Baofeng GT-5TP vs Baofeng DM-5R - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng GT-5TP 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 GT-5TPBaofeng DM-5R
Image
Radio NameBaofeng GT-5TPBaofeng DM-5R
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm5.1/2.32.6/2
Digital Mode-DMR
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh2000 mAh2000 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant281 mm303 mm
Width58 mm58 mm
Thickness w/clip48 mm43 mm
Weight243 g215 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$12$15
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesNo
Rating by PriceCF
Rating OverallCC
Rating Ergonomics-B
Conclusions

I really wanted the Baofeng GT-5TP to be a better UV-82 than the UV-82. Not that there is anything wrong with the UV-82 per se, but they could have gone with the bigger keys, more power, and contrasting colors while leaving the rest alone, or even added some waterproofing, and had a really, really nice radio.

As it is, I am going to say the Baofeng GT-5TP is basically a different UV-82, no better, no worse, just different. If I had to choose one, I would probably pick this one because of the easier to read buttons and contrasting colors. That, of course, is just personal preference.

All of that being said, the Baofeng GT-5TP is a pretty good radio.

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.