Baofeng BF-X3 vs Baofeng DM-5R - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng BF-X3 and Baofeng DM-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.

FeatureBaofeng BF-X3Baofeng DM-5R
Image
Radio NameBaofeng BF-X3Baofeng DM-5R
Bands2m, 1.25m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3/1.12.6/2
Digital Mode-DMR
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts8.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh9500 mAh2000 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant254 mm303 mm
Width60 mm58 mm
Thickness w/clip50 mm43 mm
Weight260 g215 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$45$15
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesNo
Value ScoreCF
Performance ScoreDC
Ergonomics Score-B
Conclusions

Unfortunately, the Baofeng BF-X3 plus looks like another attempt to juggle things around and sell yet another radio. There is nothing special here, your money is better spent on a Baofeng UV-9R plus.

To recap, the UV-9R has a better clip, volume knob shield, appears much more waterproof, feels more rugged, has a multicolored keypad, includes a better antenna, and is cheaper. I could go on, but why.

If you are wanting to get into DMR digital radio as cheap as possible, the Baofeng DM-5R Plus is the radio for you. The antenna is junk on 2m but most hotspots are on 70cm anyway. I am not sure I would replace the antenna even though it feels like it will come apart any second, mainly because the analog signal the radio produces is so horrible a new antenna probably won't do any good anyway.

All of that being said, it does just fine on DMR. Want a cheap way to add DMR to your ham shack and don't plan on spending a lot of time using it? Then the Baofeng DM-5R Plus might be the perfect solution, but if it was something I was going to carry, I believe I would look elsewhere.