Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Retevis A3

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro$59.99

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.

Winner
Baofeng UV-5RM Pro
Runner-up
Retevis A3

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • New HAM operator needing digital modes

    Its APRS and GPS features make it ideal for modern field operations.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Budget-conscious NOAA monitoring setup

    It offers basic multi-band coverage for simple, analog monitoring tasks.

    A3
  • Portable SOTA/POTA field activations

    The combination of GPS and high power supports complex outdoor deployments.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Beginner needing basic repeater access

    Its simple analog design is perfect for learning basic VHF/UHF repeater usage.

    A3
  • Advanced user needing IP connectivity

    The built-in digital features support modern, connected radio operations.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

  • 14% cheaper ($59.99 vs $69.99)
  • 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)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM ProSpecRetevis A3
$59.99
Price
$69.99
77
Overall Score
30
2.6× difference
10.00W
TX Power (High)
640
Memory Channels
999
+56% for winner
301g
Weight
2500 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
Color LCD
Display
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black-2
color
Green

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5RM ProPICK

$59.99 on Amazon

Keep researching

Related Buying Guides

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons