BaoFeng UV-5R

We love BaoFeng UV 5R! We are passionate about the Baofeng UV-5R and its evolution.
Why? Simply because is a simple radio at a very affordable price. BaoFeng UV 5R made the history of hamradio from handheld VHF and UHF offering a RTX with a really inexpensive price.
What you will find here:

Why we love Baofeng UV 5R

It’s perfect as a backup portable VHF/UHF radio for the VHF & Up geek but BaoFeng UV-5R is the perfect buy for the HF Dxer. He doesn’t want to invest in VHF and UHF expansive radios but he needs an hand held transceiver to stay in contact with other OM in the neighborhood.
Baofeng radios so are reliable and inexpensive so that everyone buys one to use just in case of emergency, camping, chatting on repeater with other fellow amateur radio operators, and so on…
Moreover, the Baofeng UV 5R is the perfect gift for a new operators after they passed their exams.
This website is not related to Baofeng at all, this is the result of a team of passionate radio aficionados that want to share their knowledge about Baofeng UV 5R with other radio amateurs.

BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black)
  • 128 Channels 50 ctcss and 104 CDCSS dual-band display, Dual Freq. Display, dual-standby, a/B band independent operation | High/low TX power selectable: busy Channel lock-out(bclo).
  • Tri-color background light selectable: 0-9 grades vox selectable | FM radio (65.0Mhz-108.0MHz) | large LCD display.
  • Keypad Lock: channel step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25Khz | voice Companding: 50 ctcss/ 104DCS coder & tone searching.
  • Emergency alert: 25Khz/12.5Khz switchable | LED flashlight: hight/low RF power switchable.

BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black)
Emergency alert: 25Khz/12.5Khz switchable | LED flashlight: hight/low RF power switchable.
$22.50

When Baofeng UV 5R arrived on the market

BaoFeng start to sell the UV-5R Dual Band, Dual Display radio in 2012. Since its introduction the UV-5R has seen a massive growth of its sales.
The UV-5R has seen 2 major releases from its launch with the 2nd generation being signified by BFB297 Firmware (2nd Gen.) in early 2013 and the N5R firmware tweak in August of 2014.

Variations include the:

  • UV-5R v2+,
  • UV-5RA,
  • UV-5RE,
  • UV-5R+ (Plus),
  • along with several other lesser produced variants.

Few of these variations may also no longer work with some accessories such as the original UV-5R batteries. So pay attention when you purchase them. That’s why we invite you to use Amazon to buy you Baofeng radio.

At the end of 2013, the Baofeng UV-5R was equipped with a new variant generation with the inverted display series; with the introduction of the BF-F8+ and its own aestetics variants (e.g the GT-3 and 997-S).

During the fall of 2014, the Baofeng UV-5R was overcome by the brand new Baofeng BF-F8HP. This is why today, the Baofeng UV 5R is the cheapest VHF/UFH radio ever available.

Militia Radio
Ukrainian soldier on NYT front page sporting a Baofeng UV-5R

Baofeng UV 5R list of features

  • High/Low Power mode settings is able to change the power from 4 watts to 1 watt
  • Frequency Range: 65-108 MHz (Only commercial FM radio reception), VHF works from 136 to 174 MHz( both Rx/Tx), UHF works from 400 to 520 MHz (both Rx/Tx)
  • Channel Names customizable and many other adjustments by sing the PC03 FTDI Programming Cable
  • UV 5R model is equipped with a 1500mAh Battery (1800mAh Label); Broadband (Wide) 25khz / Narrowband (Narrow) 12.5khz Selectable
  • AUTO Keypad Lock, Dual Band, Dual Display and Dual Standby

Unboxing the Baofeng UV 5R
The BaoFeng UV-5R amateur radio is a compact hand held transceiver offering 4 watts in the frequency range of VHF (136-174 MHz) and UHF (400-480MHz and 520MHz later versions).
Baofeng UV 5R is an ulta compact, inexpensive RTX that includes a special VHF receiver from 65 to 108 MHz which includes the regular FM broadcast band.
UV 5R model includes dual watch and dual reception, and it can reach up to 128 memories.
Baofeng UV 5R is equipped also with:

  • selectable wide/narrow,
  • battery save function,
  • VOX, DCS/CTCSS encode,
  • key lock and built in flashlight.

