Baofeng UV-5R: The Unsung Hero of Ham Radio

New to ham radio and want to know what is the cheapest you can buy? The Baofeng UV-5R handheld is a good option for those eager to get onto the air quickly! The UV-5R is less than $30 and is the most popular Baofeng in their range of radios. This is the best Baofeng radio to buy in 2021!
In this video I show what comes in the box and the reasons why this can be your first handheld to get on the ham bands with! I also do an on air test to show the transmission and reception of the radio.
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[@HamRadioDX]

Do you own a Baofeng? Leave your comments below on what you think of them.

[@3ccdmike]

I just got mine and I like cast metal work, it feels great ! I payed $20 for that. I like gadgets. Well I started with CB in the 70s and wanted a 2 meter HT but I did not want a big $ commitment to try it. I wanted it for a strong FRS/GMRS radio but now I learned even with a license I still can't use it. 😒

[@HamRadioDX]

@@3ccdmike Glad you like the radio Michael. You can still use it on 2 meters at least. 73!

[@3ccdmike]

@@HamRadioDX INDEED ! thanks for the QSO

[@alanbanh]

If I don’t hold a license, can I still use the 5R in Australia on the 80 channel frequencies?

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

I do. I have the 8 watt baofeng and I m loving it. It is always on my backpack 🎒

[@alanbanh]

I can’t do ham radio because I’m vegetarian :(

[@lukewilkins1190]

Lmfao

[@bluenose21c]

Stick to FM Alan parsnip

[@moniquelageweg1111]

Lol

[@MrAntaresX]

I have used it for moose hunting in Sweden for 6-7 years now. Works perfect. No problem and good range. And oon the beach for FM radio.

[@haeak11]

What is the maximum range? Thank you

[@MrAntaresX]

@@haeak11 DIfficult to judge, as you have weather, terrain and the other guys equipment to take into account. But in my hunting team, good fair flat terrain and an excellent 500 dollar receiver radio with long antenna - some 4 km and up to 5 km. In a city or rocky terrain - 1 km. So I would say expect some 2.5 km in a normal case in the woods.

[@haeak11]

@@MrAntaresX thank you very much,

[@iNowHateAtSigns]

I'd recommend the UV-5R SPECIFICALLY as a first radio. As a first upgrade, replace the stock antenna with a longer whip (Nagoya NA-771). In the US, Baofeng is now pushing the BF8-HP which is also good, though more expensive. Check SWR on any antennas as soon as you're able.

[@VK7DBX]

I've brought the Baofeng UV-10R to listen to amateur frequencies while I get ready to obtain my licence.

[@HamRadioDX]

That's awesome!

[@matthewkelly8600]

I got a Baofeng UV_5r, it worked until I put the hand held mic in and then got no sound at all, everything else seemed to work. I bought another UV-5R and put the hand held mic in and it still works well.

[@k2cjbradio]

I’ve had one for a few years now. Works fine. I did look at it’s tx output on a spectrum analyzer and there were many harmonics. I also listened to the harmonics on another radio from 250 ft away and it they were heard clear as day. Not a clean radio that’s for sure. But, they have their place for entry into the hobby. 73 de K2CJB

[@HamRadioDX]

Was that a older model? I read some of the newer models had that fixed

[@k2cjbradio]

Ham Radio DX It’s definitely an older model. I got it in 2014-15 I think

[@TheArtofEngineering]

What connector is used for the antenna (SMC?)....I wanna connect to external antenna with a BNC connector.

[@Gumby1978]

I am a newbie and this was very helpful. Thank you

[@cutweldngrind]

I always wanted one of these and for $25 shipped I may just order one.

