Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Radtel RT-880

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro$59.99

The UV-5RM Pro is the clear winner here. It offers significantly better listed specifications for the money, including 10W transmit power, GPS, and APRS capability, all at a lower price point than the RT-880. We lack complete specifications for the RT-880, including transmit power and weight, which makes direct comparison difficult on those fronts.

The single most important differentiator is the feature set. The UV-5RM Pro includes GPS and APRS functionality that the RT-880 does not offer, making it substantially more capable for location tracking and digital modes. The UV-5RM Pro also carries a documented 10W output versus unknown specifications on the RT-880.

Owner ratings show 394 reviewers reporting 4.5 stars for the UV-5RM Pro versus 207 reviewers reporting 4.3 stars for the RT-880. Both radios receive positive feedback from buyers, though the UV-5RM Pro has a larger owner base weighing in.

The UV-5RM Pro should appeal to operators wanting GPS and APRS features at a competitive price. The RT-880 might interest budget-conscious buyers, though the missing specifications make it harder to assess its value.

Recommendation: Choose the UV-5RM Pro unless the RT-880's missing specs reveal advantages that aren't documented here.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time beginner needing simple operation

    Its user-friendly interface and beginner focus make initial setup straightforward.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Experienced operator needing high channel count

    The larger memory capacity offers more flexibility for multi-region coverage.

    RT-880
  • Portable SOTA/POTA field activations

    The inclusion of GPS and APRS features is ideal for outdoor activations.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Budget-conscious user needing basic VHF/UHF

    It provides essential features like APRS and GPS at a significantly lower price point.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Technician needing reliable multi-band coverage

    The dedicated analog VHF/UHF focus suits operators covering multiple regions.

    RT-880

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

  • 8% cheaper ($59.99 vs $65.12)
  • 4% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880

  • 60% more memory channels (1,024 vs 640)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM ProSpecRadtel RT-880
$59.99
Price
$65.12
77
Overall Score
54
+43% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
640
Memory Channels
1024
+59% for winner
301g
Weight
—
2500 mAh
Battery
2400 mAh
+4% for winner
Color LCD
Display
TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black-2
color
Standard
Black-2
Color
Standard
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.38 Volts
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
UV-5RM
Model Number
RT-880
2×BAOFENG 5RM radio, 2×2500mAh lithium-ion battery; 2×original headphones; 2×hand microphone; 2×BF-771 high gain antenna; 2×original antenna; 2×power adapter; 2×belt clip ; 2 × hand strap; 1 × programming cable; 1 × user 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
Hand Microphone, Original Headphones, High Gain Antennas (BF-771), Original Antennas, Other Two-Way Radios using the same frequency bands and channels
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
Battery Saver Mode
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 ProPICK

$59.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-880

$65.12 on Amazon

Keep researching

Related Buying Guides

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons