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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus vs Radtel RT-730

Our pick

Radtel RT-730$39.00

The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is the better choice for most buyers. Both radios share identical core specifications—10W transmit power and CHIRP compatibility—making price and owner feedback the deciding factors. The UV-5RM Plus owners report 4.6 out of 5 stars across 352 reviews, compared to the RT-730's 4.1 stars from 176 reviews. This larger sample size and higher rating suggest more consistent user satisfaction, though we lack the RT-730's weight specification for a complete picture.

The most important differentiator is owner experience. The UV-5RM Plus commands a 21-dollar premium, but buyers consistently rate it higher, indicating the extra cost delivers real value in day-to-day use.

Buy the Baofeng UV-5RM Plus if you want proven user satisfaction and don't mind spending sixty dollars. Buy the Radtel RT-730 if budget is your primary concern and you're willing to accept a lower owner rating for the thirty-nine dollar price point.

We recommend the UV-5RM Plus. The performance gap in owner ratings is substantial enough to justify the price difference for buyers seeking reliability.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-constrained buyer on a tight spending limit

    Costs less than the alternative while offering the same 10W output on both VHF and UHF.

    RT-730
  • Field day backup radio shoppers

    Scores higher for portability and costs less, making it a practical spare for field day.

    RT-730
  • Local repeater monitoring with many saved frequencies

    Holds 999 channels against 199, leaving room for every local repeater and simplex frequency.

    UV-5RM Plus
  • EmComm or served-agency field team

    Larger memory and a higher features score suit teams programming many emergency frequencies.

    UV-5RM Plus
  • First-time licensee wanting easier setup

    Carries a higher beginner score, making it the more approachable first handheld for new licensees.

    UV-5RM Plus

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

  • 5x more memory channels (999 vs 199)
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-730

  • 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM PlusSpecRadtel RT-730
—
Price
$39.00
59
Overall Score
63
+6% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
999
Memory Channels
199
5.0× difference
290g
Weight
—
1800 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+39% for winner
Color LCD
Display
LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
2
unitCount
1
Black 2Pack Full Kit
Color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV-5RM
Model Number
RT-730
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
1 RT-730 Ham Radio, 1xProgramming Cable,1x 2500mAh Li-ion Battery Pack, 1x Standard Long Antenna, 1x Desktop charger, 1x belt clip, 1x user manual
136-512 MHz
Frequency Range
144-148MHZ / 420-450MHZ
Programming Cable, Speaker Mic, Tactical Antenna, Earphones, Weather Radios
Compatible Devices
Two-way radios on the same frequency band, compatible accessories like headsets, earpieces, or external antennas, and computers for programming.
Copy Frequency, NOAA Weather Receiver, Tactical Antenna, Type C Charging
Additional Features
16-630Mhz Receiver, Long Range, High quality resolution LCD, Type C charging, Full band radio am/fm/air/cb/ham/noaa/short wave receiver
1 Year
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

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Radtel RT-730PICK

$39.00 on Amazon

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