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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Radtel RT-950 PRO

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro$59.99

The UV-5RM Pro is the better choice for most buyers. Both radios match on overall score and share the same feature set: APRS, GPS, and no DMR or CHIRP support. The critical differentiator is transmit power. The UV-5RM Pro delivers 10W while the RT-950 PRO offers only 4W, giving you significantly better range and penetration for the same price of $60 versus $91. The UV-5RM Pro also weighs in at 301g, though we lack the RT-950 PRO's weight figure for direct comparison. Owner feedback slightly favors the UV-5RM Pro at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 394 reviews, compared to 4.1 out of 5 from 371 reviews for the RT-950 PRO. The UV-5RM Pro should appeal to anyone needing reliable simplex and repeater coverage on a tight budget. The RT-950 PRO might interest someone who specifically prioritizes compact size or has other undocumented design features, though the lower power output is a real tradeoff. Buy the UV-5RM Pro unless lighter weight is essential to your use case.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Ultra-budget first-time operator

    The Baofeng offers excellent entry-level features at a significantly lower price point.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Advanced feature enthusiast needing more channels

    The Radtel provides more memory and Bluetooth connectivity for advanced setup needs.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • Portable SOTA/POTA field communication

    Its lighter weight and high TX power make it ideal for long-duration outdoor activations.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Secondary emergency kit radio with modern features

    The extra memory and Bluetooth make it a versatile backup radio for emergencies.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • New operator prioritizing simplicity and low cost

    The Baofeng's straightforward operation and low cost are perfect for beginners.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

  • 31% cheaper ($59.99 vs $86.63)
  • 150% more TX power (10W vs 4W)
  • 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-950 PRO

  • 50% more memory channels (960 vs 640)
  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM ProSpecRadtel RT-950 PRO
$59.99
Price
$86.63
77
Overall Score
77
10.00W
TX Power (High)
4.00W
2.5× difference
640
Memory Channels
960
+49% for winner
301g
Weight
—
2500 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+14% for winner
Color LCD
Display
Color LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black-2
color
Black
Black-2
Color
Black
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
UV-5RM
Model Number
RT-950 PRO
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-950 PRO Main unit, 1x 2200mAh 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
Smartphones, Desktops
Battery Saver Mode
Additional Features
27MHz TX/RX at FM Modulation with power 3-4W,Shortwave ML/LW/SW/USB/LSB/CW Reception, Bluetooth App Programming,High Output Power,GPS/APRS Position Sending, Channel Zone Function,Full-Color Display,PC Programming, Integrated Spectrum Analyzer,Wireless Frequency Copy,NOAA Weather Channel Support
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-950 PRO

$86.63 on Amazon

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