheng TK11
$16.79
Price
$96.99
64
Overall Score
33
+92% for winner
128
Memory Channels
999
7.7× difference
250g
Weight
284g
+14% difference
1800 mAh
Battery
3000 mAh
+67% for winner
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black-2Pack-AR-771
Color
Black
UV-5R
Model Number
UV-K5
2X1800mAh battery, 2XBelt&Sling, 2xAR-771, 2xRadio, Earpiece
Built-In Media
Handheld Radio
VHF UHF
Frequency Range
350-490 MHz
FR1024-677
Mfr Part Number
Uni-TK11-8
Two-way radios supporting UHF VHF frequencies
Compatible Devices
Smartphone
Battery Saver Mode, Dual Band, Emergency Alarm, Long Range, Rechargable
Additional Features
Dual Band, Lightweight, Long Range, Rechargable
no
Warranty Description
This item can be returned in its original condition for a refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5R PlusPICK

$16.79 on Amazon

Quansheng TK11

$96.99 on Amazon

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