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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus vs Radtel RT-880

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus$69.99

The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is the clear winner here. With a 19-point overall score advantage and a $14 lower price, it's difficult to justify the Radtel RT-880 for most users.

The most important differentiator is the overall score gap combined with cost. The UV-5RM Plus scored 71/100 while the RT-880 managed only 52/100, yet costs less. The UV-5RM Plus also offers confirmed 10W transmit power and CHIRP compatibility for programming flexibility, while the RT-880's transmit power is unspecified and lacks CHIRP support.

The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus suits budget-conscious beginners and experienced operators who want reliable dual-band performance at an unbeatable price point. The Radtel RT-880 might appeal only to users with very specific feature requirements not covered here or those who've personally tested it and prefer its ergonomics.

We recommend the Baofeng UV-5RM Plus without reservation. It delivers superior value, better documentation of specifications, and proven software support. Unless you have specific reasons to prefer the RT-880, spending less for a significantly higher-rated radio is the obvious choice.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee on a tight budget

    Its lower price and beginner-friendly features make it an excellent starting point.

    UV-5RM Plus
  • Experienced operator needing maximum channels

    The higher channel count and multi-band support suit advanced operational needs.

    RT-880
  • Local emergency communications monitoring

    Its strong local repeater monitoring capability is ideal for field teams.

    UV-5RM Plus
  • Advanced user needing robust multi-region coverage

    The additional channel capacity and multi-band support cover diverse operational areas.

    RT-880
  • Budget-conscious operator needing basic functionality

    It offers necessary features at a very low cost for new hobbyists.

    UV-5RM Plus

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

  • 5% cheaper ($69.99 vs $74.00)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880

  • 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
  • 33% more battery (2400 mAh vs 1800 mAh)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM PlusSpecRadtel RT-880
$69.99
Price
$74.00
71
Overall Score
52
+37% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
999
Memory Channels
1024
+2% for winner
1800 mAh
Battery
2400 mAh
+33% for winner
Color LCD
Display
TFT Color
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
7.38 Volts
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
UV-5RM
Model Number
RT-880
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 RT-880 Main unit, 1x 2400mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English 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, headsets, earpieces, external antennas, operating on UHF, VHF, AM, FM, USB, LSB, CW, CB, LW, MW, SW, and SSB frequencies and modes
Copy Frequency, NOAA Weather Receiver, Tactical Antenna, Type C Charging
Additional Features
AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater Function
1 Year
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5RM PlusPICK

$69.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-880

$74.00 on Amazon

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