Zastone M7 vs Baofeng DM-5R - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Zastone M7 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.

FeatureZastone M7Baofeng DM-5R
Image
Radio NameZastone M7Baofeng DM-5R
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm4.2/22.6/2
Digital ModeDMRDMR
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh2600 mAh2000 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant271 mm303 mm
Width62 mm58 mm
Thickness w/clip45 mm43 mm
Weight283 g215 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$85$15
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoNo
Rating by PriceAF
Rating OverallBC
Rating Ergonomics-B
Conclusions

I love the Zastone M7, bet you couldn’t have guessed that, right? But seriously, for a radio that I have seen for sale under $50, there is just no radio I have ever used that I prefer to this one except in very specific cases (such as I need something waterproof or disposable). How this thing is not the best-selling dual-band HT out there is a complete mystery to me.

Buy the Zastone M7, love it, thank me later.

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.