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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-5R Plus vs Radtel RT-880

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5R Plus$16.79

The Baofeng UV-5R Plus is the clear winner here. Both radios offer identical core features—neither supports DMR, APRS, or GPS—making this decision straightforward: you're choosing based on price and what owners report.

The most important differentiator is cost paired with owner feedback. The UV-5R Plus costs $20 versus $74 for the Radtel, yet owners rate them similarly at 4.5 and 4.3 stars respectively. The UV-5R Plus also supports CHIRP programming, a significant practical advantage for frequency management. We lack TX power figures for both and weight data for the Radtel, but these gaps don't change the underlying value proposition.

The UV-5R Plus suits budget-conscious operators who want programmability and proven owner satisfaction at entry-level pricing. The Radtel appeals only if you specifically need features we haven't listed or prefer its particular form factor, though the higher price demands justification.

Buy the Baofeng UV-5R Plus. You'll save $54 on radios with effectively identical capabilities, gain CHIRP support, and benefit from feedback from nearly 1,800 owners. Unless the Radtel offers something specific to your needs that we haven't captured here, the math doesn't favor spending nearly four times as much.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner starting HAM radio

    Its simple operation and lower cost make it ideal for initial learning.

    UV-5R PLUS [5 Colors]
  • Experienced operator needing high channel count

    The significantly higher channel memory supports complex multi-region operations.

    RT-880
  • Budget-conscious prepper for emergency comms

    It offers essential VHF/UHF functionality at a very low entry price point.

    UV-5R PLUS [5 Colors]
  • Technician needing multi-band coverage for work

    Its dedicated multi-band nature is better suited for diverse operational areas.

    RT-880
  • Casual field operation on a tight budget

    It provides enough features and portability without breaking the bank.

    UV-5R PLUS [5 Colors]

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R Plus

  • 74% cheaper ($16.79 vs $65.12)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880

  • 8x more memory channels (1,024 vs 128)
  • 33% more battery (2400 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5R PlusSpecRadtel RT-880
$16.79
Price
$65.12
64
Overall Score
54
+19% for winner
128
Memory Channels
1024
7.7× difference
250g
Weight
—
1800 mAh
Battery
2400 mAh
+33% for winner
—
Display
TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
Black-2Pack-AR-771
Color
Standard
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.38 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
VHF UHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
UV-5R
Model Number
RT-880
2X1800mAh battery, 2XBelt&Sling, 2xAR-771, 2xRadio, Earpiece
Built-In Media
1x RT-880 Main unit, 1x 2400mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English User Manual
VHF UHF
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
FR1024-677
Mfr Part Number
Programming Cable
Two-way radios supporting UHF VHF frequencies
Compatible Devices
Two-way radios, headsets, earpieces, external antennas, operating on UHF, VHF, AM, FM, USB, LSB, CW, CB, LW, MW, SW, and SSB frequencies and modes
Battery Saver Mode, Dual Band, Emergency Alarm, Long Range, Rechargable
Additional Features
AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater Function
no
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
2.17"D x 1.38"W x 3.94"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.26"D x 2.36"W x 12"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5R PlusPICK

$16.79 on Amazon

Radtel RT-880

$65.12 on Amazon

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