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BAOFENG UV-5R Dual Band Ham Radio Pack of 6

Curated from 106 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 26, 2025

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BAOFENG UV-5R Dual Band Ham Radio Pack of 6

Brand: BAOFENG
Price: $116
Snoop Score:
1.9
Sentiment
4.6
Popularity
2.7
Technical
0.7
Buy on Amazon for $116See All Two Way Radios Reviews
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Baofeng UV-5R is a dual-band handheld ham radio designed for various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and hunting. With its 8W power output and extensive features, it caters to both beginners and enthusiasts in the realm of two-way communication. Consumer feedback highlights the Baofeng UV-5R as an affordable option for newcomers to ham radio, with many users praising its functionality: "Baofeng’s are ham radios with training wheels." Users appreciate the strong communication range, especially when paired with proper antennas, and the model's adaptability for emergency situations. However, concerns about transmission quality and the necessity of a license for legal operation have also been raised, emphasizing the need for understanding before use. Overall, the Baofeng UV-5R is recommended for beginners looking for an entry-level ham radio, particularly for those who value affordability and a range of functions. It is important, however, for users to familiarize themselves with legal requirements and operational best practices to maximize their experience.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Two Way Radios

Baofeng is a great brand if you understand the trade-offs of some models.

Positive Feedback

they have a poorly filtered "TX side" that transmits spurious emissions that are beyond allowable levels

Negative Feedback
Product
1.9
BAOFENG UV-5R Dual Band Ham Radio Pack of 6
Buy on Amazon for $116
Backpacking & Hiking
1 / 10
Family Camping Trips
1 / 10
Emergency Preparedness
1 / 10
Off-Road & Overlanding
1 / 10
See how this compares to all Two Way Radios

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Baofeng is a reputable brand for radios
“Baofeng is a great brand if you understand the trade-offs of some models.”➕
Suitable for beginners in ham radio
“Baofeng’s are ham radios with training wheels.”➕
Affordable option for ham radio enthusiasts
“The marketing doesn't help.”➕
“Love your opinion, nothing was more satisfying then studying and passing the test.”➕
“Complete newbie here, but a question about the UV-5R Me and a friend were watching some videos on HAM radio and radio in general lately.”➕
Clean spectral emissions in newer models
“They have since cleaned up their act on spectral purity.”➕
“some of them do pass Part 97.307(e), not all of them do.”➕
Great little radios for beginners
“What is the best Baofeng handheld and why? What is the best Baofeng handheld and why?”➕
“Great little radios with the Egzumer firmware. Can recommend.”➕
Excellent firmware options available
“I think the UVK5/UVK6 is gonna replace the UV5R in the next 10 years unless baofeng step up their game.”➕
Affordable option for emergency situations
“I think I’d be cool for him to have his OWN radio.”➕
“The Baofeng is great for tossing under the driver seat of your car so you have an emergency radio.”➕
Strong communication range with proper antennas
“This works for us, not because of the transceivers, but because of the ANTENNAS.”➕
“It was very satisfying.”➕
Affordable option for beginners
“What to do to get the maximum range out of them and stay mobile?”➕
“Idk I love my baofengs but I would never buy one if it was my only radio.”➕
UV-5R is a widely supported model
“UV-5R is a very commercial TX radio in V-U, so there are plenty of stuff not only in web but in stores with accessories etc.”➕
“many users tell me that is very good stuff that works for a long period without problems and nice reception and transmission as well.”➕
Excellent value for an entry-level radio
“this has: Multi-Band; 128 Memory Channel; CTCSS and DCS codes; SOS Emergency; Scan； VOX Mode for Hands-Free; A/B band independent operation; dual display; dual standby Auto Keypad Lock.”➕
“No, I'm saying it's a UV-5R without any game-changing upgrades.”➕
“Never hurts to have more 😉”➕
Multiple bands and scanning capabilities
“4 bands, AM, and band scanning capabilities.”➕
UV-5R is easier to program via keypad
“UV-5, 17, or 21 r Is there a major difference for a first radio? Or just get whatever is cheapest.”➕
“I find the UV-5R easier to program via the keypad, the newer display and menu system on the UV-17 and UV-21 seem a little rough.”➕
Best entry-level radio for beginners
“Yes. As long as you're both licensed, you can use a ham radio to communicate.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Poorly filtered transmission quality
“they have a poorly filtered "TX side" that transmits spurious emissions that are beyond allowable levels”➕
“the receiver chip on those radios is unfiltered, poor quality and basically "wide open"”➕
Misleading marketing leading to misuse
“Sure, but still if the user doesn't know and marketing misleads them - I can't quite blame the user at that point.”➕
Possibility of unintentional interference
“the potential of harmful interference is very very real and not to be downplayed.”➕
“Many people just buy these “long range walkie talkies” and then use whatever default channels are programmed in.”➕
Average user may not understand differences between AM and FM modulation
“the user doesn't know the difference and just tries to 'reach the pilot', just to see if he can.”➕
Baofeng radios are unreliable
“Lets see where to start, don't buy a baofeng anything they are universally a POS.”➕
Requires a license to operate legally
“I know there is some misunderstanding on the legality of using these without a license.”➕
“The newest uv5rs are locked to the ham radio bands.”➕
“It's not legal to transmit using a UV-5R without a license.”➕
Not all models are Part 90 certified
“Some baofengs are Part 90 certified. Not all.”➕
Cannot legally use FRS frequencies due to removable antennas
“This is due to the Baofengs having removable antennas which you are not allowed to have on FRS frequencies.”➕
User interface is not pleasant compared to other radios
“I like it way better than the BaoFeng I have. I’m not sure if it “performs” any better, but the user interface is much more pleasant.”➕
“The QRZ Explorer is a much better radio while still being cheap. The speaker is nice & loud and has passed my drop test many times.”➕
Performance may be inferior to other radios
“Get him an FT-60R - its just a better performing radio that is easy to program from the keypad.”➕
“You could spend a few more bucks and get a nice bulletproof Yaesu FT-65… less than a hundred bucks and will have better filtering, less spurious signals and it qualifies as a “real” radio IMHO…”➕
Wattage differences do not significantly impact range
“8W vs 5W difference in range is negligible on VHF and UHF especially when you're using an omnidirectional antenna such as the rubberducky that comes with these.”➕
Potential confusion about model specifications
“I just got a UV-5R and it's the 8 watt. I thought maybe I got the F8HP, but I cant find that model number anywhere on it.”➕
Power ratings are misleading
“The power ratings are all bogus and don't make much of a difference anyway.”➕
Considered a disposable radio
“No reason to spend more on what is essentially a disposable radio.”➕
Requires a license to use in the US
“Most Baofeng radios require a license to use in the US.”➕
Baofeng may not comply with FRS power limitations
“Possible, yes. Legal, probably not.”➕
Confusion about legal usage of Baofeng radios
“There are lots of Baofengs.”➕
Need for a ham radio license to operate
“Everyone involved would need to get a ham radio license and use these on the ham radio bands”➕
“Ham radio has more power and can travel longer distances but not everyone wants to study and take a test and ham radio users seem like they are more into contesting than actually talking to strangers.”➕
Not suitable for simple walkie talkie use
“I naively thought this would be a simple "plug and play" affair, where I could easily talk to family members inside a 15 mile area in a populated city.”➕
“You're not gonna find any handheld that will have a reliable straight-line range like that especially in an urban area.”➕
Cannot be used legally as walkie talkies without a license
“Can I use two UV-5R as regular walkie talkies to talk to each other? Looking for hands free, short range (<5 mile), relatively low latency communication.”➕
“Yes, with a ham radio license on approved ham frequencies.”➕
“In a technical sense, yes, as the radios are compatible to be used with walkie talkies if you type in the frequencies.”➕