Selectable frequency steps of the cheap radio include:

  • 2.5,
  • 5,
  • 6.25,
  • 10,
  • 12.5
  • and 25 kHz.

RF power may be selected at 4 or 1 watts.
This radio comes with:

  • an SMA-Female antenna,
  • flexible antenna,
  • BL-5 Li-ion battery (7.4V 1500 mAh (1800mAh label)),
  • belt clip,
  • wrist strap,
  • AC adapter (8.4V 600ma)
  • and drop-in charging tray.

Baofeng UV 5RE

Programming cable for Baofeng UV 5R

This amateur radio requires the PC03 FTDI programming cable.

Sale
BTECH PC03 FTDI Genuine USB Programming Cable for BTECH, BaoFeng, Kenwood, and AnyTone Radio
  • Genuine FTDI USB Programming Cable (Only Sold by BaoFengTech - insure BaoFengTech is your selected distributor to guarantee accuracy in receiving what is described)
  • No Driver Issues - No old drivers needed - Plug and Play
  • Unlike the common "clone" USB programming Cables available Amazon - These cables just work!
  • Works with BaoFeng's Latest Radios: UV-5X3, BF-F8HP, and UV-82HP
  • Helpful BaoFeng Guides and Programming Tips at Miklor.com

Radio Frequency IC:

  • Upgraded SQ to enhance the anti-interference ability
  • RDA1846S adds an new tail tone elimination function, when transmitting and receiving signal between 50Hz with 55Hz
  • Improves the receiver AGV switching noise when signal strength changes severe

Frequency-Modulated Receiver Chip:

  • The RDA5802N has a powerful low-IF digital audio processor, which makes it have the most optimum sound quality with varying reception conditions

Power Amplifier IC :

  • Low crossover distortion
  • Low quiescent circuit current

N5R Firmware (August 2014)

  • Hold ‘0’ – Display Voltage
  • Removes Cloning Capabilities (Due to Several Firmware Edits)

Baofeng UV 5RE

An handset radio for every day usage

BaoFeng UV-5R is a radio devoted to amateur frequencies (Hamradio). The Baofeng UV-5R is able to operate on narrowband (12.5kHz) and wideband (25kHz).

Dual watch receiver at low cost

The BaoFeng UV-5R has one built-in receiver but can “watch” two channels (semi duplex). Monitor two different frequencies (even on different bands (VHF/UHF)) and the radio will monitor both frequencies giving priority to the first station to receive an incoming call.

FM radio receiver in your portable VHF & UHF amateur radio

If you purchase a Baofeng UV 5R you will listen to the FM Broadcast radio, because your Baofeng willbe able to receive you favourite FM station in the background. Any incoming call will be given priority insuring you never miss an important call while listening to the radio. This is amazing during emergency but also on the sport field.

What are the tones supported

The BaoFeng UV-5R supports the most common Analog Tones. It supports

  • CTCSS,
  • DCS,
  • and DTMF calling methods.

Configureing your calling methods to call by group tones it’s easy.
A simple tone calling (private line) is required by most repeater applications and the Baofeng UV-5R is able to supports the latest standards
The BaoFeng UV-5R can even send DTMF tones. This allows for sending ANI (Caller ID) or remote commands that require DTMF tones
You can find different colours for your Baofeng UV 5R

Pay attention to the colors

You have to pay attention to the colors of the different version. We invite you to check carefully the specifications when you are ordering from Amazon your brand new Baofeng UV 5R.
You can find different colors because of those different editions:

  • UV-5Rv2+
  • UV-5RA
  • UV-5RE
  • UV-5R+ (Plus)

How to program and customize your Baofeng UV 5R

You may program your BaoFeng UV-5R exactly how you want it.
There are 128 programmable memory channels ready for you.
And it is easy to add or remove channels from scanning list using a free software called CHIRP software. You can give to the channels some alphanumeric name, trough your computer.
The radio has 2 power levels (5 watt maximum), allowing you to select how power you need for your communication. You can set VFO limits using the CHIRP software.
You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as it is reported on the following video.

