RR VerdictUpdated May 2026
Baofeng AR-5RM vs Baofeng UV-5RM Pro
The UV-5RM Pro is the clear winner for most users. While the AR-5RM's $26 price tag is tempting, you get what you pay for: missing specifications, no advanced features, and a 12-point score disadvantage.
The single most important differentiator is feature set. The UV-5RM Pro includes APRS and GPS capabilities that the AR-5RM completely lacks. These features matter for emergency preparedness, location tracking, and digital operations. The UV-5RM Pro also specifies 10W of transmit power, while the AR-5RM leaves this critical spec unknown, raising reliability concerns.
The AR-5RM makes sense only for budget-conscious beginners who want programming via CHIRP and don't need advanced features. The UV-5RM Pro suits anyone who wants a capable all-purpose handheld with legitimate emergency and digital capabilities at a reasonable price point.
Our recommendation is the UV-5RM Pro. The additional $34 investment buys you meaningful functionality, known specifications, higher ratings, and better long-term value. Unless your budget is genuinely limited to under $30, the UV-5RM Pro's feature advantage justifies its cost.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Absolute beginner on a tight budget
The AR-5RM offers more channels and features for the lowest possible entry cost.
Baofeng AR-5RMField operations requiring GPS and APRS
The UV-5RM Pro's integrated GPS and APRS features make it ideal for field tracking.
UV-5RM Plus GPS HamCasual simplex monitoring and learning
The AR-5RM's massive channel memory is perfect for monitoring many frequencies.
Baofeng AR-5RMSOTA/POTA activations and outdoor camping
Its higher power output and dedicated field features suit outdoor activations better.
UV-5RM Plus GPS HamBuyer needing the most features for the price
The AR-5RM provides a vast feature set and channel count at an unmatched budget price.
Baofeng AR-5RMNew operator needing reliable field communication
The UV-5RM Pro's higher build quality and dedicated field features offer better reliability.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Reasons to choose Baofeng AR-5RM
- 58% cheaper ($24.98 vs $59.89)
- 56% more memory channels (999 vs 640)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has color TFT display
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Baofeng AR-5RMSpecBaofeng UV-5RM Pro
$24.98
Price
$59.89
65
Overall Score
77
+19% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
10.00W
999
Memory Channels
640
+56% for winner
—
Weight
301g
—
Battery
2500 mAh
—
Display
Color LCD
Authorized
FCC Authorization
Authorized
Black
color
Black-2
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black-2
VHF UHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
AR-5RM
Model Number
UV-5RM
1 X Earpiece & 1 X Clip, 1 X Radio, 1X Type-c Cable & 1 X Base Charger, Antenna, Battery
Built-In Media
2×BAOFENG 5RM radio, 2×2500mAh lithium-ion battery; 2×original headphones; 2×hand microphone; 2×BF-771 high gain antenna; 2×original antenna; 2×power adapter; 2×belt clip ; 2 × hand strap; 1 × programming cable; 1 × user manual
AM,FM Receiver
Compatible Devices
Hand Microphone, Original Headphones, High Gain Antennas (BF-771), Original Antennas, Other Two-Way Radios using the same frequency bands and channels
Copy Frequency, Long Range, Noaa Weather Receiver
Additional Features
Battery Saver Mode
100 Hours
Battery Average Life
24 Hours
NO
Warranty Description
1 Year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
Made your choice?
Baofeng AR-5RM
$24.98 on AmazonBaofeng UV-5RM ProPICK
$59.89 on Amazon