Baofeng 5RM vs TYT MD-UV390

The Baofeng 5RM is the clear winner for most users.

The single most important differentiator is price paired with power. The 5RM costs $31 and delivers 10W of transmit power, while the MD-UV390 costs $121 for half that power. The MD-UV390's advantage is DMR digital mode support and IP67 weather resistance, but these don't justify the four-fold price premium for typical amateur use.

Owner feedback slightly favors the 5RM. Amazon reviewers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 720 reviews, while the MD-UV390 scores 4.0 from 142 reviews. That's what actual buyers report, though the MD-UV390's smaller review pool means less certainty in that rating.

The 5RM supports CHIRP programming, making frequency management straightforward. We don't have weight data for either radio, and the MD-UV390's IP67 rating is its only durability specification advantage, relevant only if you expect regular water exposure.

Buy the Baofeng 5RM if you want solid performance on a strict budget and don't need digital modes. Buy the MD-UV390 if DMR access is essential for your local repeater network and you can justify spending significantly more.

For most people starting out or operating casually, the 5RM offers better value.