RR VerdictUpdated May 2026
Baofeng BF-5RH PRO vs BAOFENG DM32 DM-32UV DMR Radio
The Baofeng BF-5RH PRO is the clear winner here. Both radios share identical pricing and power output, making this decision hinge entirely on features and usability rather than cost.
The single most important differentiator is CHIRP compatibility. The BF-5RH PRO supports CHIRP, the industry-standard free programming software, while the DM-32 does not. This matters significantly for anyone wanting to manage frequencies efficiently or share configurations with the amateur radio community. Programming the DM-32 requires proprietary software, which is considerably more cumbersome.
While the DM-32 offers DMR capability that the BF-5RH PRO lacks, this advantage is outweighed by the programming flexibility and CHIRP support of its competitor. Both radios include APRS and GPS, so those features are a wash.
The BF-5RH PRO's higher overall score of 86 versus 79 reflects its superior practical usability for most operators.
Buy the BF-5RH PRO if you want maximum flexibility and ease of use with community-standard tools. Buy the DM-32 only if DMR capability is essential to your specific use case and you're willing to accept proprietary programming software.
Go with the BF-5RH PRO for most users.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Beginner learning advanced features
Its high beginner score and comprehensive feature set make it ideal for learning.
Baofeng BF-5RH PROOperator needing high channel capacity
The 4000 channel memory offers superior capacity for large-scale operations.
BAOFENG DM32 DM-32UV DMR RadioBudget field operations needing coverage
The BF-5RH PRO's high general utility and ARES support are excellent for field use.
Baofeng BF-5RH PROAdvanced user needing DMR digital modes
The dedicated DMR feature set makes this radio superior for modern digital networking.
BAOFENG DM32 DM-32UV DMR RadioBudget-conscious generalist needing versatility
It offers a better balance of features, beginner score, and general utility.
Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
- Has Bluetooth
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- Has color TFT display
- IP54 water resistance
Reasons to choose BAOFENG DM32 DM-32UV DMR Radio
- 18% cheaper ($59.49 vs $72.99)
- 6x more memory channels (4,000 vs 640)
- Has DMR digital mode
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Baofeng BF-5RH PROSpecBAOFENG DM32 DM-32UV DMR Radio
$72.99
Price
$59.49
86
Overall Score
79
+9% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
640
Memory Channels
4000
6.3× difference
2500 mAh
Battery
—
1.77in TFT Color
Display
—
IP54
IP Rating
—
Authorized
FCC Authorization
Authorized
Black
color
Light Green
2
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Light Green
7.4 Volts
Voltage
9 Volts
5RH Pro
Model Number
DM32UV
1× CH340 Programming Cable, 2X Earpiece with mic ,2x Belt clip,2 x Hand strap, 2×18.89 inch Tactical Antennas,2×805S Antennas, 2×Original antenna,2× AirBand antenna, 2×BF-5RH Pro Ham Radio Handheld,2×2500mAh USB-C Battery, 2×USB-C charger with cable, 1 x Hand Strap 1 x User's Manual
Built-In Media
1 X 33cm Antenna & 1X 21cm Gooseneck Antenna, 1 X Battery & 1 X SRH-805S Antenna, 1 X Earpiece & 1 X Radio Case & 7 X Antenna Silicone Cover, 1 X Radio, 1X Type-c Cable & 1 X Base Charger
HAM
Frequency Range
108-136 MHz (AM), 65-108 MHz (FM), UHF 400.000-470.000 MHz (RX、TX), VHF 136.000-174.000 MHz (RX、TX)
5RH Pro
Mfr Part Number
BAOFENG
IP54
Waterproof Rating
IP67
UV5RH Radio
Compatible Devices
Personal Computer
Battery Saver Mode, GPS/APRS, Emergency Alarm,1.77 TFT in Color Screen, 640 Channels in 10 Zone, AM/FM/VHF/1.25M/UHF, Multi-band,FM,Suitable for Survival Gear, One Key Frquency Copy, Weather Alert
Additional Features
multi-functional
72 Hours
Battery Average Life
7 days
30-Day
Warranty Description
1
GPS
Connectivity Protocol
Analog, DMR, Type-c
Made your choice?
Baofeng BF-5RH PROPICK
$72.99 on AmazonBAOFENG DM32 DM-32UV DMR Radio
$59.49 on Amazon