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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng 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 Plus
  • Ultra budget-conscious beginner for local simplex use

    This radio offers sufficient features and multi-band reception at a lower price point.

    RT-470X
  • Emergency communications or field team operations

    The higher transmit power and expanded memory support field team reliability.

    UV-5RM Plus
  • Casual local hobbyist focused on simplicity and low cost

    It provides enough functionality for casual local use without the higher initial cost.

    RT-470X
  • Operator 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

Baofeng UV-5RM PlusSpecRadtel RT-470X
$69.99
Price
$32.99
71
Overall Score
66
+8% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
999
Memory Channels
256
3.8× difference
1800 mAh
Battery
2800 mAh
+56% for winner
Color LCD
Display
1.77in TFT Color
IP Rating
IP54
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black 2Pack Full Kit
color
Standard
2
unitCount
1
Black 2Pack Full Kit
Color
Standard
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
FM/AM
UV-5RM
Model Number
RT-470X
2×UV-5RM radio, 1×Programming Cable, 2×Earpieces, 2×Speaker Mic, 2×Tactical antennas, 2×Original antenna, 2×Charging base, 2×USB-C charging cables, 2×2500mAh battery, 2×belt clip, 2×Hand strap, 1×Instruction manual
Built-In Media
1x Radtel RT-470X Ham Radio,1x 2800mAh Type-C Battery, 1x 7.87-inch Dual Band 145/435 Antenna, 1x 39-inch USB-C Charger Cable, 1x Belt Clip with Metal Piece, 1x English User Manual,1x AC Power Adapter with USB Port (FCC ID: 2AZSA-RT470X)
136-512 MHz
Frequency Range
144-148/420-450Mhz
Programming Cable, Speaker Mic, Tactical Antenna, Earphones, Weather Radios
Compatible Devices
K-connector
Copy Frequency, NOAA Weather Receiver, Tactical Antenna, Type C Charging
Additional Features
Air band RX, Chirp Programming, Multi-band TX/RX, Type-C Charger, Wireless Copy frequency
1 Year
Warranty Description
1 Year Warranty

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5RM PlusPICK

$69.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-470X

$32.99 on Amazon

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