RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Quansheng UV-K1

Our pick

Quansheng UV-K1$35.69

The UV-5RM Pro offers significantly better listed specifications for the money, scoring 77 versus 44 on RadioRanked's composite metric. It delivers 10W transmission power, GPS, and APRS capability in exchange for a $24 price premium and 111g additional weight. The Quansheng's transmission power is unknown to us, and it lacks the navigation and positioning features entirely. Both radios earn similar owner ratings—the UV-5RM from 394 Amazon reviewers at 4.5/5, the Quansheng from only 8 reviewers at 4.4/5—so you have more buyer feedback for the Baofeng but limited evidence on the Quansheng's real-world performance.

The single most important differentiator is feature set. The UV-5RM Pro adds GPS and APRS, making it useful for location tracking and emergency beaconing; the UV-K1 is stripped down for basic communication only.

Buy the UV-5RM Pro if you want navigation features and transmission power specification clarity. Buy the Quansheng if weight matters most and you accept minimal data on its capabilities.

For most users, the UV-5RM Pro's known capabilities and deeper owner feedback justify the modest cost difference. Only choose the Quansheng if ultralight portability outweighs feature loss.

Winner

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

Good

Search on Amazon

See full review and specs

Runner-up

Quansheng UV-K1

$35.69

Average

$35.69 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

New licensees learning the hobby
New Technician licensees benefit from the higher-power output, APRS support, and beginner-friendly controls.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Listeners who only want to monitor and scan
Scanning and listening need neither APRS nor high power, so the simpler radio fits.
UV-K1
Scouts and campers wanting position tracking in the field
APRS and GPS let camp groups share location, which the analog-only unit cannot offer.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Pocket carry for casual local simplex contacts
At 190 grams with fewer features, it is lighter for everyday carry around town.
UV-K1
Emergency preparedness with longer reach needs
Ten watts of output and a wider feature set suit emergency communication better than analog-only radios.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Portable summit activators on POTA or SOTA
Ten watts, GPS, and APRS support field activations that the lighter analog unit cannot match.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

3x more memory channels (640 vs 200)
79% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1400 mAh)
Has APRS support
Has built-in GPS
Has color TFT display
FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Quansheng UV-K1

111g lighter (190g vs 301g)
Has CHIRP compatibility

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM ProSpecQuansheng UV-K1

—

Price

$35.69

Overall Score

+25% for winner

10.00W

TX Power (High)

—

640

Memory Channels

200

3.2× difference

301g

Weight

190g

+59% difference

2500 mAh

Battery

1400 mAh

+79% for winner

Color LCD

Display

LCD

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

No grant found

Black

color

Transparent color-B

Black-2

Color

Black with Yellow Antenna

7.4 Volts

Voltage

7.4 Volts

UV-5RM

Model Number

UV-TK11(8)

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

Built-In Media

Antenna

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

Compatible Devices

QUANSHENG two-way radios, ham radios, devices supporting DTMF Calling, FCC compliant devices

Battery Saver Mode

Additional Features

Dual Band

1 Year

Warranty Description

2 years

Not Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?