BAOFENG DM32 DM-32UV DMR Radio vs Baofeng K5 Plus
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The DM-32UV is the clear winner for anyone serious about amateur radio. It's a fundamentally different class of radio that justifies its nearly three-fold price premium.
The single most important differentiator is digital mode capability. The DM-32UV supports DMR, APRS, and GPS, making it suitable for modern digital networks and emergency communication. The K5 Plus is an analog-only radio with no advanced features, essentially a bare-bones transceiver.
The DM-32UV should appeal to operators who want growth potential, network connectivity, and modern functionality. The K5 Plus works for someone on an extremely tight budget who just wants a basic analog FM radio for occasional local simplex use.
The DM-32UV's higher overall score reflects this reality. At 79 out of 100 versus 57 out of 100, you're looking at a genuinely capable radio versus a minimalist entry point. Unless your budget is under 30 dollars with zero flexibility, buy the DM-32UV. It provides substantially better value despite costing more, offering features you'll actually use rather than outgrowing in weeks.
Reasons to choose BAOFENG DM32 DM-32UV DMR Radio
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus
- 58% cheaper ($25.56 vs $60.77)
$60.77 on Amazon
★ 4.4 (125 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | BAOFENG DM32 DM-32UV DMR Radio | Baofeng K5 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60.77 | $25.56 |
| Overall Score | 79 | 57 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W | — |
| Memory Channels | 4000 | 999 |
| Weight | — | — |
| Battery | — | — |
| Display | — | — |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Authorized |
| Color | Light Green | Black |
| Special Feature | multi-functional | Rechargable |
| Number of Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. (included) | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant | Not Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | 1 | UHF |
| Model Number | DM32UV | K5 Plus |
| Built-In Media | 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 | User Manual |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer | [Frequency-based compatibility]: 136-174 MHz (VHF) and 400-480 MHz (UHF) |
| Additional Features | multi-functional | Rechargable |
| Warranty Description | 1 | no |
| Connectivity Protocol | Analog, DMR, Type-c | Analog FM |