RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Radtel RT-880

Our pick

Radtel RT-880$53.38

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.

Winner

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

Good

Search on Amazon

See full review and specs

Runner-up

Radtel RT-880

$53.38

Average

$53.38 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

First-time licensee starting out
Slightly easier starting point for newcomers, with APRS and GPS for outdoor activations.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Budget-constrained buyer wanting a capable handheld
Costs less while still offering 10W output, APRS, and GPS in a single handheld.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Experienced Technician operator with large channel lists
Holds 1024 memory channels, well above the Baofeng's 640, for busy multi-region channel lists.
RT-880
Multi-region operator covering several areas
Larger channel capacity suits operators who program separate regional frequency sets.
RT-880
Operator needing APRS or digital-adjacent features
APRS support is available here, while the Radtel offers only analog VHF and UHF.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

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

—

Price

$53.38

Overall Score

+22% 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

color

With Short Wave Antenna Set

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?