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

I own one and think its a great radio. Yes, for $30 it has its flaws but for anyone getting into Amateur its a great purchase. I filled mine up with the 80 UHF channels, local services and it has provisions when I get my license to be my 2m/70cm rig. I appreciate big name brands have far better quality radios but seriously, if Baofeng can produce thses and sell for $30 retail, I am sure Yaesu and Icom can sell their radios for much less than what they are asking......in fact they probably are only $100 radios at manufacturing cost. I would buy the cheaper first and if the expensive radio is needed then perhaps entertain it. Thanks for the video. I was going to get the Yaesu FT-3DR for my first 2m/70cm handheld.......uummm $599 later...no thanks...$30 will do for now.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks for your comment Walking Man Video.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

After like using the radio for like couple days or something. The power level goes from hight to medium. I have charge back again the radio and also I go to channel and change from medium to hight and it goes back to medium

[@octopusenvy]

Nice easy vid mate. I'm in NZ and just got my 1st handheld HAM. I have a real nice ICOM SSB that I took out of the boat, but not using currently. Anyhow, I started with the UV9Rplus DUAL BAND for waterproof/rugged, but I've just swapped out for a 2020 model UV5rplus TRIBAND. I figured I'd get more channel signals, but you mention in Oz and likely here in NZ that we can't get it? Also, I went from the 10w 9plus to the 8w 5plus because the new 5plus has direct battery charging (no cradle needed), and just got a drybag pouch. Your thoughts? Was that the right way to go?

[@HamRadioDX]

Hi mate, the UV5 as I mentioned is only good in Oz/NZ for the 2m and 70cm bands. Hope you're enjoying the bands!

[@alpyii313]

Do would you program a frequency that has 8 numbers ? I only see 6 on this radio. I want to use it for nyc fire dept. Thank you

[@HamRadioDX]

Sorry can you elaborate? 6 digits? The frequency range of the radio is available here - baofengtech.com/uv-5r

[@lohitsinghi2674]

could you advise as to the cheapest radio to buy that covers HF, cause my nearest repeater is about 500 kms away. i am a new HAM and i have a baofeng UV 5R. am from India. VU2BAT.

[@iNowHateAtSigns]

In the U.S., when a ham dies they will often donate their equipment to new operators. You can probably find good, used equipment cheaper than buying new.

[@SpectreOZ]

The UVB5 is a better radio, ergonomically, operationally & aesthetically (rotary encoder and an actual squelch control) although the UV5R has a significantly more prolific range of add-ons and upgrades 👍

[@Jesusandbible]

People said it would be dumbed down and changed, so it no longer went on ham radio channels a year ago. Did that happen? Or are they still the same if I get one in the UK from China.

[@TomRolfson]

They now offer HAM or GMRS flavors of the UV-5R. Both can be unlocked with a simple boot sequence (on KZbin).

[@waynemalthouse6003]

Look nice.do frequency come preinstall.

[@VK6ZMS]

It would be nice to see the spectral purity on a spec an. Some early model Baofengs had the nick name Toblerone as the harmonics were nearly as large as the fundamental.

[@HamRadioDX]

Yes. I think they may of fixed this in later models. I'll have to put mine on the spectrum analyzer to check later

[@maxxonline2001]

@@HamRadioDX Unfortunately, they are still just as badly made. It's a shame to waste money on this trash !!

[@bbhrdzaz]

@@maxxonline2001 Can you explain? Do you own a later model? thank you.

[@ajustice2010]

What hand held would you recommend?

[@blooskyy7]

Great review. As I don't have an amateur licence, in Australia am I allowed to use this radio only on the standard 80 CB channels?

[@HamRadioDX]

Sorry no. The radio can only be used by licenced amateurs in Australia as they are not type approved for CB use

[@zukispur5493]

Pirates rule the waves

[@washingtonstatepicker3460]

I love those! I keep two unopened for SHTF. I also have one that i carry.

