RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Baofeng 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.
TK11Emergency 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
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-5R PlusPICK
$16.79 on AmazonQuansheng TK11
$96.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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