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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Quansheng UV-K5(8) vs Radtel RT-880

Our pick

Quansheng UV-K5(8)$30.99

The Quansheng UV-K5(8) is the clear winner here. With a significantly lower price point of $31 versus $74, it delivers substantially better value while actually scoring higher overall at 60/100 compared to the RT-880's 52/100.

The single most important differentiator is price-to-performance ratio. The UV-K5(8) costs less than half as much while outperforming the RT-880 on the metrics that matter. The confirmed 5W transmit power on the Quansheng also provides a concrete advantage, whereas the RT-880's TX power remains unspecified, which raises questions about its capabilities. Both radios lack advanced features like DMR, APRS, GPS, and CHIRP support, so neither has an edge in functionality.

The Quansheng UV-K5(8) is ideal for budget-conscious operators who want a capable starter radio without overspending. The Radtel RT-880 might appeal only to someone with specific brand loyalty or features not reflected in these specs, though that's difficult to justify at the higher price point.

Our recommendation is straightforward: buy the Quansheng UV-K5(8). It's cheaper, scores higher, and offers confirmed specs. There's no compelling reason to choose the RT-880 unless you have particular requirements not listed here.

Runner-up
Radtel RT-880

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time, budget-conscious licensee

    The Quansheng is significantly cheaper and perfect for initial learning and testing.

    RT-880
  • Experienced operator needing high channel count

    The Radtel offers 1024 channels, providing ample room for diverse operating regions.

    RT-880
  • Portable field monitor or loaner radio

    Its smaller size and lower cost make it ideal for temporary or secondary use.

    RT-880
  • Operator covering multiple large regions

    The higher channel count and slightly better portability suit wide-area coverage needs.

    RT-880
  • Operator needing reliable, basic VHF/UHF comms

    It provides solid analog performance at a very low entry price point.

    RT-880

Reasons to choose Quansheng UV-K5(8)

  • 58% cheaper ($30.99 vs $74.00)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • IP65 water resistance
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880

  • 5x more memory channels (1,024 vs 200)
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Quansheng UV-K5(8)SpecRadtel RT-880
$30.99
Price
$74.00
69
Overall Score
52
+33% for winner
5.00W
TX Power (High)
200
Memory Channels
1024
5.0× difference
Battery
2400 mAh
LCD
Display
TFT Color
IP65
IP Rating
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
1
unitCount
1
7.1 Volts
Voltage
7.38 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
UHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
UV-K5(8)
Model Number
RT-880
Earphones, Type-C charging devices
Compatible Devices
Two-way radios, headsets, earpieces, external antennas, operating on UHF, VHF, AM, FM, USB, LSB, CW, CB, LW, MW, SW, and SSB frequencies and modes
Dual Band
Additional Features
AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater Function
1.48"D x 4.53"W x 1.48"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.26"D x 2.36"W x 12"H

Made your choice?

Quansheng UV-K5(8)PICK

$30.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-880

$74.00 on Amazon

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