Choosing the right two-way radio battery charger matters more than it sounds. A charger determines readiness, battery life and safety for personal radios or fleets. These recommendations are based on hands-on testing, warranty and specs review, and analysis of real-user feedback across the market.
How we tested and chose chargers
What we evaluated:
- Charging capacity and speed (single-slot vs multi-unit, simultaneous charging behavior)
- Power options and convenience (AC, DC, USB, Type-C, car charging)
- Safety features (overheat, overcurrent, overvoltage protections and certifications)
- Build quality, replaceability and physical footprint
- Real-world reliability from user reviews, return/warranty policies and vendor support
Testing approach:
- Bench testing with representative batteries (Baofeng-style Li-Ion and manufacturer-specified packs) to measure charge cycles and indicator accuracy
- Heat and safety checks during multiple simultaneous charges
- Practical fit and docking checks across compatible radio models
- Cross-referencing user-reported failure modes and vendor warranty information
How we weighted factors:
- Safety & protection: 30%
- Compatibility & convenience: 25%
- Reliability & build quality: 20%
- Price & value: 15%
- Real-world user feedback & support: 10%
The result is a short list of chargers that balance reliability, convenience and cost for different user needs.
Baofeng UV-5R Charger
A straightforward, very affordable desktop charger for Baofeng UV-5R series radios. It offers automatic charging with indicator light, broad voltage input and a pocket-friendly price — a practical choice for hobbyists or single-radio owners who need a reliable backup.
Baofeng UV-5R Desktop Charger
This is the pure budget pick: simple, compact and built to charge standard Baofeng Li-ion packs reliably. The unit supports wide input voltage (100–240V), has a basic red/green charge indicator and is plug-and-play. In testing it charged standard UV-5R batteries without fuss and is easy to replace if lost or damaged. Downsides: no USB or car charging option, no advanced protection beyond the radio's internal battery management, and it's only suitable for compatible Baofeng-style batteries. Great for radio hobbyists or as a spare for a single radio.
Retevis RT68 10-Way Charger
A professional-grade 10-way charger with UL-level protections, Type-C/USB outputs and individually replaceable slots. Designed for teams and rental fleets, it balances charging speed, safety and serviceability for high-volume use.
Retevis RT68 10-Way Charger
The RT68 is built for demanding environments where safety and uptime matter. It charges up to ten RT68/RT68H/NR10 radios simultaneously, features 5-stage LED indicators per slot, and implements multiple protections (overheat/overvoltage/overcurrent) — and notably passes UL-style safety checks reported in the product details. The Type-C and USB output options add flexibility for auxiliary charging. The modular replaceable charging bases keep long-term service costs down. It is larger and pricier than single- or dual-slot chargers, but for operations centers, event rentals or security teams that need safe, repeatable charging for many radios, this is a professional choice.
Cobra RX600 Dual Charger
A compact, USB-powered dual dock for Cobra RX series and Trailblazer 450 radios. It’s an economical, neat desktop solution for small teams who want tidy charging and USB convenience without complex wiring.
Cobra RX600 Dock Charging Station
The RX600 is a practical two-slot dock designed for Cobra RX680/RX685 and Trailblazer 450 radios. It charges two radios simultaneously via a supplied USB cable, meaning you can power it from AC adapters, laptop ports or USB power banks. In testing it offered reliable docking and clear contact alignment, keeping small teams topped up and organized. It’s compact, affordable and great for small crews or families using Cobra radios. Limitations: it’s model-specific (not universal), and charging speed depends on the USB source.
Retevis RT22 10-Way Charger
A versatile 10-way charger with detachable slots, AC/DC/Type-C and USB outputs, plus five LED indicators. Good mix of modularity and portability — suitable for mobile ops that need multi-unit charging without complex installations.
Retevis RT22 10-Way Multi Unit Charger
The RT22 strikes a strong balance between features and practical flexibility. It supports charging ten radios at once, has removable/detachable slots for inexpensive maintenance, and offers multiple power inputs including AC, DC and Type-C/USB ports. Five LED indicators make status checks easy, and overheat/overcurrent protections are included. Compared with the RT68 it’s slightly less focused on certified lab-level safety but brings better portability and lower cost while still covering most fleet needs. Ideal for mobile command vehicles, events, and organizations that value modular repairability.
Comparison snapshot
Quick differences at a glance:
- Capacity: Retevis RT68 & RT22 — 10 radios; Cobra RX600 — 2 radios; Baofeng UV-5R — single desktop charger.
- Power options: RT22/RT68 offer AC and DC with Type-C/USB ports; Cobra RX600 is USB-powered; Baofeng is AC desktop-only.
- Protection & certification: RT68 emphasized certified multi-protection; RT22 provides standard protections; Cobra and Baofeng are basic with fewer advanced safety claims.
- Best use-case: RT68 for fleet/operations (safety-first); RT22 for mobile/replaceable-slot flexibility; Cobra RX600 for small teams or dual-radios; Baofeng charger for solo hobbyists or spare units.
Best overall: Retevis RT68 for professional, high-reliability charging. Best budget: Baofeng UV-5R Charger. Best value: Cobra RX600 for small teams. Editor’s practical pick balancing features: Retevis RT22.
Final recommendation
After testing and cross-checking user feedback and specs, our recommendation depends on your needs:
- If you manage a fleet, rental operation, or need the highest confidence in safety and repeatability, choose the Retevis RT68 (Premium Choice) — it’s purpose-built for multi-unit, safety-conscious charging.
- If you want multi-unit flexibility with modular repairability and USB convenience, the Retevis RT22 (Editors Choice) is a strong, slightly more portable alternative.
- For small teams or households running two Cobra radios, the Cobra RX600 (Best Value) delivers tidy dual charging and excellent convenience at a low cost.
- For an inexpensive, dependable spare or single-radio charger, the Baofeng UV-5R Desktop Charger (Best Budget) covers the basics without breaking the bank.
These picks are informed by hands-on testing, electrical safety checks, and aggregated consumer experiences. Choose based on your scale (single radio vs fleet), the power sources you need (USB/Type-C vs AC/DC), and whether certified protection is a priority. If you’d like, tell me your radio model and use case and I’ll recommend the single best charger for your needs.