UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black)

These new Baofeng's come "locked" in such a way that you cannot transmit on GMRS frequencies unless you know how to unlock them. A quick search of the internet and you will find an instructional video on how to unlock the ability to transmit. However, in order to legally transmit on certain frequencies, you need a GMRS License. (At least you do, in the USA.) You can get a GMRS License by paying a fee (just search the internet for how to get it) which makes it legal for you to broadcast on GMRS frequencies, for 10 years. (and includes immediate family members) No test is required, for this particular license. You'll need to use your Call Sign to transmit on Repeater Frequencies. Range is amazing for the price point of this product. You can easily reach one mile with crystal clear voice communication. Up to two miles with good line of sight, and possibly further with a longer antenna and good line of sight. You can program these radios with Channels for FRS/GMRS using a free app, called CHIRP (Search the internet, the danplanet website). You will also need to purchase a USB Programming Cable, to do so, which can be found on Amazon. Easy enough to do, using Windows or Mac, but Linux might be a little tricky as Ubuntu and related variants may have an issue related to the 32-bit libraries needed by CHIRP. I have purchased the higher power 8W Baofeng radios but I find that I mostly use this 5W model, as it is smaller in size and performs well enough, in comparison to higher power radios. For vehicle to vehicle communication, I run a smaller aftermarket antenna (from Amazon) which helps me only to pick up signals transmitted within a ~1 mile range. Just be sure to abide be your local laws, before transmitting. You can listen, legally. FRS requires no license but has a 0.5 Watt limitation, to transmit. These radios operate from 1-4 Watts. So, even at the lowest RF Setting, you're going to be over .5 Watts. Hence the reason they are "locked" from transmitting, from the factory. I would highly recommend these radios to anyone who is looking for quality 2-way communication, near or far, in an affordable package.

I got this just for a backup device in case the cellphones will become useless (and there are many scenarios when they can become useless, including potential WW3). For a current price, this device is unbeatable, especially compared to extremely overpriced "american" brands. It functions on many bands, not only the ones mentioned in the description for this radio but including FRS/GMRS bands - yes, you can both listen to and transmit on FRS/GMRS bands at full power of this radio (and this radio can transmit at higher power than most GMRS handheld radios from companies like Midland/Motorola/Uniden). It comes with FRS/GMRS bands disabled by default because this radio was not certified to use them BUT you can easily unlock it, without any cables, using simple button press combination (you can find it how by Googling). It also has large variety of aftermarket accessories - from better antennas (such as the ones produced by Nagoya) to cables which allow you to program the radio using free CHIRP software using your Mac/PC (to do stuff like add custom frequencies with custom names for each channel) to aftermarket AA battery adapters (which is a must have accessory if you're planning on using this radio for any kind of emergencies). There are also many videos available which will describe every option of this radio, as well as how to program it with custom list of frequencies using software like CHIRP, so there's no need to even read any official manuals. Oh, and one last thing: technically you're supposed to get a Ham license or GMRS license to transmit on specific bands, but always remember the facts - you're allowed to transmit on all those bands in case of emergency and even without emergency - FCC will never care for you transmitting on GMRS bands or some other bands as long as you don't jam any communications or interfere with other people's communications in any other way, regardless if you have any license or do not have any license for any bands.

The Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio is a versatile and reliable communication device that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, emergency responders, and anyone else in need of a dependable means of communication. With its dual-band functionality, long-lasting battery, and durable construction, this walkie-talkie is an essential companion for any adventure. One of the standout features of the Baofeng UV-5R is its dual-band capability, allowing users to communicate on both the VHF (144-148MHz) and UHF (420-450MHz) bands. This versatility ensures that you can stay connected in a wide range of environments, whether you're hiking in the mountains, camping in the wilderness, or navigating through urban areas. The walkie-talkie comes equipped with a high-capacity 1800mAh Li-ion battery, providing hours of continuous use on a single charge. This long-lasting battery life ensures that you can rely on your radio to keep you connected when you need it most, without having to worry about running out of power. In addition to its impressive functionality, the Baofeng UV-5R is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The rugged construction and durable materials ensure that the radio can withstand drops, bumps, and other impacts, while the black color adds a sleek and professional look to the device. The walkie-talkie features a range of useful functions and features, including a built-in flashlight, VOX (Voice Operated Transmit) function, dual standby mode, and more. These features make it easy to use the radio in a variety of situations, whether you're communicating with your group, monitoring emergency channels, or navigating through challenging terrain. Overall, the Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio is a reliable and versatile communication device that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its dual-band functionality, long-lasting battery, and durable construction make it an essential companion for any adventure. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a dependable means of communication in the great outdoors.

