Baofeng has earned a reputation for making reliable, affordable, and highly capable handheld radios that appeal to both amateur operators and professionals. The UV-5R became a global favorite for its unbeatable value, while the UV-5R Plus aims to refine that experience with a tougher chassis and more polished design. But is the Plus version worth the upgrade? Let’s find out.
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🔍 Overview
The Baofeng UV-5R is one of the best-selling handheld radios in the world. It covers the 136-174 MHz (VHF) and 400-520 MHz (UHF) bands, making it a dual-band transceiver perfect for ham radio enthusiasts, preppers, and general communication.
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The UV-5R Plus keeps all of the UV-5R’s functionality but upgrades the exterior. It features a metallic body shell, providing better heat dissipation and durability. Internally, the firmware and radio performance remain nearly identical, though some users report slightly improved stability on transmit power and battery longevity.
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📊 Specification Comparison
| Feature | Baofeng UV-5R | Baofeng UV-5R Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 136-174 MHz / 400-520 MHz | 136-174 MHz / 400-520 MHz |
| Output Power | 1 W / 5 W | 1 W / 5 W |
| Channels | 128 | 128 |
| Battery | 1800 mAh Li-Ion | 1800 mAh Li-Ion |
| Body Material | Plastic | Metal-reinforced |
| Audio Output | 700 mW | 1000 mW |
| Antenna Connector | SMA-Female | SMA-Female |
| Display | Dual-band LCD | Dual-band LCD |
| Dual Watch | Yes | Yes |
| FM Radio | 65-108 MHz | 65-108 MHz |
| VOX Function | Yes | Yes |
| Flashlight | Yes | Yes |
| Programming | CHIRP compatible | CHIRP compatible |
| Weight | 210 g | 225 g |
| 💳 Pricing | 💲 Check UV-5R Price | 💲 Check UV-5R Plus Price |
⚙️ Performance and Functionality
Both the UV-5R and UV-5R Plus deliver identical radio performance. They offer clear audio, stable transmission, and solid range – typically 1 to 3 miles handheld-to-handheld in open environments, and more when using repeaters.
Where the UV-5R Plus stands out is in build quality. Its metallic chassis offers better resistance to drops and heat, making it ideal for field or industrial use.
Community discussions on Reddit’s r/baofeng and ham radio forums consistently note that the Plus version “feels premium” compared to the UV-5R, though its radio performance remains the same. In short, it’s an aesthetic and durability upgrade rather than a technical leap.
🧰 Build and Design
The UV-5R sports the classic Baofeng look with a plastic case, dual-display LCD, and large keypad buttons. It’s lightweight and well-balanced, perfect for everyday use.
The UV-5R Plus swaps plastic for a zinc alloy body shell that gives it a more professional, rugged appearance. The extra weight adds a touch of solidity without making it bulky. Both models use the same batteries, chargers, and accessories, so they’re fully interchangeable.
💡 Ease of Use and Programming
Both models share the same interface and CHIRP compatibility. You can easily program frequencies, tones, and channels via the keypad or USB cable. The menu system is simple but dated – once you’ve learned a few key settings, operation becomes second nature.
Users on ham radio forums note that Baofeng’s learning curve is steep at first but manageable with community support. You’ll find hundreds of CHIRP templates and tutorials online to help with setup.
🧩 Ideal Use Cases
| User Type | Recommended Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | UV-5R | Best entry-level radio at lowest price |
| Outdoor Enthusiasts | UV-5R Plus | Tougher build, better durability |
| Emergency Kits | UV-5R | Affordable and easy to replace |
| Security Teams | UV-5R Plus | Professional look and stronger housing |
| Ham Operators | UV-5R | Well-documented, easy to modify |
🏁 Verdict
Both the Baofeng UV-5R and UV-5R Plus are outstanding value options for dual-band communication. They perform almost identically, share the same accessories, and can be programmed using identical methods.
Choose the UV-5R if you want the best bang for your buck and a proven performer with massive community support.
Choose the UV-5R Plus if you prefer a sturdier, more premium-looking radio that can handle rougher environments.
In essence, the UV-5R is the classic, while the UV-5R Plus is the refined version built to last.
👉 Buy the Baofeng UV-5R on Amazon
👉 Buy the Baofeng UV-5R Plus on Amazon
