RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng DM32 vs Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

Our pick

Baofeng DM32$54.99

The Baofeng DM32 is the clear winner here despite the UV-5RM Pro's higher transmit power and lighter weight. The DM32 scores 10 points higher overall and delivers better value across the board.

The single most important differentiator is DMR capability. The DM32 includes full DMR support while the UV-5RM Pro lacks it entirely. For digital radio enthusiasts, this is substantial. DMR networks are increasingly popular in the amateur radio community, and this feature alone justifies the DM32's lower price.

The DM32 also includes CHIRP compatibility, making programming and maintenance dramatically easier than the UV-5RM Pro's proprietary software approach. While the UV-5RM Pro is 49 grams lighter and produces 2 watts more power, these advantages don't compensate for losing DMR and CHIRP support.

Buy the DM32 if you want modern digital features and programming flexibility at the best price. Buy the UV-5RM Pro only if you specifically need maximum portability and slightly higher analog power output, accepting you're paying more for less capability.

The DM32 is the smarter choice for most operators.

Winner

Baofeng DM32

$54.99

Very Good

$54.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

Runner-up

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

$59.99

Very Good

$59.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

Beginner needing high channel capacity
Its 4000 channels and DMR support offer far more flexibility for growth.
DM32 DMR
Budget operator for simple field use
This radio is slightly lighter and perfect for basic, portable outdoor communication.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Hotspot operator needing dual modes
The DM32's DMR and analog fallback capability makes it ideal for varied environments.
DM32 DMR
SOTA/POTA portable field activations
Its lighter weight and focus on basic outdoor features suit park activations well.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Operator prioritizing advanced features
The inclusion of DMR, APRS, and CHIRP gives it superior functional depth.
DM32 DMR

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM32

8% cheaper ($54.99 vs $59.99)
6x more memory channels (4,000 vs 640)
Has DMR digital mode
Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
49g lighter (301g vs 350g)
Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng DM32SpecBaofeng UV-5RM Pro

$54.99

Price

$59.99

Overall Score

+8% for winner

8.00W

TX Power (High)

10.00W

+25% for winner

4000

Memory Channels

640

6.3× difference

350g

Weight

301g

+16% difference

2500 mAh

Battery

2500 mAh

LCD

Display

Color LCD

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

green

color

Black-2

green

Color

Black-2

VHF UHF

Tuner Type

UHF/VHF

DM-32UV

Model Number

UV-5RM

1 X Radio

Built-In Media

2×BAOFENG 5RM radio, 2×2500mAh lithium-ion battery; 2×original headphones; 2×hand microphone; 2×BF-771 high gain antenna; 2×original antenna; 2×power adapter; 2×belt clip ; 2 × hand strap; 1 × programming cable; 1 × user manual

Other BAOFENG devices, Headsets, Earpieces, External Antennas

Compatible Devices

Hand Microphone, Original Headphones, High Gain Antennas (BF-771), Original Antennas, Other Two-Way Radios using the same frequency bands and channels

Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range

Additional Features

Battery Saver Mode

Warranty Description

1 Year

Not Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng DM32PICK

$54.99 on Amazon

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro