This guide compares current Baofeng GMRS handheld radios sold in the U.S. It focuses on what actually matters on the air and reflects the quirks of U.S. firmware versions.
Why I Built This
When I started shopping for my first GMRS radio, finding accurate specs was surprisingly frustrating.
The exact same model often had completely conflicting details depending on where I looked:
- Official Baofeng websites
- Amazon listings
- Dealer product pages
- YouTube reviews
- FCC filings
- Included paper manuals
Retailers frequently copy-paste specs from ham versions or list features that simply don’t exist on U.S. firmware.
Instead of guessing, I started testing the radios directly and putting together a reference based on how the U.S. retail versions actually perform.
What I Compared
I focused on the specs and features that make a real difference when using the radio:
- FCC Part 95E grant status
- GMRS repeater capability
- Airband (AM) reception
- Frequency receive coverage
- NOAA weather reception and alert standby
- USB-C charging on the battery
- Battery capacity
- Water resistance ratings
- Memory channel count
- CHIRP programming compatibility
- Wireless frequency cloning
- Overall practical use case
How I Verified Specs
Wherever possible, I cross-checked details across:
- Official Baofeng documentation
- FCC certification filings
- Direct hands-on testing
- Verified owner feedback
When specs conflicted, I trusted direct hands-on testing.
A Quick Example
Many online listings claim the UV-5G Mini receives the 220 MHz amateur band.
When I tested a U.S. retail unit, keying in 224.500 MHz immediately threw “Cancel” on the screen. The U.S. firmware explicitly blocks tuning to 220 MHz.
That’s why this table marks 220 MHz receive as Not Supported, regardless of what Amazon listings say.
Scope
This comparison covers current Baofeng GMRS handhelds available in the U.S.:
- MP31
- G11S
- UV-5G PRO
- UV-5G Plus
- UV-5G Mini
- UV-9G
It skips amateur (ham) models, FRS blister-pack radios, commercial units, and unlocked international firmware.
Comparison Table
Model names link to product pages (affiliate referral links that support this site at no extra cost to you). The table is wide by design—scroll sideways on smaller screens.
| Feature | MP31 | G11S | UV-5G PRO | UV-5G Plus | UV-5G Mini (U.S.) | UV-9G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. Release | ~2025 | ~2022-2023 | ~2024 | ~2023 | ~2025 | ~2021 |
| FCC Part 95E Certified | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Max GMRS Power | 2 W | 3 W | 5 W | 5 W | 5 W | 5 W |
| Memory Channels | 38 | 30 + 11 NOAA | 128 | 999 | 999 | 128 |
| GMRS Repeater Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airband Receive (108-137 MHz AM) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 136-174 MHz Receive | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 220 MHz Receive (222-225 MHz) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ Verified | ❌ |
| 400-520 MHz Receive | ❌ | ✅ (400-512) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| NOAA Weather Receive | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| FM Broadcast Radio | Varies | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dual Watch / Dual Receive | Basic | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Wireless Frequency Copy | ❌ | ❌ | ❓ Unconfirmed | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| USB-C Charging | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Battery Capacity | 1500 mAh | 1500 mAh | 1800 mAh | 2500 mAh | 1600 mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Removable Antenna | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Waterproof Rating | IP54 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | IP67 |
| Programming Software | CHIRP | CHIRP | CHIRP | CHIRP | CHIRP | CHIRP |
| Primary Use Case | Budget | Family / Camping | Classic Enthusiast | Feature-Rich Enthusiast | Compact Enthusiast | Rugged Outdoor |
My Overall Ranking
| Rank | Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | UV-5G Mini | Best overall balance of pocket size, USB-C charging, and essential features. |
| 🥈 | UV-5G Plus | Great pick if you want 999 channels and quick wireless frequency cloning. |
| 🥉 | UV-9G | The top choice for wet or harsh outdoor conditions thanks to real IP67 sealing. |
| 4 | UV-5G PRO | Solid if you prefer the classic UV-5R shell with expanded receive. |
| 5 | G11S | Easy beginner/family radio with repeater access and USB-C. |
| 6 | MP31 | Simple budget handheld for basic short-range comms. |
Product Family
| Family | Model |
|---|---|
| 💰 Budget | MP31 |
| 👪 Consumer / Family | G11S |
| 📻 Classic Enthusiast | UV-5G PRO |
| ⭐ Feature Flagship | UV-5G Plus |
| 🏆 Compact Flagship | UV-5G Mini |
| 🛡️ Rugged Flagship | UV-9G |
Notes
U.S. Firmware Differences
This reference applies specifically to U.S. GMRS firmware. Baofeng often ships different firmware revisions for other international markets.
UV-5G Mini 220 MHz Lockout
Despite product descriptions on Amazon, testing confirms the U.S. UV-5G Mini locks out tuning on 220 MHz (222–225 MHz). Typing 224.500 MHz returns “Cancel”.
UV-5G Mini Airband Demodulation
While some retailer specs list Airband coverage, testing confirms the U.S. UV-5G Mini lacks AM demodulation. Because civil aviation uses AM and the receiver is locked to FM, it cannot properly demodulate aircraft traffic.
NOAA Reception Is Not NOAA Alerts
Every radio here tunes the NOAA weather channels, but that is not the same thing as automatic alert standby. The UV-5G Mini has no alert-tone decoding at all—Baofeng confirms it in their own product Q&A—so it will never wake you up for a warning. Check the alert feature separately from the weather-channel spec.
Testing Over Spec Sheets
Retailer spec sheets for budget radios are notoriously unreliable. Real-world testing of U.S. retail units always takes priority over copy-pasted product descriptions.