Baofeng UV-5R Plus vs Radtel RT-950 PRO

The Radtel RT-950 PRO is the clear winner for most users. This radio outscores the UV-5R Plus significantly on features and capability, delivering a more complete package despite the higher price point.

The single most important differentiator is feature set. The RT-950 PRO includes APRS and GPS functionality that the UV-5R Plus lacks entirely. These aren't trivial additions; APRS enables position tracking and messaging on amateur radio networks, while GPS provides location data essential for emergency response and outdoor activities. The RT-950 PRO's higher overall score of 75 versus 64 reflects this substantial capability gap.

The UV-5R Plus makes sense only for budget-conscious operators who need basic VHF/UHF coverage and plan to program via CHIRP. The RT-950 PRO should be your choice if you want modern features, better performance, and genuine utility beyond basic simplex conversations.

We recommend the Radtel RT-950 PRO. It's worth the extra forty dollars for APRS, GPS, and superior scoring. Budget constraints are the only legitimate reason to choose the UV-5R Plus, but even then, consider saving another twenty dollars for this noticeably better radio.