RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng BF-5RH PRO vs Y23UV-98PLUS

Our pick

Baofeng BF-5RH PRO$70.69

The BF-5RH PRO is the stronger choice here. Both radios share identical core specs: 10W output, APRS and GPS capability, and no digital mode support. The key differences are price and owner feedback. The BF-5RH PRO costs six dollars less and carries an owner rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 293 Amazon reviews, compared to the Y23UV-98PLUS at 4.0 out of 5 from just 16 reviews. The BF-5RH PRO also has an IP54 rating for weather resistance, while the Y23UV-98PLUS lists no IP specification. We do not have weight data for the Y23UV-98PLUS, so that cannot inform your choice.

The single most important differentiator is owner feedback volume and consistency. The BF-5RH PRO's rating comes from nearly 300 verified buyers, giving you meaningful real-world signal about what to expect. The Y23UV-98PLUS lacks that track record.

Buy the BF-5RH PRO if you want a proven option with documented weather sealing and strong owner consensus at a lower price. Consider the Y23UV-98PLUS only if its specific design appeals to you and you accept less evidence from previous buyers.

The recommendation is clear: choose the Baofeng BF-5RH PRO.

Winner

Baofeng BF-5RH PRO

$70.69

Very Good

$70.69 on Amazon

See full review and specs

Runner-up

Y23UV-98PLUS

$78.28

Good

$78.28 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

New licensee planning to grow into advanced features
Easier for beginners to start with, and its GPS and 1.25m band support give room to grow.
Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
Emergency communications volunteer needing wide coverage
Offers 10W output and a 1.25m band option, suited to ARES and RACES deployments.
Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
Hiker or camper prioritizing a lighter carry
Lighter and more portable, suiting camping trips and basic APRS tracking on the trail.
Y23UV-98PLUS
Operator managing large repeater and channel lists
Stores 1024 channels compared with 640, which helps when programming many repeaters and simplex frequencies.
Y23UV-98PLUS

Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-5RH PRO

10% cheaper ($70.69 vs $78.28)
4% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
IP54 water resistance
FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS

60% more memory channels (1,024 vs 640)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng BF-5RH PROSpecY23UV-98PLUS

$70.69

Price

$78.28

Overall Score

+11% for winner

10.00W

TX Power (High)

10.00W

640

Memory Channels

1024

+59% for winner

290g

Weight

—

2500 mAh

Battery

2400 mAh

+4% for winner

1.77in TFT Color

Display

TFT Color

IP54

IP Rating

—

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

No grant found

Black

color

Standard

unitCount

Black

Color

Standard

7.4 Volts

Voltage

7.38 Volts

5RH Pro

Model Number

Y23UV-98PLUS

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

1x Y23UV-98PLUS Main unit, 1x 2400mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port，1x MW Antenna, 1x SW Antenna,1x English User Manual

HAM

Frequency Range

144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz

UV5RH Radio

Compatible Devices

FRS Radios on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies

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

1024 Chlannels, AM FM SSB R Eeception, Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity, Cross Band Repeater, GPS/APRS

30-Day

Warranty Description

1 Year

Made your choice?

Baofeng BF-5RH PROPICK

$70.69 on Amazon

Y23UV-98PLUS

$78.28 on Amazon

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