Baofeng radios are known for their affordability and functional capabilities in amateur radio communications.
The UV-5R has been a staple in the lineup for years, known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness. The UV-17R marketed as an upgrade to the UV-5R, promises enhanced features and performance.
📻 Quick Pick: Baofeng UV-5R vs UV-17R Plus
Choose the Baofeng UV-5R if you want the classic, low-cost handheld radio with massive accessory support, simple programming, and years of online tutorials.
Choose the Baofeng UV-17R Plus if you want a more modern radio with a larger color display, USB-C charging, more memory channels, and extra convenience features.
🏆 Best Budget Classic: Baofeng UV-5R
The UV-5R is still the best pick for beginners who want the cheapest entry point into handheld radios. It is widely supported, easy to find, and compatible with a huge range of batteries, antennas, speaker mics, chargers, and programming cables.
🚀 Best Modern Upgrade: Baofeng UV-17R Plus
The UV-17R is the better choice if you want a newer Baofeng with a more modern interface. Its color screen, USB-C charging, expanded channel capacity, and updated design make it more convenient for users who want more than the basic UV-5R experience.
Bottom line: Buy the UV-5R if you want the proven budget radio with the largest accessory ecosystem. Buy the UV-17R Plus if you prefer a newer model with a color screen, USB-C charging, and more memory channels.
Below, we explore the differences and similarities between these two models.
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Comparison Table: UV-5R vs UV-17R Plus
| Feature | Baofeng UV-5R | Baofeng UV-17R Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 💳 Cost | Check Price | Check Price |
| Frequency Range | VHF: 136-174 MHz UHF: 400-520 MHz | FM 76-108 MHz; AM 108-136MHz; VHF 136-174MHz, VHF 220-260MHz; UHF 350-390MHz,400-520MHz; |
| Display Screen Size | 1.6″ Inch | 1.77” Inch |
| Max Power Output | 4 watts | 7 watts |
| Battery | 1800 mAh | 2500 mAh |
| Channels | 128 | 999 |
| Keypad | Limited | Full |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Size | 1.26 x 2.05 x 3.94 inches | |
| Weight | 1 pound | 1.1 pounds |
| FM Radio | Yes* | Yes |
| Charging | Desktop Charger | USB-C + Base Charger |
| Voice Scrambler | No | Yes |
| Scanning | Yes | Yes |
| Menu System | Basic | Enhanced |
The Baofeng UV-17R Plus is an updated version of the UV-5R with better radio hardware. It is suitable for amateur radio enthusiasts who need a reliable, easy-to-use handheld transceiver with the latest features.
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Advantages of the UV-17R Plus over the UV-5R
- Larger Screen Size
- FM Radio for listening
- USB-C Fast Charging
- More channels
- Higher output power
Advantages of the UV-5R over the UV-17R Plus
- Large user community and better support
- Cost-effective
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