Baofeng BF-5RH PRO vs Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The BF-5RH PRO is the clear winner for most users, despite its higher price point. Both radios deliver identical transmit power and CHIRP compatibility, but the feature gap is substantial.
The single most important differentiator is the BF-5RH PRO's integrated GPS and APRS capabilities. These features enable location tracking and digital messaging that the K5 Plus simply cannot provide, making the PRO vastly more capable for emergency communication, outdoor activities, and modern amateur radio applications.
The BF-5RH PRO suits operators who want genuine dual-band versatility with modern features and don't mind spending for quality. The K5 Plus appeals only to budget-conscious beginners who prioritize rock-bottom pricing over functionality and understand they're buying a barebones radio.
At 2.7 times the price, the BF-5RH PRO justifies its cost through GPS, APRS, and an 18-point higher overall score. The K5 Plus is false economy unless your budget is severely constrained. For anyone serious about amateur radio, the BF-5RH PRO delivers substantially better value despite the higher upfront cost. The gap between 68 and 86 on the overall score reflects real, practical differences in usability and capability.
Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has color TFT display
- IP54 water resistance
Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
- 62% cheaper ($26.59 vs $69.99)
- 56% more memory channels (999 vs 640)
$69.99 on Amazon
★ 4.6 (286 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng BF-5RH PRO | Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | $26.59 |
| Overall Score | 86 | 68 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W | 10.00W |
| Memory Channels | 640 | 999 |
| Weight | — | — |
| Battery | 2500 mAh | 2500 mAh |
| Display | 1.77in TFT Color | — |
| IP Rating | IP54 | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Authorized |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Frequency Range | HAM | UHF VHF 1.25M |
| Special Feature | 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 | Channel Clone, Digital Display, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission |
| Included Components | 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 | 2500mAh Battery x 1, BAOFENG K5PLUS Two Way Radio x 1, Earpice x 1; Belt Clip x 1; Lanyard x 1, Speaker Mic x 1; USB-C Charging Cable x 1, Standard ANT x 1; Long ANT x 1 |
| Model Number | 5RH Pro | K5PLUS |
| Built-In Media | 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 | 2500mAh Battery x 1, BAOFENG K5PLUS Two Way Radio x 1, Earpice x 1; Belt Clip x 1; Lanyard x 1, Speaker Mic x 1; USB-C Charging Cable x 1, Standard ANT x 1; Long ANT x 1 |
| Compatible Devices | UV5RH Radio | CHIRP software, Earpiece, Standard antenna |
| Additional Features | 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 | Channel Clone, Digital Display, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission |
| Warranty Description | 30-Day | 18 Months Warranty |
| Connectivity Protocol | GPS | VOX |