Baofeng’s UV series radios are widely known for their affordability and versatility.
Two popular models, the Baofeng UV-5R and the UV-5RM Plus, offer similar functionality but differ in terms of features, performance, and accessories.
Baofeng UV-5R vs UV-5RM Plus
If you’re deciding between the UV-5R and the newer UV-5RM Plus, here are the key differences at a glance.
Baofeng UV-5R
The classic Baofeng handheld. Extremely affordable and ideal for beginners who want a proven entry-level radio.
- Up to 4W output power
- 1800 mAh battery
- Desktop charger
- 1.5 inch classic display
- 128 channel capacity
Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
Higher power, longer battery life, a larger color screen, and USB-C charging make it the better feature-rich upgrade.
- Up to 10W output power
- 2500 mAh battery
- USB-C charging
- 1.77 inch color display
- 999 group channel capacity
In this article, we’ll compare these two models side by side to help you decide which one is best suited to your needs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | UV-5R | UV-5RM Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 💳 Pricing | Check Price | Check Price |
| Output Power | 4W / 1W | 10W Max |
| Frequency Range (TX) | 144-148 MHz (VHF) | 144-148 MHz (VHF) |
| 420-450 MHz (UHF) | 420-450 MHz (UHF) | |
| Additional RX Frequencies | N/A | FM: 76-108 MHz (Rx) |
| AM: 108-136 MHz (Rx) | ||
| VHF: 136-174 MHz (Rx) | ||
| 220-260 MHz (Rx) | ||
| UHF: 350-390 MHz (Rx) | ||
| 400-520 MHz (Rx) | ||
| Channel Capacity | 128 Channels | 999 Groups |
| Charging Type | Desktop Charging | Type-C Charging |
| Battery | 1800 mAh | 2500 mAh |
| Display | 1.5″ Classic Display | 1.77″ Color Display |
| Antenna Options | Standard Dual-Band Antenna (SMA-Female) | Standard & RD-771 Long Antenna (SMA-Female) |
| Accessories Included | Belt Clip, Earpiece, Desktop Charger | Long Antennas, Headsets, Type-C Charger |
| Special Features | N/A | Frequency Copy, DTMF Manual Dial |
Baofeng UV-5R
The Baofeng UV-5R remains one of the most popular handheld radios ever made. It is extremely affordable, easy to program, and ideal for beginners entering the world of amateur or GMRS radios.
- Very affordable entry-level radio
- Dual-band VHF / UHF operation
- Compact and lightweight
- Huge ecosystem of accessories
- Great starter radio
Key Differences
- UV-5RM output power is 10 Watt which provides more range when compared with the UV-5R (max 4 Watt).
- The UV-5RM Plus has a larger color display (1.77″) compared to the UV-5R’s 1.5″ classic display.
- The UV-5RM Plus comes with a larger battery capacity (2500mAh), offering longer operating time compared to the UV-5R’s 1800mAh battery.
- The UV-5RM Plus supports Type-C charging, a more modern and faster charging method, while the UV-5R uses desktop charging.
- The UV-5RM Plus has additional receive frequencies, including FM and AM reception, making it more versatile than the UV-5R.
- Special features on the UV-5RM Plus include Frequency Copy and DTMF Manual Dial, which are not available on the UV-5R.
Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
The UV-5RM Plus is a newer and more powerful evolution of the classic UV-5R. It offers higher transmit power, a larger battery, a color display, and modern USB-C charging.
- Up to 10W output power
- 2500 mAh battery for longer runtime
- Color display
- USB-C charging
- Expanded receive frequency coverage
User Feedback Summary
Baofeng UV-5R
- Positive: Many users praise the affordability and ease of use of the UV-5R. It is a favorite among beginners and those looking for a reliable, low-cost radio for casual use.
- Negative: Some users mention limited power output and battery life, making it less effective for long-range communication.
Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
- Positive: Users appreciate the longer battery life, advanced features, and higher power output of the UV-5RM Plus. The ability to charge via Type-C is particularly well-received.
- Negative: A few users note that the larger size and weight can make it less convenient for everyday carry.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Bible for Baofeng radios
Which Baofeng Should You Buy?
If you want the lowest price and a proven classic handheld radio, the Baofeng UV-5R is still one of the best entry-level radios available.
However, if you want better performance, longer battery life, and modern USB-C charging, the Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is the better long-term choice.
Check UV-5RM Plus on AmazonRelated Posts