If you just want the punchline:
Pick the classic UV-5R if you need a dirt-cheap, proven dual-band (2 m/70 cm) FM handheld with huge community support.
Pick the AR-5RM if you want tri-band TX that adds 1.25 m/220 MHz, true AM airband receive (108–136 MHz), 999 memories, USB-C charging, and a color screen, and you are okay with a larger radio and specs that vary by seller.
📊 Quick spec comparison
| Feature | Baofeng UV-5R | Baofeng AR-5RM (5RM-class) |
|---|---|---|
| TX bands | 136–174 MHz, 400–480/520 MHz (FM) | 136–174 MHz, 220–260 MHz, 400–480 MHz (FM) |
| Airband (AM) receive | No (FM-only) | Yes, 108–136 MHz (AM) |
| Memories | 128 | Up to 999 |
| Screen | Monochrome LCD | 1.77″ color LCD |
| Claimed RF power | 4–5 W | Up to 10 W (real world often ~7–8 W on VHF/UHF) |
| Battery/charging | ~1800 mAh, desktop cradle | ~2500 mAh, USB-C charge on battery plus cradle |
| Programming | CHIRP support, K-plug | CHIRP supported, K-plug |
| Size/weight | Compact | Noticeably larger and heavier |
📡 RF coverage and performance
- UV-5R: Classic dual-bander focused on 2 m and 70 cm analog FM. No AM airband. Some variants can tune into the airband range in FM, which does not properly receive AM ATC comms.
- AR-5RM: Adds 1.25 m/220 MHz TX and true AM airband receive. Power claims are higher on paper, while real world measurements tend to be a bit lower than the maximum listed by sellers.
🧰 Programming and software
- UV-5R: Bulletproof CHIRP support, endless guides, and accessories. Great for beginners.
- AR-5RM: Works with CHIRP as well. Factory software can be quirky for airband entries, so most users prefer CHIRP. Uses the standard K-plug cable.
🔋 Ergonomics, power, and build
- UV-5R is small and light, ships with an ~1800 mAh pack and a desk charger. Monochrome screen, 128 memories.
- AR-5RM is larger, with a color display and a ~2500 mAh pack that charges via USB-C on the battery, plus a desk charger. Many bundles include a long “tactical” antenna. Stock antennas may not cover 220 MHz optimally, so consider an upgrade if you plan to use 1.25 m often.
⚖️ Legality and certifications
- UV-5R: Intended for amateur use. It is not certified for GMRS or FRS in the United States. Check local regulations before transmitting.
- AR-5RM: Feature sets can vary by listing. Verify the exact transmit coverage, power, and certifications for your region, and operate only where you are licensed and the radio is approved.
✅ When to choose each
- Choose UV-5R if you want: the lowest cost, a tiny form factor, and a time-tested dual-band ham handheld with massive community resources.
- Choose AR-5RM if you want: tri-band including 220 MHz, AM airband listening, more memories, a color screen, and USB-C charging, accepting the bigger size and that “10 W” is often optimistic in practice.
🧪 Real world chatter
Early user discussions highlight the AR-5RM’s larger, nicer display, 999 memories, and airband receive. Scan banks are not supported in the way some scanners handle them, similar to the UV-5R, so you will rely on skip scan or separate programming images when you want different channel sets.
🏁 Verdict
If budget and simplicity rule, the UV-5R still does the job for 2 m and 70 cm FM. If you will use 220 MHz or want AM airband, the AR-5RM is the clear upgrade in the Baofeng universe, treat the power rating as marketing, program it with CHIRP, and confirm band and legal use for your region.