Baofeng DM-5R vs Baofeng UV-5R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng DM-5R 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 DM-5R | Baofeng UV-5R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng DM-5R | Baofeng UV-5R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m/70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 2.6/2 | 3/1.4 |
| Digital Mode | DMR | - |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2000 mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | mAh | 1210 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 303 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 43 mm | 44 mm |
| Weight | 215 g | 209 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $15 | $18 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | No | Yes |
| Rating by Price | D | A |
| Rating Overall | F | C |
| Conclusions | 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. | 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. |