Baofeng UV-25 vs Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

The UV-5RM Plus is the better choice for most users. Both radios deliver identical TX power and CHIRP compatibility, but the UV-5RM Plus weighs 118 grams less, making it noticeably more portable for extended field use. The UV-25 includes GPS while the Plus does not, which matters if navigation is essential to your operations. We lack the UV-25's price, so we cannot evaluate value directly, though the Plus costs only $60. Owners report satisfaction with both units: the UV-5RM Plus at 4.6/5 across 352 reviews and the UV-25 at 4.3/5 across 89 reviews. The single most important difference is weight versus GPS capability.

Choose the UV-5RM Plus if portability and cost matter most and you do not need integrated GPS. Choose the UV-25 if GPS navigation is a priority and you can accept the heavier form factor. The UV-5RM Plus edges ahead overall due to its lower weight and known price point, but the UV-25 remains worth considering if GPS features justify the extra bulk in your specific use case.