Baofeng UV-5R5 vs Baofeng UV-5RM - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-5R5 and Baofeng UV-5RM? 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 UV-5R5 | Baofeng UV-5RM |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-5R5 | Baofeng UV-5RM |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.1/2 | 7/5.5 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1800 mAh | 2500 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1210 mAh | 1780 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 260 mm | 332 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 62 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 43 mm | 53 mm |
| Weight | 209 g | 310 g |
| Color Screen | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | Yes |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | - |
| Price | $25 | $23 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Y | Yes |
| Rating by Price | D | B |
| Rating Overall | D | C |
| Conclusions | The Baofeng UV-5R5 is a good radio, but I think you would be better served by buying a different model of the UV-5R. Personally, I think the BF-F8+ is the best variant of this radio currently available. On the other hand, if you bought the Baofeng UV-5R5 or just really like that lime green button colors (it is cool on the lower keypad), there is nothing wrong here. Use it and enjoy it! | The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is a good successor to the venerable UV-5R. It is slightly more expensive (still under $30 at the time of writing) and it doesn’t come with a drop-in charger, which I really like having. I also really do not like having to use the programming software to change simple options, and that red menu in small font is almost a deal-breaker for me. On the plus side, the Baofeng UF-5RM Plus is more comfortable in my hand, has a much easier to read screen when it is on, and puts out one of the most powerful and least messy signals of any radio even remotely in its class. Do I recommend the radio? For the money, yes. I probably won’t trade in my UV-9R Plus on it, even though technically it is a “better” radio. But yes, it is an excellent value for the money. |