RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026Baofeng UV-5R Plus vs Retevis RT95
Our pick
Baofeng UV-5R Plus$33.28
The Baofeng UV-5R Plus is the clear winner here. With an overall score of 64 versus 53, it outperforms the RT95 across the board while costing less than a third of the price. Both radios share similar feature sets, lacking DMR, APRS, and GPS capabilities, and both support CHIRP programming.
The single most important differentiator is value. The UV-5R Plus delivers superior performance at $37 compared to the RT95's $126 price tag. This represents exceptional budget radio performance that's difficult to justify passing up unless you have specific operational needs the RT95 uniquely addresses, which this data doesn't suggest.
The UV-5R Plus is ideal for newcomers, hobbyists, and anyone building a budget-friendly radio collection without sacrificing functionality. The RT95 might appeal to users who specifically need its form factor or durability characteristics, though the specs provided don't clearly indicate what advantages justify its higher cost and lower score.
For most amateur radio operators, buy the Baofeng UV-5R Plus. You'll get better performance for significantly less money. The price-to-performance ratio makes it a no-brainer recommendation unless you have documented operational requirements the RT95 specifically fulfills.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Absolute beginner on a tight budget
Its lower price point makes it an excellent entry point for new operators.
UV-5R PLUS [5 Colors]Mobile setup for home base experimentation
The higher channel count and dual-band capability suit stationary base operations.
Retevis RT95Emergency preparedness and backup comms
Its portability and low cost make it ideal for emergency field use.
UV-5R PLUS [5 Colors]Amateur needing dual-band capability
The RT95 offers necessary dual-band functionality for comprehensive amateur use.
Retevis RT95Casual POTA/SOTA field operation
Its lightweight design and simple features are perfect for portable field use.
UV-5R PLUS [5 Colors]
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R Plus
- 76% cheaper ($33.28 vs $139.99)
Reasons to choose Retevis RT95
- 56% more memory channels (200 vs 128)
- Has color TFT display
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-5R PlusPICK
$33.28 on AmazonRetevis RT95
$139.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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