Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Baofeng UV-7B
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The Baofeng UV-5RM Pro is the clear winner despite identical overall scores. While both radios tie at 58/100, the UV-5RM Pro offers substantially more capability for only $45 additional investment.
The single most important differentiator is feature set. The UV-5RM Pro includes GPS and APRS functionality, making it suitable for emergency communication and location tracking. The UV-7B is essentially a basic analog transceiver with minimal modern features. The UV-5RM Pro's confirmed 10W transmit power versus the UV-7B's unknown specifications further favors the former for reliable range and coverage.
The UV-7B appeals only to budget-conscious users wanting a bare-minimum backup radio or those specifically seeking CHIRP compatibility for legacy equipment programming. The UV-5RM Pro suits anyone planning serious amateur radio use, portable operations, or emergency preparedness where GPS and APRS add genuine operational value.
The UV-5RM Pro is the safer choice for most operators. The higher cost remains negligible given the feature gap, and you're not sacrificing performance or reliability. Only choose the UV-7B if your budget is genuinely constrained under $30 and you have no need for modern digital capabilities.
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro
- 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-7B
- 55% cheaper ($26.99 vs $59.99)
- 56% more memory channels (1,000 vs 640)
- Has Bluetooth
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng UV-5RM Pro | Baofeng UV-7B |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $26.99 |
| Overall Score | 77 | 70 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W | — |
| Memory Channels | 640 | 1000 |
| Weight | 301g | — |
| Battery | 2500 mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Display | Color LCD | Color LCD |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Not Found |
| Color | Black-2 | Blue |
| Special Feature | Battery Saver Mode | 1.77 inches Digital Display, APP Programmable via Bluetooth, Tri-band transmit, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission |
| Included Components | 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 | 1 x 1800mAh Battery, 1 x USB Charging Cable, 1 x Adapter, 1 x Headset, 1 x UV-7B Radio, 1 x Wrist Strap, Belt Clip |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant | Not Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | UHF/VHF | UHF VHF |
| Model Number | UV-5RM | UV-7B |
| 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 | 1 x 1800mAh Battery, 1 x USB Charging Cable, 1 x Adapter, 1 x Headset, 1 x UV-7B Radio, 1 x Wrist Strap, Belt Clip |
| Compatible Devices | Hand Microphone, Original Headphones, High Gain Antennas (BF-771), Original Antennas, Other Two-Way Radios using the same frequency bands and channels | Repeater, Smartphone |
| Additional Features | Battery Saver Mode | 1.77 inches Digital Display, APP Programmable via Bluetooth, Tri-band transmit, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year | 18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support |