📡 Stay in the loop, even off the grid!
The Baofeng UV-5R is a compact, dual-band handheld radio featuring 128 programmable memory channels, a robust 1800mAh rechargeable battery, and versatile programming options including CHIRP support. Designed for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike, it comes as a complete kit with earpieces and accessories, making it an essential communication tool for camping, survival, and emergency scenarios.
Item Weight | 2.23 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 2.17 x 1.38 x 3.94 inches |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | UV-5R |
Batteries | 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Warranty | no |
D**0
Best Bang for Your Buck in a Handheld Radio!
The Baofeng UV-5R is hands down the best price-to-performance radio out there! For the cost, you get a dual-band, feature-packed radio that performs just as well as models that are several times more expensive. The signal clarity is excellent, the battery life is solid, and the range is impressive, especially with a good antenna upgrade.Programming can take a little learning curve, but once set up, it works like a charm. The build quality is surprisingly durable for the price, and it’s perfect for HAM radio beginners, preppers, or anyone needing reliable two-way communication.At this price point, you simply can’t find a better radio with these features. Whether you're using it for emergency communication, outdoor activities, or just learning the ropes of HAM radio, the UV-5R delivers unbeatable value. Highly recommend!
R**D
Affordable, Durable, and Versatile Two-Way Radio
The Baofeng UV-5R is an outstanding value for the price and is my go-to handheld radio for outdoor activities and emergency preparedness.Pros:1. Affordable: At this price point, it’s hard to beat the value. You get a feature-packed radio that competes with much more expensive models.2. Wide Frequency Range: It covers VHF and UHF bands, making it incredibly versatile for amateur radio enthusiasts, emergency communications, or even basic use like hiking or camping.3. Durable Build: The UV-5R feels solid and holds up well in rugged environments. It’s compact and easy to carry, but still sturdy.4. Good Battery Life: The included battery lasts for several hours of active use and even longer in standby mode. The charger is convenient and works quickly.5. Customizable: With the right programming software (like CHIRP), you can unlock the full potential of this radio and tailor it to your needs.6. Strong Signal: The radio transmits and receives clearly over impressive distances for its size.Cons:1. Learning Curve: If you’re new to two-way radios, the UV-5R can be a bit confusing at first. The manual isn’t very user-friendly, but there are plenty of online guides and YouTube tutorials to help.2. Basic Accessories: The included antenna works fine, but upgrading to a longer or higher-gain antenna improves performance significantly.Verdict:The Baofeng UV-5R is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced radio users. It’s reliable, versatile, and packed with features that make it suitable for a variety of situations. With a little effort to learn its functionality, this radio is unbeatable for the price. Highly recommended!
M**S
Good little radios for the price
These radios work perfectly for many different uses. There seems to be a lot of confusion on what you can and can’t do with these radios so hopefully this can help someone out. You CAN use these radios as walkie-talkies provided you do a little research and only program FRS, GMRS and MURS channels, these channels are a block of frequencies shared by all consumer radios be it this one, a “GMRS” radio or the avengers one you bought for your kids CH 16 for example is always 462.575 MHz. Transmitting on these channels only will not cause you any problems because no one on earth knows that you are doing it with what is technically a HAM radio and not the overpriced dewalt job site 2way radio, so use them that way all you want, we use them jetsking all the time but like the fact we are able to tune VHF 16 in the event of an emergency. So where does the “legal” issue come in? The UV5-R is technically a HAM radio which requires a license to TRANSMIT on and HAM isn’t allowed to transmit on GMRS and those with a GMRS license can’t transmit on HAM that’s it. As well the only difference between your “GMRS” radio that you need a license for and the one you bought off the shelf at Walmart is the license one has slightly higher power and a removable antenna but still operates on the same frequencies.The thing you need to be careful of with this radio is unlike a GMRS radio which will only have 22 pre programmed channels you can dial up any channel you want, so if you and your friends pick say 145.500 on your radios you’ve now left the block of approved frequencies and are on a HAM radio channel and will instantly anger a bunch of people and run a true foul of the FCC in a way that they may do something about. If you want a radio you can use in the wood with your friends as a walkie-talkie with the ability to tune emergency frequencies and LISTEN to HAM things you can't go wrong with this radio, Just do your research and keep it on the right channels please, there is no need to spoil HAM operators fun. Hope this helps someone trying to figure out what people mean when they say these radios are “illegal” and what your responsibilities as a user are.
L**A
Wonderful
This set works very well!!
I**H
Great range
Very durable, the range on it is great as well. The size of it is great to go in your pocket. I use it alot on my day to day with what I do. it functions great i have had no issues with it so far.
N**E
Great radio set with long lasting batteries
I’m always concerned these radios might be lower quality than I come to expect direct baofeng. These ones look to be the same as all the others I’ve bought. The kits is well worth it instead of buying it piece by piece. The battery packs hold a charge for a long time. Programming is simple with a couple videos. They’re nice and compact and transmit very well even in my densely wooded area.
A**T
Great product
I'mpressed with the distance these things will go. Plus the price is realistically unbearable for this type of radios. High quality build came with headsets for both of them. Charging docks are super nice. Recommend for any radio or walkie talkies lovers. I've only tested up to a mile and it worked just fine and that's being inside of a town.
Y**A
Recommend
Easy to set up works well and great size
Trustpilot
1 day ago
2 days ago