A nice intro to HAM radio device. Near unbeatable price, and a classic. While the battery power could use an upgrade, this is also easily replaceable with many options on the market. As it's an entry level radio, the range is expectantly short and if you plan to use this for more than intro/exploratory purposes I would recommend either a different radio or at least an antenna replacement. You do NEED a license in order to operate this radio but you do NOT need one to just listen in. Otherwise, buttons, input, and menu screens are relatively self explanatory and easy to use.

My rating reflects the value for the price and not necessarily a flawless product. At time of purchase in Q4 2025, the cost was ~$16.50. The Baofeng UV-5R is a good entry point into amateur radio. You can fairly easily exchange antennas, and listen to regular broadcast FM with or without headphones/earpiece. It’s both over and under featured and takes some time to get used to. I think I’ll likely purchase an advanced model later that can receive Noaa, aviation bands, etc, but I’m happy with this purchase. UV-5R is compatible with CHIRP, and I have used it successfully with a USB UART to Kinwood style cable to program channels. My only complaint is that this can’t legally be used to broadcast on non Amateur Radio frequencies in the USA, but that’s more of an FCC limitation than a technical one. I have since purchased part 90 radios to use in conjunction with a site license at work and my experience with the Baofeng made setting those up correctly much easier. I like that you can listen to broadcast FM while tuned to other channels and it’ll break away from the broadcast FM to let you hear the transmission, then go back to broadcast FM after a few seconds. You can use this in “channel” or “frequency” mode. I have mostly used it in channel mode as my initial use was just listening to channels at work. Frequency mode is what it says, you can punch in a frequency and it’ll tune to it. Sometimes the best way to learn is hands-on, and for that this won’t disappoint.

I recently picked up the Baofeng UV-5R two-way radio and I’ve been very impressed with it so far. For the price, it packs a lot of features into a compact handheld radio and performs extremely well. The radio supports both VHF and UHF bands and has plenty of programmable channels, which makes it very versatile whether you’re using it for outdoor activities, emergency communication, or general radio use. The audio quality is clear, the battery life is solid, and the radio feels sturdy in the hand. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, which makes it great for camping, hunting trips, or keeping in a go-bag. Programming it can take a little learning at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a very capable radio with a lot of customization options. Overall, the Baofeng UV-5R is a great buy for anyone who is new to two-way radios as well as for more experienced users. It offers excellent performance and features at a price that’s hard to beat. In my opinion, it’s definitely worth the money and a solid addition to anyone’s radio gear.

Very nice radio works well fast shipping i liked it so much i bought another one

This Baofeng UV-5R is a solid entry-level radio for getting into amateur radio. The dual band capability gives you access to both 2m and 70cm bands, and the price point makes it perfect for beginners who want to learn without breaking the bank. Programming can be a bit tricky at first, but there are plenty of online resources to help. The reception is decent and the radio does what it's supposed to do for local repeater and simplex work. Audio quality is acceptable and the build feels reasonably sturdy for the price. It's a good way to get on the air and learn the basics of ham radio operation. However, the battery doesn't last long when transmitting on high power. If you're doing any significant amount of talking, you'll burn through the battery quickly. This is frustrating when you're out in the field or at an event. Low power helps, but then you sacrifice range. Consider buying spare batteries if you go with this radio. For the money, it's a decent starter radio that lets you get licensed and learn. Just manage your expectations on battery life and be prepared to upgrade eventually as you get more serious about the hobby. Good for learning, not for serious use.