Baofeng UV-5R Plus vs Yaesu FT-70DR

The UV-5R Plus is the clear winner for most users.

The single most important differentiator is price. The UV-5R Plus costs $20 while the FT-70DR costs $300, yet both radios have identical listed specs: no DMR, APRS, or GPS; same weight; and CHIRP compatibility. RadioRanked's Overall Score reflects this value gap, with the UV-5R Plus scoring 64 versus 49 for the FT-70DR. The UV-5R Plus offers substantially better specifications per dollar spent.

Owners report both radios positively. The FT-70DR has a slightly higher owner rating of 4.8 out of 5, but from only 6 Amazon reviews—a small sample. The UV-5R Plus has 4.5 out of 5 from 1818 reviews, providing far more buyer evidence.

We do not have transmit power data for the UV-5R Plus, so we cannot compare that specification directly.

Buy the UV-5R Plus if you want a capable handheld radio without spending significantly. Buy the FT-70DR if you have already determined its higher price offers features or performance your application requires that the UV-5R Plus cannot deliver.

For most entry-level and recreational users, the UV-5R Plus makes practical sense.