Why purchasing from Amazon the Baofeng UV 5R is convenient

Best price: Baofeng UV 5RThe first reason why we suggest you to buy your BaoFeng UV 5R from Amazon is surely the economic savings. Baofeng UV 5R are often on offer on Amazon. Already the price is usually convenient but for Amazon’s commercial policies you will often find several amateur radio transceiver with significant discounts (do not believe me? Try it yourself.)
The second reason is that Amazon loves to delights the customers. Amazon is a store where the consumer is always treated with gloves: whatever happens to the goods you will always have a person on the other hand able to help you with professionalism and courtesy. Amazon will never abandon you in the midst of a problem and you will always find a solution if your Baofeng UV 5R is arrived damaged or if you made a mistake ordering something.
Delivery is punctual, tracked and you can ship the Baofeng at home, office or mail box. We do not know you, but we are always at work and we always are not at home to receive the goods.
The convenience of getting the goods where you want is undoubtedly one of the greatest support Amazon has to offer to you.
And what if things really go wrong? Should I find out that you bought the wrong radio or the wrong accessories for your Baofeng UV 5R? Amazon warrants free refund for any reason, within 30 days.
You can return the Baofeng UV 5R you have mistakenly purchased without having to give any explanation. You will not have to justify it for any reason.
Finally, Amazon offers the free shipping: if you spend more than few dollars, and with the Baofeng UV 5R plus few accessories you will have zero problems. In fact you amateur radio surely costs more than this limit unless you just take one of those terrific deals you can not say no. But in that case, saving would be anyway.

Other amazing products from BaoFeng

Browse the list of the bestsellers of BaoFeng products. A list of products cheap but from reliable suppliers present od the Amazon store.