[@TomRolfson]

Do you have them programmed or stored w/Chirp in an EMP proof case? If SHTF you don't want to not have repeaters not programmed and basic supplement I'd recommend is a small portable solar panel to charge them.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Hello sir I have a boafeng 8 watts handheld . My question is do I set my radio to lower power or keep it at 8 watts using a repeater

[@HamRadioDX]

Hello! Use as much power as you need to get into the repeater with a good signal. You'll need the help of someone the other end to confirm your signal. Lower power will save your battery power though. 73

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

@@HamRadioDX tha k you so much. Another ham operator told me to use as minimal power on my radio as possible so I wonder why he said that when I was using my mobile handheld radio 8 watts . I just thought that it dint make sense since mobile handheld radios need good power n the best antenna to reach a repeater, or maybe he was sitting down on his 100 watt home station or car mobile and was mocking me down

[@kevinbeck6419]

They still sale them at flea markets in the United states

[@the1spyderryder]

I have 13 baofengs of various models and all but one works fine i have one that was sent to me by mistake and the company told me to keep it and refunded me but the tx power is down but draws the same current on tx so I suppose maybe o slight break in the rf output line. I will disassemble it one day but for now I use the others.

[@greyhat4807]

As somebody who has recently passed their Foundation exam, the whole process will have cost me $235 (foundation manual, exam, callsign, 1 year license). This is a decent amount of money just to get into the hobby and this doesn't include any equipment costs to actually get on the air! To get me started I bought a pair of UV-82 which seem pretty solid and at $72 I'm sure they'll be fine as an introductory radio. I look forward to being able to transmit shorty (received invoice from ACMA today) and seeing what they can and cannot do. A roll up slim jim is also on my wishlist and look forward to trying some SOTA on 2 meters.

[@HamRadioDX]

Regretably the cost of getting your licence is quite high as you’ve rightly pointed out. Luckily from here on in the cost of a yearly licence is relatively low (I think around $50), which is only $4 a month. Good luck with your purchase and look forward to hearing you on the air!

[@greyhat4807]

@@HamRadioDX thanks mate, keep up the great work on the videos. Always nice to see Aussie content on KZbin 👍

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks. Please don’t forget to subscribe and share!

[@JustinWoodTV]

Dang $235 that’s insane.

[@edgenull]

Sounds quite high for a license. They sell them for 5$ here.

[@nigelb5341]

I still can't decide whether to get one of these or not. I guess for the money, you can't really go wrong. 73's M0CPU

[@HamRadioDX]

Nigel you can always check out the UV-9R which is the next model up. Bit more expensive but a good radio too

[@komradwide4660]

Im completely new to HAM radio's so uhm how far away exactly can 2 of these be able to communicate with each other??

[@DanWahrenberger]

You need a Amature radio license to obtain a callsign and transmit using these radios. That course will teach you about range of Line of Sight communications and what you can legally do with them. In practice 3-10 miles Line of Sight depending on terrain and conditions. If you have access to a mountain top repeater station - then much more than that.

[@TVperson1]

Can you transmit on Normal UHF CB channels in Australia, same ones as the normal radios from Jaycar or something if you don't have a radio license?

[@HamRadioDX]

Unfortunately not. The Baofeng isn't type approved for Australia. The UHF CB service is under a class license that requires type approved radios.

[@astol87]

@@HamRadioDX how would anyone know what you're transmitting from?

[@jimmyrecard6021]

@@HamRadioDX so are you allowed to own one without a license and not transmit?

[@yoshihacks2896]

Thanks for the review thinking about getting 2 of these for ke and my Sgt for security patrols

[@YellowYT]

Hey. I'm thinking of buying one of these for a cheap CB radio, Is it legal to transmit on CB frequencies without a licence with this radio, and if so what are the risks involved in doing so?

[@HamRadioDX]

Hey mate. I don't know what country you're located but in almost all countries radios need to be "type approved" or meet certain standards (in the US, Australia and UK this is the case) to be used on the CB band. The UV-5R is not compliant in this regard. I *think* there is a variant that might be in the USA, but I can't be 100% sure

[@YellowYT]

@@HamRadioDX I'm in Aussie, I'm assuming it would still be fine to listen?

