RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-28 vs Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro$59.99

The UV-5RM Pro edges out the UV-28 as the better overall value. Both radios offer identical transmit power at 10 watts and include GPS, but the UV-5RM Pro adds APRS capability, weighs 59 grams less, and benefits from significantly stronger owner feedback with 394 Amazon reviews averaging 4.5 stars compared to the UV-28's 44 reviews at 4.1 stars. The UV-28 counters with CHIRP support and a lower price point of $43 versus $60.

The deciding factor is owner experience: the UV-5RM Pro's larger review base and higher rating represent broader field validation that matters more than either radio's modest score difference. That said, the UV-28 offers better value if you prioritize budget and prefer programming via CHIRP on your computer.

The UV-28 suits operators who want basic capability at the lowest cost and have computer programming experience. The UV-5RM Pro is the smarter choice for most buyers, offering APRS tracking, lighter weight, and stronger owner-reported satisfaction at a reasonable premium.

Go with the UV-5RM Pro unless budget is your absolute constraint.

Runner-up

Baofeng UV-28

$58.99

Very Good

$58.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

Winner

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

$59.99

Very Good

$59.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

Absolute beginner on a tight budget
The UV-28 offers more channels and features for the lowest entry price.
UV-28
New operator needing reliable field comms
The UV-5RM Pro's higher score and APRS support make it ideal for new users.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
SOTA/POTA activators needing portability
Its reputation and GPS features provide better reliability for outdoor activations.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Emergency preparedness and ARES use
The UV-28 is specifically recommended for ARES/RACES emergency deployment.
UV-28
User prioritizing maximum channel capacity
With 1000 channels, the UV-28 offers significantly more memory space.
UV-28

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28

2% cheaper ($58.99 vs $59.99)
56% more memory channels (1,000 vs 640)
Has Bluetooth
Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
59g lighter (301g vs 360g)
Has APRS support

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-28SpecBaofeng UV-5RM Pro

$58.99

Price

$59.99

Overall Score

+3% for winner

10.00W

TX Power (High)

10.00W

1000

Memory Channels

640

+56% for winner

360g

Weight

301g

+19% difference

2200 mAh

Battery

2500 mAh

+14% for winner

Color LCD

Display

Color LCD

On file, scope unconfirmed

FCC Authorization

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

Black

color

Black-2

Black

Color

Black-2

UHF VHF

Tuner Type

UHF/VHF

UV-28 Plus

Model Number

UV-5RM

1 x Headset, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Wrist Strap, 1 x High-Gain ANT, 1 x Speaker Mic, 1 x UV-28 PLUS Ham Radio, 2 x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery, 1 x Desktop Charger with Adapter

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

Repeater, Smartphone

Compatible Devices

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

CHIRP Compatible, Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Wireless APP Programmable

Additional Features

Battery Saver Mode

18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support

Warranty Description

1 Year

Not Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-28

$58.99 on Amazon