Baofeng UV-5R vs UV-5RM – What’s the difference?

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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 Radio 5RM Ham Radio10W Long Range Handheld AR-5RM Two Way Radio NOAA Weather Receiver Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Longe Range Copy Frequency 999CH with Type C Charging 2500mAh Battery

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

FeatureUV-5RUV-5RM Plus
💳 PricingCheck PriceCheck Price
Output Power4W / 1W10W Max
Frequency Range (TX)144-148 MHz (VHF)144-148 MHz (VHF)
420-450 MHz (UHF)420-450 MHz (UHF)
Additional RX FrequenciesN/AFM: 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 Capacity128 Channels999 Groups
Charging TypeDesktop ChargingType-C Charging
Battery1800 mAh2500 mAh
Display1.5″ Classic Display1.77″ Color Display
Antenna OptionsStandard Dual-Band Antenna (SMA-Female)Standard & RD-771 Long Antenna (SMA-Female)
Accessories IncludedBelt Clip, Earpiece, Desktop ChargerLong Antennas, Headsets, Type-C Charger
Special FeaturesN/AFrequency Copy, DTMF Manual Dial

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.

BAOFENG Radio 5RM Ham Radio10W Long Range Handheld AR-5RM Two Way Radio NOAA Weather Receiver Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Longe Range Copy Frequency 999CH with Type C Charging 2500mAh 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.

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-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black)

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 Guerrilla's Guide To The Baofeng Radio

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