Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus vs Radtel RT-880G

Our pick

Radtel RT-880G$83.16

The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is the clearer winner here, despite the Radtel's feature advantage. The single most important differentiator is the price-to-performance ratio. You're paying 58 percent more for the RT-880G while actually getting a lower overall score and losing CHIRP compatibility, which is critical for amateur radio operators who program multiple frequencies.

The Radtel's APRS and GPS capabilities sound appealing, but they don't compensate for the higher cost and reduced programmability. The UV-5RM Plus's known 10-watt transmission power and proven CHIRP support make it a more practical choice for most users.

Buy the Baofeng UV-5RM Plus if you want reliable performance, easy programming, and maximum value in a compact package. Buy the Radtel RT-880G only if APRS tracking and GPS location capabilities are specifically required for your radio activities and you have the budget to justify the premium.

For most amateur radio operators, the Baofeng UV-5RM Plus delivers better functionality per dollar and should be your default choice unless you have specialized needs the Radtel addresses.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time license holder on a tight budget

    Its lower price point and basic features make it an ideal entry-level radio.

    UV-5RM Plus
  • SOTA/POTA activators needing location tracking

    The built-in GPS and APRS features are essential for documenting outdoor activities.

    RT-880G
  • Emergency communications or field teams

    Its robust local monitoring capabilities and high channel count suit field deployment.

    UV-5RM Plus
  • ARES members needing position reporting

    APRS integration allows for easy, reliable reporting of group locations during emergencies.

    RT-880G
  • Operator focused purely on basic local repeaters

    It offers excellent core functionality and power for basic local monitoring needs.

    UV-5RM Plus
  • Budget-conscious outdoor hobbyist needing versatility

    The combination of GPS and APRS adds necessary multi-mode functionality for hiking.

    RT-880G

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

  • 16% cheaper ($69.99 vs $83.16)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880G

  • 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
  • 33% more battery (2400 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM PlusSpecRadtel RT-880G
$69.99
Price
$83.16
71
Overall Score
72
+1% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
999
Memory Channels
1024
+2% for winner
1800 mAh
Battery
2400 mAh
+33% for winner
Color LCD
Display
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
AM/FM/SSB
UV-5RM
Model Number
RT-880G
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-880G 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
Radtel two-way radios, devices on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies, compatible external antennas
Copy Frequency, NOAA Weather Receiver, Tactical Antenna, Type C Charging
Additional Features
GPS/APRS, AM FM SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater
1 Year
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

$69.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-880GPICK

$83.16 on Amazon

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons