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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng BF-5RH PRO vs TYT MD-UV390

Our pick

TYT MD-UV390$120.99

The Baofeng BF-5RH PRO is the stronger choice for most buyers. It costs $46 less, delivers twice the transmit power, includes GPS and APRS capabilities that the TYT lacks, and owners report higher satisfaction at 4.5 stars across nearly 300 reviews versus the TYT's 4.0 stars from 142 reviews. The TYT's main advantage is its IP67 rating, which provides better weather sealing than the Baofeng's IP54, and it offers DMR digital mode support for users who specifically need that protocol.

The single most important differentiator is transmit power and price: the Baofeng delivers 10W for $75 while the TYT delivers 5W for $121, a substantial gap in capability and value. We cannot assess build quality or long-term durability from the available data, so the owner ratings reflect what buyers report experiencing so far.

The Baofeng BF-5RH PRO suits general-purpose users and those wanting GPS tracking and APRS capability without spending significantly. The TYT MD-UV390 is for DMR users who prioritize water resistance and can accept half the power output and higher cost.

Choose the Baofeng unless you specifically require DMR mode or need the superior IP67 weather rating for harsh environments.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious operator wanting high power

    Costs less and transmits at 10 watts, double the TYT's 5 watts, for general analog operating.

    Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
  • Hams wanting to try DMR

    Offers DMR digital modes that the Baofeng lacks, though it costs more.

    MD-UV390
  • Operator working outdoors in wet or dusty conditions

    Its IP67 rating resists dust and temporary water immersion better than the Baofeng's IP54 rating.

    MD-UV390
  • Field team needing position reporting

    Built-in APRS and GPS let the Baofeng report position, a feature the TYT does not offer.

    Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
  • Operator managing large channel lists

    Stores 3000 channels, far more than the Baofeng's 640, for large programming projects.

    MD-UV390

Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-5RH PRO

  • 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
  • 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose TYT MD-UV390

  • 5x more memory channels (3,000 vs 640)
  • Has DMR digital mode

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng BF-5RH PROSpecTYT MD-UV390
—
Price
$120.99
69
Overall Score
61
+14% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
2.0× difference
640
Memory Channels
3000
4.8× difference
290g
Weight
—
2500 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+14% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
Color LCD
IP54
IP Rating
IP67
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
Black
color
Black
2
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Baofeng BF-5RH PROPICK

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TYT MD-UV390

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