Baofeng 5RH Pro vs Baofeng UV-5R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng 5RH Pro and Baofeng UV-5R? Below you'll find a side-by-side comparison of key features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which handheld radio best fits your needs. Click the link below for a full review and detailed test results.
| Feature | Baofeng 5RH Pro | Baofeng UV-5R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng 5RH | Baofeng UV-5R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m/70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 7/4 | 3/1.4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2500 mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1780 mAh | 1210 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 329 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 62 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 42 mm | 44 mm |
| Weight | 320 g | 209 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | Yes | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $33 | $18 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | No | Yes |
| Value Score | B | A |
| Performance Score | C | A |
| Ergonomics Score | - | B |
| Conclusions | I really like the Baofeng 5RH Pro radio, and I really dislike that my kit not come with a drop-in charger, although some kits do. That isn’t a big problem for me because I have several radios on this platform, so I can use their drop-in charger for this radio. For you, though, you have to ask yourself how badly you want a drop-in charger and choose your kit accordingly. Then again, the 5RM desktop charger only adds another $10. Other than that, I think the Baofeng 5RH Pro offers an excellent bang for your buck for features and usability, with my only reservations on the radio itself being the use of the screen in bright sunlight and the lack of a guard next to the volume knob. | The Baofeng UV-5R is a fantastic little radio for the price. Is it as good as a Yaesu FT-60R or Kenwood TH-D74, sorry, it’s not even in the same universe. The great news is that most people don’t really want or need the $200-$500 radio. Sure, they are nice and superior in every possible way, but that isn’t the point. Think of the Baofeng UV-5R in terms of cars, no one who has owned a BMW, a Mercedes, and a Kia will tell you that the Kia is just as good, but if they are being honest, they will tell you all three will get you to Walmart and back with your groceries just as well. The same holds true here. The Baofeng UV-5R will let you communicate with anyone on 2m or 70cm analog using simplex and repeaters in your local area 90% as well as the big boys, for a tenth or less money. That is hard to pass up and might be the best Baofeng radio for you. I own two, go ahead and get your own Beofeng UV-5R. |