RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026Baofeng UV-5RM Plus vs Radtel RT-470X
Our pick
Baofeng UV-5RM Plus$69.99
The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is the clear winner here. While the Radtel RT-470X offers budget appeal at half the price, the UV-5RM Plus delivers substantially better value when considering the overall package.
The single most important differentiator is transmit power. The UV-5RM Plus provides a confirmed 10W output, giving you reliable range for both simplex and repeater work. The Radtel's TX power is unknown, which is itself a red flag in a market where transparency matters. Combined with the UV-5RM Plus's higher overall score of 71 versus 65, this suggests more refined performance and reliability.
The UV-5RM Plus suits operators who want a dependable workhorse radio with proven performance and sufficient power for real-world use. The Radtel RT-470X makes sense only for someone on an extremely tight budget who treats it as disposable or purely experimental.
Go with the Baofeng UV-5RM Plus. The extra $34 investment gets you confirmed specifications, established community support through CHIRP compatibility, and a radio with a proven track record. Saving 44 percent on price means nothing if the radio doesn't perform when you need it.
By use case
Which should you buy?
New license holder needing basic repeater access
Its higher power and more channels make it better for initial repeater monitoring.
UV-5RM PlusUltra budget-conscious beginner for local simplex use
This radio offers sufficient features and multi-band reception at a lower price point.
RT-470XEmergency communications or field team operations
The higher transmit power and expanded memory support field team reliability.
UV-5RM PlusCasual local hobbyist focused on simplicity and low cost
It provides enough functionality for casual local use without the higher initial cost.
RT-470XOperator needing advanced repeater access and more channels
The significantly higher channel count and power support complex repeater networks.
UV-5RM Plus
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
- 4x more memory channels (999 vs 256)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-470X
- 53% cheaper ($32.99 vs $69.99)
- 56% more battery (2800 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- IP54 water resistance
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-5RM PlusPICK
$69.99 on AmazonRadtel RT-470X
$32.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

