Baofeng UV-5RM Plus vs Retevis HA1UV

The UV-5RM Plus is the better choice for most buyers. The single most important differentiator is price paired with transmit power: the Baofeng costs $10 less and publishes a confirmed 10W output, while the Retevis spec sheet omits its TX power entirely, leaving that critical performance figure unknown.

Both radios share the same owner ratings (4.6/5 stars) and core features like CHIRP support and no DMR or APRS. The Retevis adds an IP67 weather rating, which matters if you operate in wet conditions, but the UV-5RM Plus is lighter by 47 grams. The Baofeng's higher overall score reflects better value across price, published specs, and the larger review sample (352 versus 47 owners reporting).

The UV-5RM Plus should appeal to budget-conscious operators who want confirmed transmit power and proven user feedback at a lower entry price. The Retevis makes sense if weather sealing is a genuine operational requirement and you are comfortable with unspecified transmit output.

Buy the Baofeng UV-5RM Plus unless you specifically need the IP67 rating for wet-environment work.