Bestseller No. 1
BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black)
  • 128 Channels 50 ctcss and 104 CDCSS dual-band display, Dual Freq. Display, dual-standby, a/B band independent operation | High/low TX power selectable: busy Channel lock-out(bclo).
  • Tri-color background light selectable: 0-9 grades vox selectable | FM radio (65.0Mhz-108.0MHz) | large LCD display.
  • Keypad Lock: channel step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25Khz | voice Companding: 50 ctcss/ 104DCS coder & tone searching.
  • Emergency alert: 25Khz/12.5Khz switchable | LED flashlight: hight/low RF power switchable.
Bestseller No. 2
BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery
  • Upgrades from our Previous Generation UV-5R: Twice the Output Power (8 watts up from 4 watts output), New Hardened Durable Radio Shell, 30% Larger Battery, V-85 High Gain Antenna (Twice the Antenna Performance), USA Support + In-depth User Guide Included
  • High / Med / Low Power Settings (8W, 4W, 1W); Frequency Range: 65-108 MHz(Only commercial FM radio reception) VHF: 136-174 MHz(Rx/Tx). UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx); Broad (Wide) / Narrowband (Narrow) Selectable
  • The BF-F8HP was designed in the USA and because not everyone is a radio-expert we really wanted to focus on providing an easier user experience! That starts with the new in-depth manual that guides you through the capabilities and customization of the BF-F8HP. On top of that the BF-F8HP also includes exclusive concierge customer help and warranty support. This concierge service is only available on select BaoFeng models such as the BF-F8HP, UV-82HP, and UV-5X3.
  • A PC03 FTDI Programming Cable is Recommended for Easier PC Programming
  • BaoFeng Tech is the only authorized USA BaoFeng Distributor to honor the Manufacturer Warranty. Only BaoFeng Tech offers warranty claims without shipping anything to China. You must insure that BaoFeng Tech is your selected buying option when buying to be able to have the full USA warranty.
Bestseller No. 3
BaoFeng Walkie Talkie UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio with one more 1800mAh UV5R Battery one Hand Mic and one TIDRADIO 771 Antenna Baofeng Radio Ham radio
  • All you need is in one box! Get Extended pack of Baofeng UV-5R radio with 2 1800 mAh Batteries + 1 Baofeng Programming Cable + 1 TD-771 High Gain Antenna + 1 Radio Mic; Reasonable price is the ham radio user and business user top choice
  • Rechargeable 1800 mAh Li-ion Battery, up to 36 hours standby time, extra battery supports non-stop communication;High Gain TIDRADIO-771 Antenna increase talking distance
  • Frequency: VHF: 136-174 MHz/ UHF: 400-520 MHz;Programmable amateur radio supports keyboard programming or PC programming via CHIRP;Programming cable is included
  • Crystal clear audio make you not need yell to your partner, even in some noisy environment; Keep your hands free with the radio mic
  • FCC Certificate and Program Guide under the Technical Specification;VITAHUI is the authorized US BaoFeng Distributor
Bestseller No. 4
Baofeng UV-5R+ Plus UHF VHF Long Range Dual Band Ham Amateur Two Way Radio, Black
  • Frequency Range: 136-174/400-480 MHz. FM Radio, Output Power: 4W/1W; 50 CTCSS and 104 DCS
  • Solid Built: Metallic upgraded, more enhanced construction and features than previous UV-5R and UV-5RA.
  • Bright & easy to read two-color LED display. Compatible with UV-5R 3800mAh extended batteries as well as other 5R series accessories.
  • Can easily program some basic settings via keypad or connect with computer. It is also compatible with CHIRP programming.
  • Compatible with UV-5R 3800mah extended batteries as well as other 5R series accessories.
Bestseller No. 5
BaoFeng BF-888S Walkie Talkie 2pcs in One Box with Rechargeable Battery Headphone Wall Charger Long Range 16 Channels Two Way Radio (2pcs radios)
  • 2 Watt Programmable Handheld Amateur Radio
  • Frequency Range: UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx).The BF-888S include a built-in high illumination flashlight and an emergency alarm
  • Customize Programming by Using the PC03 FTDI Programming Cable
  • Broadband (Wide) 25khz / Narrowband (Narrow) 12.5khz Selectable
  • 16 Memory Channels, 50 CTCSS /105 CDCSS
SaleBestseller No. 6
BaoFeng UV-5R Plus Qualette Two way Radio (Royal Blue)
  • Frequency Range: 136-174/400-480 MHz. FM Radio; Power output : 4 /1 watts; 50 CTCSS and 104 DCS.
  • Comes with metallic rugged shell, more durable than previous UV-5R and UV-5RA. Cool and perfect for outdoor operation, car racing, off-road trip, emergency rescue.
  • Easy to program some basic settings via keypad or connect with PC. Support CHIRP and CPS. Recommend cable: Radioddity PC001 FTDI programming cable (work with latest Windows, macOS, Ubuntu systems).
