Baofeng UV-5R Mini vs Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

The UV-5RM Plus offers better listed specifications for the money, scoring 71 versus 67 overall. The critical difference is transmit power: the Plus delivers 5W at full strength compared to the Mini's 2W, a meaningful advantage for range and reliability in real-world conditions. Both radios earned identical 4.6/5 owner ratings, with the Plus backed by 352 reviews and the Mini by 450, suggesting comparable user satisfaction. The Plus weighs 90g more, which matters if you prioritize portability, though neither radio is heavy by handheld standards. Both support CHIRP programming and lack DMR, APRS, and GPS—features you'd need to look elsewhere for.

The single most important differentiator is transmit power. That 5W gap translates directly to coverage area and communication reliability.

Buy the Mini if ultraportability and budget are paramount and you operate in close-range environments. Buy the Plus if you want better range and can accept the extra weight and doubled cost.

We recommend the UV-5RM Plus for most operators. The higher power output justifies the price premium, and owners report satisfaction equal to the Mini. You're paying for capability that matters in the field.