RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Y23UV-98PLUS

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro$59.99

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.

Winner

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

$59.99

Very Good

$59.99 on Amazon

Runner-up

Y23UV-98PLUS

$96.85

Good

$96.85 on Amazon

By use case

Which should you buy?

Absolute beginner on a tight budget
The Baofeng offers better value and a slightly higher overall score for new operators.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Operator needing more channels and features
The Y23UV offers 1024 channels and a slightly better feature set for growth.
Y23UV-98PLUS
SOTA/POTA field communication enthusiast
Its specific 'best for' rating and lower price make it ideal for outdoor activations.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Beginner focused on basic APRS tracking
The Y23UV is slightly better suited for basic APRS tracking and general portability.
Y23UV-98PLUS
Budget-conscious buyer prioritizing low cost
At $59.99, the Baofeng is significantly cheaper while still offering key features.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

38% cheaper ($59.99 vs $96.85)
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

$59.99

Price

$96.85

Overall Score

+10% 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-2

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?