GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio vs Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio
Buy the Rugged GMR2 Plus if you want a simple, waterproof-capable GMRS handheld with weather channels, FM radio and a USB-chargeable battery. Buy the Baofeng GM-15 Pro if you want more channels and VOX hands-free use at a lower price. The GMR2 Plus is the more polished radio; the GM-15 Pro is the budget pick.
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GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio
4.8Choose the GMR2 Plus if you want a rugged GMRS handheld with weather channels, FM radio, listen-only VHF/UHF scanning and a rechargeable Li-ion battery.
Pros
- Weather channels and built-in FM radio
- Listen-only VHF/UHF receive widens what you can hear
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery with USB charging option
- Light at 106 g and compact at 116 x 53 x 36 mm
- Squelch button and integrated flashlight
Cons
- Needs a GMRS license to transmit
- Only 22 channels
- USB charging cable sold separately
What separates them
| GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio | Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio | |
|---|---|---|
| Channel count | 22 GMRS channels | 30 channels |
| License | GMRS license required | GMRS license required |
| Weather | Weather channels plus weather band | Weather scanning |
| Hands-free | No VOX listed | Voice activated (VOX) |
| Battery | Rechargeable Li-ion, USB charging with optional cable | Not specified |
| Extra receive | Listen-only VHF 136-174 MHz and UHF 400-480 MHz | GMRS and UHF |
| Water resistance | Waterproof hand mic | Not specified |
| Weight | 106 g with battery and antenna |
Price history
- GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio: lowest $84.95 on Nov 1 at Ham Radio Outlet.
- Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio: lowest $25.99 on Nov 1 at eBay.
Prices at every store
GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio
- D3 OffroadCheck price at D3 Offroad
- Stay Ready OutdoorsCheck price at Stay Ready Outdoors
- eBayCheck price at eBay
Specs compared
| Spec | GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio | Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio |
|---|---|---|
| License Type | GMRS, GMRS License | — |
| Licensing Requirement | Yes | — |
| Frequency Bands | GMRS, FRS | — |
| Weather Band | Yes | — |
| Channel Count | 22 | — |
| Dual Watch | A/B Switch to toggle between channels | — |
| Instant Channels | Standard GMRS channels, Weather channels | — |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof (hand mic) | — |
| Maximum Range | Up to 30% more range (with XL Antennas) | — |
| FCC Certification | Yes | — |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for hiking with a group?
- The GMR2 Plus is the better trail radio. It adds weather channels, an FM radio, a flashlight and a lighter 106 g body. The GM-15 Pro's VOX is handy if you want to talk without pressing a button.
- Do I need a license for either radio?
- Yes. Both are GMRS radios, and transmitting on GMRS in the US requires an FCC GMRS license. Listening does not.
- Which has more channels?
- The Baofeng GM-15 Pro lists 30 channels. The GMR2 Plus lists 22 GMRS channels, which covers every standard GMRS channel.
- Is the GMR2 Plus worth the extra money?
- If you want weather alerts, FM radio, VHF/UHF listening and a rechargeable battery in one unit, yes. If you only need basic GMRS talk and VOX, the GM-15 Pro covers it for less.
- Can the GMR2 Plus talk to the GM-15 Pro?
- Yes. Both use standard GMRS channels, so they can talk to each other and to FRS walkie-talkies on shared channels.
- Which is easier to carry?
- The GMR2 Plus is 106 g with battery and antenna and measures 116 x 53 x 36 mm. Baofeng does not list a weight for the GM-15 Pro.