Baofeng GT-3TP vs Baofeng GT-5TP - Which One is Better in 2025?

I really wanted to love the Baofeng GT-3TP, then I really disliked it, but after using it I have come to respect its capabilities even if I am not a huge fan of the misleading ads. The case, buttons, and screen certainly did not live up to what it was billed as, but the actual electronics inside make it a very serviceable unit.

If you want the Baofeng GT-3TP for a good radio that looks different and already has an outstanding antenna that won’t poke you in the side, this radio will absolutely not disappoint, particularly if like me, you are primarily on 2m. If, on the other hand, you want something that feels as sporty as the pictures suggest, you might want to look elsewhere (although in all honestly, I don’t know where).

I really wanted the Baofeng GT-5TP to be a better UV-82 than the UV-82. Not that there is anything wrong with the UV-82 per se, but they could have gone with the bigger keys, more power, and contrasting colors while leaving the rest alone, or even added some waterproofing, and had a really, really nice radio.

As it is, I am going to say the Baofeng GT-5TP is basically a different UV-82, no better, no worse, just different. If I had to choose one, I would probably pick this one because of the easier to read buttons and contrasting colors. That, of course, is just personal preference.

All of that being said, the Baofeng GT-5TP is a pretty good radio.