RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng 5RM vs Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
The DM-32UV GPS APRS is the clear winner for most buyers.
The single most important differentiator is the feature set. Both radios transmit at 10W, but the DM-32UV GPS APRS adds DMR digital mode, APRS positioning, and built-in GPS. The 5RM is a basic analog FM radio. These are fundamentally different radios for different purposes. Both support CHIRP programming and have no listed IP rating.
The 5RM suits budget-conscious users who need simple analog FM only and want to spend under 30 dollars. The DM-32UV GPS APRS is for anyone who wants digital capabilities, position reporting, or GPS functionality and can afford double the price.
Owners of the DM-32UV GPS APRS report 4.6 out of 5 from 39 reviews, while the 5RM owners report 4.4 out of 5 from 720 reviews. The smaller review count for the DM-32UV means less certainty, but the higher rating suggests owners are satisfied with what they get.
Buy the DM-32UV GPS APRS unless your budget is genuinely constrained to 27 dollars or you have no use for digital modes and GPS. The feature gap justifies the price difference for almost any serious radio user.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-constrained buyer wanting the lowest upfront cost
Costs less than the alternative and covers VHF, UHF, and 1.25m for repeater access.
Baofeng 5RMLicensed operator wanting DMR digital access
Supports DMR and has 4000 channels, a higher feature count than the alternative.
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSField operators needing APRS and GPS tracking
APRS and GPS tracking suit field operators, though the unit weighs 350g.
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSPortability-focused buyer keeping carry weight low
Scores higher on portability, making it the easier radio to carry in the field.
Baofeng 5RMEmergency preparedness buyer wanting multi-band coverage
Covers VHF, UHF, and 1.25m, and suits emergency preparedness use cases at low cost.
Baofeng 5RMOperator adding a feature-rich radio to an existing collection
Brings a high feature count and digital modes to a collection already holding simpler radios.
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
Reasons to choose Baofeng 5RM
- No clear advantages in this comparison
Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng 5RM
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