RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026Baofeng UV-5RM Plus vs Retevis RT95
Our pick
Baofeng UV-5RM Plus$69.99
The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is the clear winner here. Despite costing half the price of the Retevis RT95, it delivers superior performance with a confirmed 10W transmit power and substantially higher overall rating of 71 versus 53. Both radios lack advanced features like DMR, APRS, and GPS, and both support CHIRP programming, so the feature set is essentially equivalent.
The single most important differentiator is the price-to-performance ratio. The UV-5RM Plus costs $60 and scores 18 points higher on RadioRanked's evaluation scale, while the RT95's specifications are less transparent and it commands double the investment.
The UV-5RM Plus suits budget-conscious operators and newcomers who want proven reliability without spending unnecessary money on a radio that scores significantly lower. The RT95 might appeal only to those with specific preferences not captured in this comparison data or those who prefer Retevis brand support, though the numbers don't justify the premium.
For most amateur radio operators, the Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is the recommended choice. You'll get better performance at a fraction of the cost, leaving your budget available for quality antennas or other essential equipment.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time licensee on a tight budget
Its low price and high channel count make it an excellent starting radio.
UV-5RM PlusOperator needing dual-band capability
The RT95 is specifically designed for dual-band operation, expanding your frequency range.
Retevis RT95Portable field team or emergency comms
The UV-5RM Plus offers high power and robust features ideal for field deployments.
UV-5RM PlusHome base station experimentation
Its design supports home base setups, allowing for more complex radio experimentation.
Retevis RT95Budget-conscious beginner needing local monitoring
It provides ample features and power for local monitoring without breaking the bank.
UV-5RM Plus
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
- 50% cheaper ($69.99 vs $139.99)
- 5x more memory channels (999 vs 200)
Reasons to choose Retevis RT95
- No clear advantages in this comparison
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-5RM PlusPICK
$69.99 on AmazonRetevis RT95
$139.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