  • Classic UV-5R compact design, compatible with UV-5R 3800mAh extended batteries as well as other 5R series accessories.
  • Lightweight and versatile, full HD color LED display, exquisite and clarity.
Bestseller No. 7
Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band UHF/VHF Radio Transceiver W/Upgrade Version 3800mah Battery with Earpiece - Built-in VOX Function, 136-174/400-480MHz
  • Frequency Range: 136-174 / 400-480MHz. Range:3-5KM. Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby.
  • Output Power: 4 /1Watts. 128 Channels50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS. Built-in VOX Function.
  • 1750Hz Burst Tone. FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz). LED Flashlight. Large LCD Display. High /Low RF Power Switchable.
  • 25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable. Emergency Alert. Low Battery Alert.
  • Battery Saver, Time-out Timer, Keypad Lock, Monitor Channel, Channel Step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz, ROGER SET
SaleBestseller No. 8
Baofeng DM-1701 Dual Band Dual Time Slot DMR/Analog Two Way Radio, VHF/UHF 3,000 Channels Ham Amateur Radio w/Free Programming Cable, Charger and PTT Earpiece
  • [Digital & Analog Compatible] FCC Part90 Certification ID: 2AJGM-DM1701. The DM-1701 is compatible with digital and analog modes, including dual band VHF/UHF coverage of 136-174 and 400-470 MHz. It has up to 3,000 Channels, 10,000 Digital Talk Groups and 120,000 Contacts.
  • [Multi-function & 1.77" color TFT Display] The DM-1701 offers to manual programming, DTMF, VFO, SMS, emergency alarm, digital monitor mode, CTCSS and CDCSS, color codes and DMR encryption. There are 5 customized keys for faster access to those features.
  • [Updated Software & Firmware Support] The DM-1701 CPS supports mass editing, users can make complex application requirements, which makes it easier to write codeplugs. Firmware and software upgrading for new functions are life-time-free, You can download our Programming Guide V1.1 from the Technical Specification.
  • [DMO True 2 Time Slot] Direct mode dual slot communication achieves two groups of calls at a frequency point at the same time so that the communication efficiency is doubled and frequency resources are saved. Compatible with MOTOTRBO Tier I & II and other DMR radios.
  • [Free Programming Cable, Software & PTT Earpiece] Programming cable for easier PC programming (Microsoft Window 7/8/10 ONLY, Mac/Linux not supported). We have great fan base Facebook groups and website sharing tips for using the radio. Please let us know if there are any questions or concerns.
Bestseller No. 9
BAOFENG BF-888S Two Way Radio (Pack of 6pcs radios) - Customize Package
  • Walkie Talkie Model: Baofeng BF-888s;Each radio has a earpiece
  • 1500mAh Li-ion battery; Low Voltage Alert; Intelligent Charging. Maximum Power Output- 3-5 Watt
  • Frequency Range: 400-470MHz; 16 channel; 50 CTCSS/105 CDCSS
  • Power-saving features to extend battery life; CTCSS/DCS function/Scanning function/Emergency alarm function
SaleBestseller No. 10
Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band Transceiver (Black)
  • The Baofeng UV-5RA is a compact, economical HT covering 2 meters and 440 MHz. It has special VHF receive band from 65 - 108 MHz which includes the regular FM broadcast band. Dual watch and dual reception is supported. You get up to 128 memories.
  • FCC ID: FCC ID: 2AJGM-UV5R (part 15 & part 97). Selectable frequency steps include: 2.5, 5, 6.25, 10, 12.5 and 25kHz. RF power may be selected at 4 or 1 watts.
  • Incorporates 105 codes "DCS" and 50 privacy codes "CTCSS" programmable.Selectable wide/narrow, battery save function, VOX, DCS/CTCSS encode, key lock and built in flashlight.
  • Dual PTT keys; A/B band independent operation.
  • Tri-color background light selectable; 0~9 grades VOX selectable.

Baofeng UV-5R product reviews and testimonials

Nothing is better than reading those exicted reviews by other follow amateur radio operators about the BaoFeng UV 5R. This is definitely an outstanding low cost radio.

I’ve had about 7 of these and have handed several on to new hams to celebrate after they passed their exams – VE5EDE

I use a new 2016 uv-5r right now…..good reports – NY7Q

I bought my UV-5r from a friend of mine yesterday and this radio works with the speaker mic and with out it and there is no problem with field programming and is a great beginner radio for new hams – KD0DUJ

Have had 4 of these for about 2 months now, 2 – 5r’s, and 2 of the 8 watt 5rTP units. – K7VNE

For the price this radio is hard to beat. It’s not a sensitive as some of my other radios but it costs 1/5 of what they do – M6RIK

Great radios, I have three of them – KG9H

Once you get used to it, the Baofeng UV5R radio is outstanding – KI0RF