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on model differences and upgrades
“Those two upgrades alone make the F8HP a reasonably better buy unless you already have other aftermarket antenna plans.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
The varied use cases for the radio beyond amateur bands
“This goes way beyond what expensive HAM radios can do.”➕
“Depende de cada region.”➕
Discussion on firmware customization
“Excellent Airband receive compared to other Baofeng radios.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
GMRS is suitable for family hiking communication
“Your primary use in the woods will be well-suited to GMRS.”➕
Debate on the responsibility of users and regulation
“The whole point of getting a Ham license is to learn how to responsibly share radio waves.”➕
“it is not the radio fault, but the user.”➕
Confusion about different Baofeng models
“I was really under the impression that most of them are uv5r’s that are different shapes.”➕
Discussion on radio usage for emergency communication
“so what would you guys recommend?”➕
“It is an important question, though, because it will determine what they may be willing to invest in time and equipment to be able to communicate with you in an emergency.”➕
Discussion on legality of using UV-5R for business
“Totally legal, no. Because the baofengs aren't part 90 certified.”➕
Comparison of features between UV-5R and UV-82
“They are nearly identical. For an amateur hobbyist, either will do the same job.”➕
“i own the small t1 (which is a toy) and i want to move one step ahead.”➕
Comparison to other models and their capabilities
“Would you suggest to return it and get the other one?”➕
“Even if they're crap, we all hoard these things.”➕
Discussion about alternative radios for beginners
“Until you get your license, stick with FRS radios.”➕
Programming help and resources shared
“It's easy enough once you figure it out.”➕
Discussion about legal requirements for using UV-5R
“Technically you need a GMRS license.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Wattage differences don't significantly impact range
“The distance you can transmit is not linear based on the watts.”➕
Challenges of monitoring emergency frequencies
“a Baofeng (actually ANY analog 2 meter radio) will **not** be able to listen in on police/fire/EMS”➕
“Every government entity is on p25 so the eavesdropping has been non existent.”➕
“most local agencies decided just being trunked was secure enough.”➕
Misunderstanding about frequency usage
“I was able to dial into the same frequency that our Motorola radios utilize.”➕

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