RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band vs Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro$59.99

The Baofeng UV-5RM Pro is the clear winner for most users, earning a 77/100 versus the K5 Plus's 68/100 for good reason.

The single most important differentiator is feature set. While both radios deliver identical 10W transmit power, the UV-5RM Pro includes APRS and GPS capabilities that the K5 Plus completely lacks. These features unlock location tracking, emergency beacon functionality, and digital mapping integration that matter significantly for emergency preparedness and field operations. The K5 Plus's tri-band design is interesting but offers minimal practical advantage when the UV-5RM Pro covers the essential bands.

The price gap of 34 dollars widens when you consider the UV-5RM Pro's built-in GPS negates the need for external hardware. The K5 Plus gains points for CHIRP compatibility, making programming easier, but this is a minor convenience factor compared to actual operational capabilities.

The K5 Plus suits hobbyists on extremely tight budgets who only need basic VHF/UHF communication and value firmware customization. The UV-5RM Pro is for anyone who wants a capable, feature-rich radio without spending premium money.

Get the UV-5RM Pro unless your budget is absolutely fixed at under 30 dollars.

Runner-up

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band

$25.99

Good

$25.99 on Amazon

Winner

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

$59.99

Very Good

$59.99 on Amazon

By use case

Which should you buy?

Beginner learning multiple amateur bands
Its tri-band capability makes it ideal for learning various amateur frequencies.
Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
Portable field communication and scouting
The inclusion of GPS and APRS makes it superior for outdoor tracking and logging.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Budget-conscious first-time licensed ham
It offers excellent foundational features at a significantly lower entry price point.
Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
SOTA/POTA activation and public service
The integrated GPS and APRS features are essential for documenting outdoor activations.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Advanced user needing deep frequency customization
The advanced CHIRP support allows for highly detailed and customizable repeater settings.
Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band

Reasons to choose Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band

57% cheaper ($25.99 vs $59.99)
56% more memory channels (999 vs 640)
Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

Has APRS support
Has built-in GPS
Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-BandSpecBaofeng UV-5RM Pro

$25.99

Price

$59.99

Overall Score

+14% for winner

10.00W

TX Power (High)

10.00W

999

Memory Channels

640

+56% for winner

—

Weight

301g

2500 mAh

Battery

2500 mAh

—

Display

Color LCD

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

Black

color

Black-2

Black

Color

Black-2

K5PLUS

Model Number

UV-5RM

2500mAh Battery x 1, BAOFENG K5PLUS Two Way Radio x 1, Earpice x 1; Belt Clip x 1; Lanyard x 1, Speaker Mic x 1; USB-C Charging Cable x 1, Standard ANT x 1; Long ANT x 1

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

CHIRP software, Earpiece, Standard antenna

Compatible Devices

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

Channel Clone, Digital Display, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission

Additional Features

Battery Saver Mode

18 Months Warranty

Warranty Description

1 Year

Not Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band

$25.99 on Amazon