Baofeng UV-5R Mini vs TYT MD-UV390

The MD-UV390 is the stronger choice for most users. The single most important differentiator is DMR digital mode support: the MD-UV390 handles it, the UV-5R Mini does not. If you need to operate on DMR networks, the MD-UV390 is your only option here.

The UV-5R Mini owners report 4.6 out of 5 stars across 450 reviews, while MD-UV390 owners report 4.0 out of 5 across 142 reviews. Both indicate solid satisfaction, though the UV-5R Mini has stronger owner feedback and we don't know its price. The MD-UV390 costs $121, outputs 5W versus the UV-5R Mini's 2W, and carries an IP67 weather rating that the UV-5R Mini lacks. The UV-5R Mini is lighter at 200g and works with CHIRP programming software.

Buy the UV-5R Mini if you want a lightweight analog-only radio with strong owner reports and need budget pricing. Buy the MD-UV390 if you need DMR capability, more transmit power, or weather sealing, and can accept its higher price and smaller owner review base.

The MD-UV390 wins overall because DMR support is a fundamental capability gap the UV-5R Mini cannot bridge, though the choice depends on whether digital mode operation matters for your intended use.