RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng DM-32UV Pro vs Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

Our pick

Baofeng DM-32UV Pro$59.46

The UV-5RM Plus is the better choice for most buyers.

The single most important differentiator is feature set versus simplicity. The DM-32UV Pro includes DMR, APRS, GPS, and Bluetooth, making it suited for digital modes and advanced operations. The UV-5RM Plus strips these out, offering a straightforward analog radio with CHIRP programming support, which appeals to users who want ease of use without complexity.

Price is nearly identical at $60 versus $64. Both deliver 10W output and similar weight, though the UV-5RM Plus is slightly lighter at 290g. The DM-32UV Pro has a listed IP67 rating, confirming weather resistance; the UV-5RM Plus has no rating listed, so we cannot assess its weatherproofing. Owners report 4.6 stars across 352 reviews for the UV-5RM Plus versus 4.4 stars across 153 reviews for the DM-32UV Pro. The UV-5RM Plus has more owner feedback and slightly higher reported satisfaction.

The UV-5RM Plus should appeal to beginners and analog-only operators seeking reliability on a budget. The DM-32UV Pro suits digital mode enthusiasts willing to pay extra for DMR and APRS.

Buy the UV-5RM Plus unless you specifically need digital mode capabilities.

Winner

Baofeng DM-32UV Pro

$59.46

Very Good

$59.46 on Amazon

See full review and specs

Runner-up

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

$59.99

Good

$59.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

Budget-focused buyer wanting the lowest upfront cost
Costs less and offers a simpler feature set, which suits buyers who want VHF and UHF basics.
UV-5RM Plus
First-time licensee exploring digital voice modes
DMR support and a broader feature set make it a practical entry point for digital operating.
Baofeng DM-32UV Pro
New license holder using local repeaters
Simple controls and a lower price make it easy to start monitoring nearby repeaters.
UV-5RM Plus
Field operator needing GPS, APRS, and rugged build
Built-in GPS, APRS, and IP67 sealing suit outdoor and emergency field work.
Baofeng DM-32UV Pro
Lightweight carry for casual portable operating
At 290 grams versus 350 grams, it is the lighter choice for pack-along use.
UV-5RM Plus

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-32UV Pro

1% cheaper ($59.46 vs $59.99)
4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
Has DMR digital mode
Has APRS support
Has built-in GPS
Has Bluetooth
IP67 water resistance

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

60g lighter (290g vs 350g)
Has CHIRP compatibility
Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng DM-32UV ProSpecBaofeng UV-5RM Plus

$59.46

Price

$59.99

Overall Score

+16% for winner

10.00W

TX Power (High)

10.00W

4000

Memory Channels

999

4.0× difference

350g

Weight

290g

+20% difference

—

Battery

1800 mAh

—

Display

Color LCD

IP67

IP Rating

—

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

Army Green

color

Black

unitCount

Army Green

Color

Black 2Pack Full Kit

9 Volts

Voltage

7.4 Volts

Tuner Type

UHF VHF

DM32UV

Model Number

UV-5RM

1 X 33cm Antenna & 1X 21cm Gooseneck Antenna, 1 X Battery & 1 X SRH-805S Antenna, 1 X Earpiece & 1 X Radio Case & 7 X Antenna Silicone Cover, 1 X Radio, 1X Type-c Cable & 1 X Base Charger

Built-In Media

2×UV-5RM radio, 1×Programming Cable, 2×Earpieces, 2×Speaker Mic, 2×Tactical antennas, 2×Original antenna, 2×Charging base, 2×USB-C charging cables, 2×2500mAh battery, 2×belt clip, 2×Hand strap, 1×Instruction manual

108-136 MHz (AM), 65-108 MHz (FM), UHF 400.000-470.000 MHz (RX、TX), VHF 136.000-174.000 MHz (RX、TX)

Frequency Range

136-512 MHz

Personal Computer

Compatible Devices

Programming Cable, Speaker Mic, Tactical Antenna, Earphones, Weather Radios

Digital Display

Additional Features

Copy Frequency, NOAA Weather Receiver, Tactical Antenna, Type C Charging

Warranty Description

1 Year

Made your choice?