RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus vs Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

The UV-5RM Pro is the better choice for most buyers.

The single most important differentiator is APRS and GPS capability. The Pro adds these features at the same price point, making it more versatile for emergency communication, tracking, and outdoor use. The Plus cannot do either. Both radios match on power output, price, and weight is negligible. The Plus has CHIRP support while the Pro lacks it, but the Pro's additional functionality outweighs this for most users.

Owner ratings tell us what buyers report: the Plus scores 4.6/5 from 352 reviews while the Pro scores 4.5/5 from 394 reviews. The difference is minimal and both radios receive strong feedback. We have no data on durability, build quality, or receiver performance for either model.

Buy the UV-5RM Plus if you need CHIRP programming compatibility and want the simplest possible feature set. Buy the UV-5RM Pro if you need APRS and GPS functions.

The UV-5RM Pro is the stronger value. It delivers practical navigation and emergency capabilities the Plus cannot match, at identical pricing, with equivalent owner satisfaction.

Runner-up

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

Average

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Winner

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

Good

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By use case

Which should you buy?

First-time licensee learning on a simple radio
A simpler feature set makes programming and everyday use easier for newcomers to the hobby.
UV-5RM Plus
Local repeater monitoring with many stored channels
Its 999-channel memory holds a large list of local repeaters and frequencies without constant reprogramming.
UV-5RM Plus
Weight-conscious operator carrying a radio on long hikes
The lighter body reduces fatigue on long days carrying the radio in the field.
UV-5RM Plus
Outdoor scouting and camping group leader
Built-in GPS and APRS support let the group share position and find each other outdoors.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
SOTA or POTA activator needing location tracking
Activators needing location and APRS tracking pick the model with GPS built in.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

56% more memory channels (999 vs 640)
11g lighter (290g vs 301g)
Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
Has APRS support
Has built-in GPS

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM PlusSpecBaofeng UV-5RM Pro

Overall Score

+12% for winner

10.00W

TX Power (High)

10.00W

999

Memory Channels

640

+56% for winner

290g

Weight

301g

+4% difference

1800 mAh

Battery

2500 mAh

+39% for winner

Color LCD

Display

Color LCD

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

Black

color

Black

Black 2Pack Full Kit

Color

Black-2

7.4 Volts

Voltage

7.4 Volts

UHF VHF

Tuner Type

UHF/VHF

UV-5RM

Model Number

UV-5RM

2×UV-5RM radio, 1×Programming Cable, 2×Earpieces, 2×Speaker Mic, 2×Tactical antennas, 2×Original antenna, 2×Charging base, 2×USB-C charging cables, 2×2500mAh battery, 2×belt clip, 2×Hand strap, 1×Instruction manual

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

Programming Cable, Speaker Mic, Tactical Antenna, Earphones, Weather Radios

Compatible Devices

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

Copy Frequency, NOAA Weather Receiver, Tactical Antenna, Type C Charging

Additional Features

Battery Saver Mode

1 Year

Warranty Description

1 Year

Not Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5RM Plus

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