Baofeng UV-5RM vs Baofeng UV-25 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-5RM and Baofeng UV-25? 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 UV-5RMBaofeng UV-25
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-5RMBaofeng UV-25
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm7/5.59/7
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh2500 mAh2800 mAh
Tested mAh1780 mAh4860 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant332 mm510 mm
Width62 mm71 mm
Thickness w/clip53 mm56 mm
Weight310 g675 g
Color ScreenYesYes
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingYesYes
Review LinkLINKLINK
Price$23$43
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceBA
Rating OverallCC
Conclusions

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.

So would I recommend the radio? Sure! The power output is amazing, the screen is beautiful, the buttons are excellent, and I love that stupid gaudy knob at the top. For the price, you are getting a very capable basic radio with a battery that should keep you going for days, lol.

The downside is that it weighs a ton and has a garbage antenna.

You could get a better deal on something like the Baofeng 5RH Pro, which also has GPS and costs less. I still think I would take this one if just for the fun factor.