How we score

Each model gets a score from 0 to 10. It is the average of section scores (for example display, performance, battery), and each section score is built from the specs that matter for it.

For every spec we look at where the model stands among models of the same type: being better than 90% of them gives almost the full mark for that spec, being in the middle gives about half. Weights reflect how much a spec matters for buyers. Missing data does not count against a model.

Comparisons list every spec where one model is measurably better (by more than 2%), ordered by importance and size of the difference.

Score sections

• Range & power — Maximum range (claimed), Transmit power, Channels, Dual band (VHF + UHF), Digital mode (DMR / dPMR)
• Battery — Battery capacity, USB-C charging, Runs on AA/AAA batteries too, Standby time
• Ruggedness — Water protection (IPx), Floats, Military standard (MIL-STD-810), Shockproof, Weight
• Features — VOX (hands-free), Channel scan, Dual watch, Flashlight, Emergency / SOS alarm, Weather channels / alerts, FM radio, Privacy codes (CTCSS / DCS), Noise reduction, Voice encryption / scrambler, GPS, Bluetooth, Headset / earpiece jack, Display