Baofeng UV-K5 vs Baofeng UV-3R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-K5 and Baofeng UV-3R? 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-K5 | Baofeng UV-3R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-K5 | Baofeng UV-3R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 6/5 | 1/.4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 3.7 v |
| Rated mAh | 2500 mAh | 1500 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1780 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 328 mm | 174 mm |
| Width | 62 mm | 55 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 53 mm | 40 mm |
| Weight | 315 g | 147 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $24 | $45 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | C | F |
| Rating Overall | C | D |
| Conclusions | The Baofeng UV-K5 Plus is a well-rounded beginner radio with some nice accessories and reasonable performance. I think there might be better radios in this class, but not by much, and you probably wouldn’t get the nice second antenna and drop-in charger. So would I recommend the K5Plus? Yes, but it is a tough call. The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is a better radio overall, but it doesn’t come with a drop-in charger or a really nice extra antenna so that kinda stinks. They both have the horrible red menu color and require you to use programming software to do some simple tasks like change the screen timeout. In the end between those two, I would take this kit and be happy. | The Baofeng UV-3R Plus is a good little radio and while there is nothing particularly wrong with it, it is seriously outclassed by the UV-5R for the same amount of money. |