Baofeng UV-5RM vs Baofeng UV-6R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-5RM and Baofeng UV-6R? 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-5RM | Baofeng UV-6R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-5RM | Baofeng UV-6R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 7/5.5 | 2/4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2500 mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1780 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 332 mm | 251 mm |
| Width | 62 mm | 62 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 53 mm | 50 mm |
| Weight | 310 g | 232 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $23 | $29 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | B | C |
| Rating Overall | C | C |
| Rating Ergonomics | - | B |
| 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. | I am not a huge fan of the Baofeng UV-6R, but also don’t deny that it is actually a good radio. If you are not a heavy user of a handheld radio, want something slicker than a box with a stick on it, and value good audio, then this might be an excellent radio for you. Its actual performance is pretty good and the price is absolutely right. Overall, this is a good, inexpensive radio. |