RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Y23UV-98PLUS

Our pick

Y23UV-98PLUS$78.28

The Baofeng UV-5RM Pro is the clear winner here. Both radios share identical core specs—10W output, APRS, GPS, and no DMR or CHIRP support—but the UV-5RM Pro costs 25 dollars less while scoring five points higher overall. The single most important differentiator is price. At 60 dollars, the UV-5RM Pro delivers superior value without sacrificing any confirmed features, whereas the Y23UV-98PLUS asks for a premium with no measurable performance advantage. The missing weight specification for the Y23UV-98PLUS is also a red flag for transparency.

Buy the Baofeng UV-5RM Pro if you want reliable basic handheld radio functionality at an unbeatable price point. Buy the Y23UV-98PLUS only if you have specific familiarity with this model or require features not listed in standard comparisons, though this seems unlikely given its worse score and higher cost.

We recommend the UV-5RM Pro without reservation. It's the smart choice for budget-conscious operators who need APRS and GPS capability without paying extra for unproven alternatives.

Runner-up

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

Good

Search on Amazon

See full review and specs

Winner

Y23UV-98PLUS

$78.28

Good

$78.28 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

First-time licensee wanting a forgiving starter radio
It earns a higher beginner score and is listed for new operators starting out in the hobby.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Budget-conscious buyer wanting the lowest entry cost
It costs less than the alternative while still offering VHF, UHF, 10W output, APRS, and GPS.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
SOTA or public service activator needing VHF and UHF
It provides 10W output, APRS, and GPS for activations, matching the other radio on core features at a lower cost.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Hiker wanting a more compact radio for trail carry
It scores higher on portability and is positioned for portable field use and camping trips.
Y23UV-98PLUS
Operator managing many repeaters and simplex frequencies
It stores 1024 channels, more than the 640 offered by the other radio, for larger channel lists.
Y23UV-98PLUS

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

4% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS

60% more memory channels (1,024 vs 640)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM ProSpecY23UV-98PLUS

—

Price

$78.28

Overall Score

+8% for winner

10.00W

TX Power (High)

10.00W

640

Memory Channels

1024

+59% for winner

301g

Weight

—

2500 mAh

Battery

2400 mAh

+4% for winner

Color LCD

Display

TFT Color

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

No grant found

Black

color

Standard

Black-2

Color

Standard

7.4 Volts

Voltage

7.38 Volts

UV-5RM

Model Number

Y23UV-98PLUS

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

1x Y23UV-98PLUS Main unit, 1x 2400mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port，1x MW Antenna, 1x SW Antenna,1x English User Manual

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

Compatible Devices

FRS Radios on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies

Battery Saver Mode

Additional Features

1024 Chlannels, AM FM SSB R Eeception, Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity, Cross Band Repeater, GPS/APRS

1 Year

Warranty Description

1 Year

Not Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?