Baofeng BF-5RH PRO vs Baofeng UV-5R
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The BF-5RH PRO is the clear winner for most users, despite costing more than double the UV-5R's price. The single most important differentiator is the feature set: the BF-5RH PRO includes GPS and APRS capabilities, making it substantially more versatile for emergency communications, net operations, and situational awareness. The UV-5R's missing transmit power specification is also concerning and suggests it may underperform the BF-5RH PRO's documented 10W output.
The UV-5R remains the better choice only for absolute beginners with zero budget who want to test whether amateur radio suits them before investing. The BF-5RH PRO is ideal for operators ready to participate in modern digital modes and emergency response networks.
We recommend the BF-5RH PRO for anyone serious about radio operations. The price difference is modest considering you gain GPS, APRS, documented power specifications, and a significantly higher overall quality score. The UV-5R is essentially obsolete technology and represents false economy unless you're buying multiple radios for a club or purely as a backup unit.
Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
- 5x more memory channels (640 vs 128)
- 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has color TFT display
- IP54 water resistance
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R
- 59% cheaper ($28.99 vs $69.99)
$69.99 on Amazon
★ 4.6 (286 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng BF-5RH PRO | Baofeng UV-5R |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | $28.99 |
| Overall Score | 86 | 63 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W | — |
| Memory Channels | 640 | 128 |
| Weight | — | — |
| Battery | 2500 mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Display | 1.77in TFT Color | — |
| IP Rating | IP54 | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Authorized |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Voltage | 7.4 Volts | 7.4 Volts |
| 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 | Dual Band, Dust Proof, Emergency Alarm, Keypad Lock, Long Range |
| Model Number | 5RH Pro | BF-UV5R |
| 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 | 1 X BAOFENG UV-5R Ham Radio, 1 X Baofeng Programming Cable,1 X Walkie Talkie Earpiece, 1 X Long Antenna,1 X Standard Antenna, 1 XBaofeng Desktop Charger,1 X Hand strap, 1 X Belt clip, 2 X Battery,1 X Hand Speaker Mic |
| Mfr Part Number | 5RH Pro | BF-UV5R |
| Waterproof Rating | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Compatible Devices | UV5RH Radio | baofeng radio handheld ham radio |
| 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 | Dual Band, Dust Proof, Emergency Alarm, Keypad Lock, Long Range |
| Battery Average Life | 72 Hours | 36 Hours |
| Warranty Description | 30-Day | 30-day hassle-free return |
| Connectivity Protocol | GPS | Two-Way Radio Frequency |