GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio vs Baofeng UV-5G Plus
Buy the Rugged GMR2 Plus if you want a simple, waterproof-hand-mic GMRS handheld with weather channels and a flashlight for family and trail use. Buy the Baofeng UV-5G Plus if you want more channels, VHF/UHF receive and programmability for the lowest price. The GMR2 Plus lists at $59.99 at Rugged Radios as of November 3; the UV-5G Plus typically sells for about $25 to $35 at Baofeng and Amazon, so check current store prices before deciding.
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GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio
4.8Choose the Rugged GMR2 Plus if you want a straightforward 22-channel GMRS radio with weather channels, FM radio, a flashlight and a waterproof hand mic for family outings.
- Simple 22-channel GMRS setup works with all GMRS and FRS radios
- Weather channels, FM radio and a built-in flashlight
- Waterproof hand mic suits wet outdoor use
- Light at 106g with battery and antenna
- Only 2W transmit power
- Higher price than the Baofeng
- VHF/UHF is listen-only
- USB charging needs an optional cable
What separates them
| GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio | Baofeng UV-5G Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 at Rugged Radios as of November 3 | About $25 to $35 at Baofeng and Amazon |
| Transmit power | 2W, selectable | Up to 5W on GMRS in high power |
| Channels | 22 GMRS channels, 200 channel capacity | 999 channels |
| Bands | GMRS/FRS transmit; VHF/UHF listen-only | GMRS transmit; VHF/UHF receive and scan |
| Weather | Weather channels plus built-in FM radio | Weather scanning |
| Water resistance | Waterproof hand mic | Not rated waterproof |
| Ease of use | Simple keypad, out-of-box GMRS channels | Menu-driven, needs programming for many features |
Price history
- GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio: lowest $84.95 on Nov 1 at Ham Radio Outlet.
- Baofeng UV-5G Plus: lowest $32.99 on Nov 1 at Amazon.
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 UV-5G Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Range | Up to 30% more range (with XL Antennas) | 1.6 miles range |
| Battery Technology | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| 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) |
What reviewers say
GMR2 Plus 2W GMRS Handheld Radio
With 4.8 out of 5 from 296 ratings, owners are largely positive. They tend to praise ease of use, range for a 2W radio and the included charging cradle.
- Simple setup and clear audio
- Good range for a 2W handheld
- Convenient charging cradle and rechargeable battery
- Weather channels and FM radio add usefulness
- Power limits range in dense terrain
- License requirement surprises some buyers
- Accessory cable sold separately
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 has better range?
- The Baofeng UV-5G Plus transmits at up to 5W versus 2W for the GMR2 Plus, so it usually reaches farther in open terrain. Real range depends on antenna, terrain and obstructions, not the claimed maximums.
- Do both need a GMRS license?
- Yes. Both transmit on GMRS, which requires an FCC GMRS license for the operator's family. The license covers your household for 10 years.
- Which is easier for a beginner?
- The GMR2 Plus. It comes set up on the 22 standard GMRS channels with weather and FM radio on dedicated keys. The UV-5G Plus needs menu navigation or programming software for many settings.
- Is the GMR2 Plus worth the extra money?
- Yes if you value simplicity, weather channels, a flashlight and a waterproof hand mic. If you mainly want power and channels for the lowest price, the UV-5G Plus is the better value.
- Can they talk to each other?
- Yes. Both are GMRS radios, so they can talk on the same GMRS channels and privacy codes. FRS radios can also reach both.
- Which lasts longer on a charge?
- Both use rechargeable Li-ion packs and run roughly a full day of light use. The GMR2 Plus has selectable low power to stretch runtime; the UV-5G Plus drains faster at 5W.