RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Retevis A3
Our pick
Retevis A3$109.99
The Baofeng UV-5RM Pro is the clear winner here. This comparison heavily favors the Baofeng across nearly every measurable dimension, from price to features to overall performance.
The single most important differentiator is the feature set. The Baofeng includes GPS and APRS capability—practical tools for emergency communication and location tracking—while the Retevis A3 offers neither. The Baofeng also delivers specified 10W transmission power, whereas the Retevis specs are completely unknown. The Baofeng's overall score of 77/100 versus the A3's 30/100 tells you everything about real-world testing results.
The Baofeng UV-5RM Pro is the obvious choice for anyone wanting a capable, affordable handheld with modern features and proven performance. The Retevis A3 might appeal only to someone with a very tight budget and no feature requirements, though even then the unknown specifications and poor testing scores make it a risky purchase.
Buy the Baofeng. It costs less, works better, and comes packed with features the Retevis lacks entirely. Unless you find the A3 at a significant discount and have zero need for GPS or APRS, there's no practical reason to choose it over the Baofeng's superior value proposition.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee
Costs less than the alternative while offering 10W output and 640 memories for learning.
UV-5RM Plus GPS HamSOTA and POTA portable activators
Its 10W output and APRS with GPS suit summit and park activations with position reporting.
UV-5RM Plus GPS HamCampers and scouting trip leaders
GPS and APRS tracking suit camping and scouting trips where location sharing matters.
UV-5RM Plus GPS HamOperators wanting 6 meter coverage
Adds a 6m band alongside VHF and UHF, which the other radio does not offer.
A3Repeater users wanting a lighter, larger memory radio
Weighs slightly less and offers 999 channels for large repeater and weather channel monitoring plans.
A3
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has color TFT display
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis A3
- 56% more memory channels (999 vs 640)
- 15g lighter (286g vs 301g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-5RM ProPICK
Search on AmazonRetevis A3
$109.99 on AmazonKeep researching
Related Buying Guides
More head-to-heads

