RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Baofeng BF-5RH PRO vs Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
Our pick
Baofeng BF-5RH PRO$70.69
The UV-5RM Plus wins on value and practical usability. Both radios match on core specs: 10W output, identical weight, and no digital mode support. The key difference is that the UV-5RM Plus includes CHIRP programming compatibility, making it substantially easier to configure frequencies and settings compared to manual entry on the BF-5RH PRO. The UV-5RM Plus costs $12 less and owners report slightly higher satisfaction at 4.6/5 across 352 reviews versus 4.5/5 from 293 reviews for the BF-5RH PRO. The BF-5RH PRO's advantages are GPS and APRS capability, plus an IP54 weather rating where the UV-5RM Plus has no rating listed. If you need GPS tracking or confirmed waterproofing, the BF-5RH PRO justifies the extra cost and higher RadioRanked score. Otherwise, the UV-5RM Plus delivers the same performance at lower cost with better programming convenience. Buy the UV-5RM Plus if you want straightforward 2-meter/70cm operation with easy setup. Buy the BF-5RH PRO if GPS/APRS features matter to your use case or you need documented weather resistance.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious buyer prioritizing lowest upfront cost
Costs less while still offering VHF and UHF coverage at 10W output.
UV-5RM PlusFirst-time licensee learning handheld operation
Its simpler setup and easier beginner experience suit someone new to handheld radios.
UV-5RM PlusAPRS position reporting and tracking enthusiast
Built-in APRS and GPS support make it the choice for position reporting.
Baofeng BF-5RH PROOutdoor operator needing 1.25m band and dust resistance
The 1.25m band and IP54 rating suit rougher field deployments outdoors.
Baofeng BF-5RH PROLocal repeater monitor tracking many channels
Its 999-channel memory handles large repeater and simplex lists with room to spare.
UV-5RM Plus
Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
- 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- IP54 water resistance
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
- 15% cheaper ($59.99 vs $70.69)
- 56% more memory channels (999 vs 640)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng BF-5RH PROPICK
$70.69 on AmazonBaofeng UV-5RM Plus
$59.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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