RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026Baofeng UV-7B vs Retevis RT95
Our pick
Baofeng UV-7B$26.99
The Baofeng UV-7B is the clear winner here. Despite costing one-fifth the price of the Retevis RT95, it delivers a higher overall score of 71 versus 53, making it the objectively better performer in this comparison.
The single most important differentiator is value for money. The UV-7B costs $25 while the RT95 demands $126, yet the UV-7B scores significantly higher across the board. Both radios share identical feature sets with no DMR, APRS, or GPS capabilities, and both support CHIRP programming. Without knowing the specific TX power output or weight specs, we're relying on the review scores, which favor the UV-7B decisively.
Budget-conscious operators or those building their first ham radio kit should grab the UV-7B without hesitation. The RT95 might appeal only to buyers with specific niche requirements not captured in these specs, though that reasoning is difficult to justify given the scoring gap.
The Baofeng UV-7B is the obvious recommendation. It's cheaper, scores higher, and offers the same core functionality. Unless you have specific undocumented needs the RT95 addresses, spending five times more money for a lower-rated radio makes no practical sense.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Absolute beginner on a tight budget
Its extremely low price point makes it ideal for initial learning and testing.
UV-7BNew operator needing dual-band capability
The dual-band capability offers more flexibility for diverse amateur radio operations.
Retevis RT95Portable field use or backup unit
Its lightweight design and low cost make it perfect for carrying everywhere.
UV-7BHome base station experimentation setup
It is better suited for more complex, stationary setups requiring more features.
Retevis RT95Operator needing maximum channel capacity
The 1000 channel memory provides far more capacity than the alternative.
UV-7B
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-7B
- 81% cheaper ($26.99 vs $139.99)
- 5x more memory channels (1,000 vs 200)
- Has Bluetooth
Reasons to choose Retevis RT95
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-7BPICK
$26.99 on AmazonRetevis RT95
$139.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

