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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng 5RM vs Radioddity GD-168

Our pick

Radioddity GD-168$139.99

The Baofeng 5RM is the clear winner here. Despite being a budget radio, it delivers significantly better performance and value than the Radioddity GD-168, which struggles to justify its five-fold price premium with a substantially lower overall score and missing critical specifications.

The single most important differentiator is the overall quality assessment. The 5RM scores 73/100 versus the GD-168's 44/100, a gap too large to ignore. The Baofeng also offers confirmed 10W transmit power and CHIRP compatibility, making programming straightforward and reliable. The Radioddity's unknown transmit power and lack of CHIRP support are red flags suggesting a less mature or poorly documented radio.

The Baofeng 5RM suits budget-conscious operators, newcomers, and anyone prioritizing value and proven reliability. The Radioddity GD-168 might appeal only to someone with specific niche requirements not reflected in these specs, though that case is unclear given its low score.

Buy the Baofeng 5RM without hesitation. It's an exceptional value in the entry-level market, and there's no rational argument for spending five times more on an inferior radio with worse documentation.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-constrained buyer wanting basic repeater access

    It costs far less and covers VHF and UHF repeaters, which suits operators keeping spending low.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • Brand-new licensee learning on local repeaters

    Its beginner-friendly rating is higher and it includes CHIRP support for simple programming of channels.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • Emergency preparedness kit buyer

    Its 10W transmit power and low cost make it an easy addition to a backup communications kit.

    Baofeng 5RM
  • Technician or General class digital voice operator

    It adds DMR digital modes, which the Baofeng 5RM does not offer.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Operator wanting APRS and a color screen

    It supports APRS and offers a color display, with a noticeably higher feature score than the alternative.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • User storing large channel and contact lists

    It holds 4000 channels, far more than the 999 available on the other radio, and supports contact storage for digital use.

    Radioddity GD-168

Reasons to choose Baofeng 5RM

  • 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
  • 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Radioddity GD-168

  • 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • Has APRS support

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng 5RMSpecRadioddity GD-168
—
Price
$139.99
60
Overall Score
72
+20% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
2.0× difference
999
Memory Channels
4000
4.0× difference
—
Weight
220g
2500 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
+39% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
1.77in TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
VHF/1.25M/UHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF
5RM
Model Number
GD-168
1X 5RM radio, 1X charging base station, 1X Type C charging cable, 1X 6.1" antenna, 1X 15.12" 771 antenna, 1X 2500mAh battery, 1X handset with mic, 1X Belt, 1X hand strap, 1X user manual
Built-In Media
1 x 1800mAh Battery, 1 x 2600mAh Battery, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Adaptor, 1 x Desktop Charger Base, 1 x Type-C Cable (for programming & charging), 1 x GD-168 DMR Radio, 1 x Standard ANT, 1 x 15’’ Long ANT
144-174MHz, 420-470MH
Frequency Range
UHF, VHF
5RM
Mfr Part Number
QYWRDGDYLB11
BF-F8HP Pro, BaoFeng AR-5RM, BaoFeng UV-5R, baofeng k5 plus, weather radio
Compatible Devices
DMR devices, FM radios, compatible accessories
1.77inch colour screen, 10W power, Frequency copy, USB C charging
Additional Features
Digital Display, Long Range, Noise Reduction, USB-C Rechargeable & Programmable, Voice Operated Transmission
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng 5RM

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Radioddity GD-168PICK

$139.99 on Amazon

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