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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-82 vs Radtel RT-950 PRO

Our pick

Radtel RT-950 PRO$96.00

The Radtel RT-950 PRO is the clear winner for most users despite its higher price and lower transmit power. The single most important differentiator is feature set: the Radtel includes APRS and GPS capabilities that the Baofeng completely lacks, making it substantially more versatile for modern amateur radio applications.

The Baofeng UV-82 suits budget-conscious operators who need straightforward VHF/UHF simplex communications and don't mind programming via CHIRP software. The Radtel RT-950 PRO is better for operators who want integrated location tracking and digital messaging without carrying additional hardware.

Given the Radtel's 75/100 overall score versus the Baofeng's 67/100, the nineteen dollar price difference represents solid value. The lower transmit power is a genuine limitation for extended range work, but APRS and GPS are increasingly standard expectations in modern handhelds. Unless you're purely cost-limited or specifically need maximum transmit power for simplex work, the Radtel delivers more capability and better scoring. If budget is your only concern and you'll never use APRS or GPS, the Baofeng remains acceptable, but it feels dated by comparison.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • New Technician licensee on a tight budget

    It costs less and covers local VHF and UHF simplex and repeater use with simple controls.

    UV-82
  • APRS and position reporting enthusiast

    Only the RT-950 PRO includes APRS, GPS, and Bluetooth for position reporting and integration.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • Secondary emergency kit radio builder

    Its 960 memory channels and multiband features suit organizing a larger emergency channel plan.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • Campers wanting simple simplex monitoring

    Its single FM mode and basic layout keep it straightforward for monitoring simplex while camping.

    UV-82
  • Hobbyist comfortable with firmware configuration

    Its larger memory bank and higher feature score reward operators who enjoy deeper configuration.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82

  • 25% more TX power (5W vs 4W)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-950 PRO

  • 8x more memory channels (960 vs 128)
  • 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-82SpecRadtel RT-950 PRO
—
Price
$96.00
49
Overall Score
76
+56% for winner
5.00W
TX Power (High)
4.00W
+25% for winner
128
Memory Channels
960
7.7× difference
238g
Weight
—
1800 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+22% for winner
LCD
Display
Color LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
VHF/UHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
BAOFENG UV-82
Model Number
RT-950 PRO
2 x Baofeng uv-82 charger, 2 X Antenna, 2 x Hand Speaker Mic, 2 X Walkie Talkie Earpiece, 2 x baofeng uv-82 radio, Battery, Cable
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
Baofeng UV-5R,Baofeng BF-F8HP,Baofeng UV-82HP,Baofeng 5RX,5RM,K5PLUS Ham Radio etc.
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, Desktops
Battery Saver Mode, Dual Band Two Way Radio, Emergency Alarm
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
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
1.15"D x 2.29"W x 5.08"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.57"D x 2"W x 13.79"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-82

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Radtel RT-950 PROPICK

$96.00 on Amazon

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