Baofeng DM-5R vs Baofeng UV-5RA - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng DM-5R and Baofeng UV-5RA? 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-5RA |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng DM-5R | Baofeng UV-5RA |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 2.6/2 | 5/2 |
| 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 | 245 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 59 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 43 mm | 45 mm |
| Weight | 215 g | 215 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $15 | $25 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | No | Yes |
| Value Score | F | C |
| Performance Score | C | C |
| Ergonomics Score | B | - |
| 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-5RA is literally a UV-5R in slightly new clothes, nothing more. If you prefer the looks (I don’t like the shiny face), then buy this one. If you want something less shiny, get the UV-5R. Either way, excellent radio for the price. |