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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-82 vs Radtel RT-950 PRO

Our pick

Radtel RT-950 PRO$91.19

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.

Runner-up
Baofeng UV-82
Winner
Radtel RT-950 PRO

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner on a tight budget

    The UV-82 offers excellent basic functionality and power for the lowest price.

    UV-82
  • Advanced operator needing GPS and APRS

    The RT-950 PRO's integrated GPS and APRS features are essential for advanced field work.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • Portable camping and simplex monitoring

    Its lower weight and simplicity make it ideal for extended outdoor monitoring.

    UV-82
  • Emergency preparedness and multi-mode use

    The RT-950 PRO's high channel count and feature set suit varied emergency scenarios.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO
  • Operator upgrading from a basic radio

    The extra features and higher reliability of the Radtel make it a worthwhile upgrade.

    Radtel RT-950 PRO

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82

  • 34% cheaper ($59.99 vs $91.19)
  • 100% more TX power (8W vs 4W)
  • 27% more battery (2800 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • IP54 water resistance
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-950 PRO

  • 8x more memory channels (960 vs 128)
  • 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
$59.99
Price
$91.19
67
Overall Score
77
+15% for winner
8.00W
TX Power (High)
4.00W
2.0× difference
128
Memory Channels
960
7.7× difference
260g
Weight
2800 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+27% for winner
LCD
Display
Color LCD
IP54
IP Rating
Covers GMRS only (Part 95E)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Black
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
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

$59.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-950 PROPICK

$91.19 on Amazon

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