Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio vs Baofeng UV-5G Plus
Both are low-cost Baofeng GMRS handhelds, and the UV-5G Plus is the more flexible radio: it adds VHF receive, 999 channels and a Li-ion pack. The GM-15 Pro is the simpler, greener, 30-channel unit for someone who just wants GMRS talk and weather. No current prices were supplied for either radio, so compare store prices on this page before deciding.
Ask our shopping agent
Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio
Choose the GM-15 Pro if you want a basic 30-channel GMRS handheld with weather scanning and no interest in programming hundreds of channels.
- Simple 30-channel GMRS layout is quick to set up.
- Weather scanning built in.
- VOX hands-free transmit.
- Green body stands out from the usual black radios.
- No VHF coverage.
- Only 30 channel slots.
- Battery type not stated, so runtime is unknown.
- No range figure published.
What separates them
| Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio | Baofeng UV-5G Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Bands | GMRS and UHF | GMRS, UHF and VHF receive |
| Channel memory | 30 channels | 999 channels |
| Battery | Not specified in the listing | Li-ion pack |
| Quoted range | Not stated | 1.6 miles |
| Weather scanning | Yes | Yes |
| Voice activation (VOX) | Yes | Yes |
| Setup effort | Simple 30-channel layout | More channels and bands to program |
| Color | Green | Not stated |
Price history
- Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio: lowest $25.99 on Nov 1 at eBay.
- Baofeng UV-5G Plus: lowest $32.99 on Nov 1 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Specs compared
| Spec | Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio | Baofeng UV-5G Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | GMRS, UHF | GMRS, UHF, VHF |
| Voice Activated | Yes | Yes |
| Weather Scanning | Yes | Yes |
| Use | Consumer | Consumer |
| Number Of Channels | 30 channel | 999 channel |
| Color | Green | — |
| Battery Technology | — | Li-ion |
| Maximum Range | — | 1.6 miles range |
What reviewers say
Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio
Owners treat the GM-15 Pro as a cheap, easy entry into GMRS. Most praise the simple setup, weather channels and USB-C charging, while noting that range and build quality are modest.
- Easy setup with no programming
- Weather scan works well
- USB-C charging is convenient
- Good value for the price
- Range falls short of claims
- Plastic feel and thin audio
- Antenna cannot be swapped easily
Baofeng UV-5G Plus
Owner feedback on the UV-5G line is mixed but leans positive for the price. People like the low cost, channel capacity and GMRS compatibility, and complain about the manual, menu complexity and real-world range.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for hiking with a group?
- The UV-5G Plus, because VHF receive and 999 channels let you load local frequencies and repeaters. Both are handhelds, so expect roughly line-of-sight range, not the 1.6 miles as a guarantee.
- Do I need 999 channels?
- Only if you program many repeaters or scan a lot. For family GMRS use on a handful of channels, the GM-15 Pro's 30 slots are enough and easier to manage.
- Which has the better battery?
- The UV-5G Plus lists a Li-ion pack, which is standard and replaceable. The GM-15 Pro's battery type is not stated, so check before buying if runtime matters.
- Can both do hands-free talking?
- Yes. Both list voice activation (VOX) and weather scanning, so those features do not separate them.
- Is the UV-5G Plus worth extra money?
- If a store charges more for it, you are paying for VHF receive, 999 channels and a Li-ion battery. If you only need GMRS talk, the GM-15 Pro covers that.
- Are these legal to use without a license?
- No. GMRS in the US requires an FCC license, which covers your household. Both radios transmit on GMRS, so the license applies to either.