[@elgonxalin]

Hi friend, I could ask you a question... I just bought the baofeng uv-s9 plus and wanted to know if the configuration is equal to the uv-5r. They're very similar teams. Greetings and thanks

[@TomRolfson]

You can use Chirp to program that. I believe it uses a different cable than the UV-5R.

[@tenncutt]

We dont have the 1.25m in the US. Not on my new Baofeng

[@locotico71]

I own 2 baofengs. Good starter radio for beginner. Cheap and serves it’s purpose. Eventually you will Want to explore more of the HAM world and will need a better radio with more options.

[@Chris-gi9ch]

If you're really broke? Then yes, but in my opinion the Yeasu FT-60 is the best analog "amateur" portable radio quality wise, and programming/scanning. For digital capabilities, I recommend a DMR capable radio, instead of the manufacturer versions. The UV-5R is still good to have around the house.

[@vkamateur]

Nice review. The US Overland community would be devistated if they couldn't access them for vehicle to vehicle comms 🤔

[@HamRadioDX]

I reckon so!

[@hunterthelord]

I WAS A FLASHAHOLIC NOW AFTER TRYING MY FIRST BAOFENG I NEED MORE!

[@kevinbeck6419]

They are quite good for what they are an for the price

[@jdb8465]

Does it have search and scan function?

[@iNowHateAtSigns]

If will scan the entire programmable memory. That is the only option.

[@tracysroberts]

I've had several Baofengs and have been using a UV-82HP for the last few years. It has a better quality feel than the UV-5R and the 8W output makes a difference with the club repeater . About twice the price but it has been worth it.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks for your comments on the UV-5R

[@brahmoone]

UV-82 is huge and meant for security guys (worked as brick on fights)

[@mrthomaslaux1]

What is the maximum range in ham or other?

[@HamRadioDX]

It does depend on antenna and power/location but in most situations a few to tens of miles

[@MuzzleMike]

Still legal to buy in the US .

[@TheArtofEngineering]

VK7HH this is VK2AOE receiving you on 144MHz 430MHz .....860Mhz......I have a UV 10-R. Wouldn't it be great if the WIA set up a lab (like a metrology lab) that allowed testing of gear for spurious emissions. Then if the radio in question did put out spurious emissions, the ham tech community could make it a new challenge. Perhaps build low pass filters etc. What a learning opportunity! I just did a short video on my HT. Got some people who rightly questioned the possibility of spurious emissions. It seems that many hams now go digital DMR etc and avoid analog users. The repeaters are dead and calls that are analog often get ignored? Which is a shame, as many of those calls are new hams, who need encouragement? Or is my take on this "not on frequency"?? A great project would be a low pass filter for 2m and 70cm ? To clean up the Bao....and make it a Beautiful Bao!!!

[@derpderp9764]

goodluck stopping me transmitting haha

[@bluedevilvlog7771]

uv5r radio user for almost 3 years DX3W DY3 RQR

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks for your comment Adonis. Glad to hear you're happy with your radio

[@Pan_Samochodzik]

Called ACMA and they said not legal (banned) and can go to jail if caught with one. So who's right wia or acma?

[@HamRadioDX]

This is incorrect. Radios need to be type approved for use in Australia if using on commercial or land mobile frequencies. This does not apply to Amateur, where type approved radios are not required, thus Baofeng's are legal for use, by amateur radio operators only.

[@Pan_Samochodzik]

@@HamRadioDX please email acma and ask about baofeng radios. I found the page on wia but who makes the law. Who to believe?

[@TheChico868]

UV82 good option just for a little extra. Better build quality too.

[@HamRadioDX]

Yes another great radio!

[@Lobsterman5481]

I'm a little confused, I'm planning to use them as walkie talkies on my property, do I need a license? I'm in the USA.

[@Littrell1966]

By the letter of the law, yes you do.

[@iNowHateAtSigns]

Yes, technically. They are not legal for FRS, but (I've heard it said) they will work. Do not operate on amateur frequencies without a license. I'd recommend the Retevis H-777 for what you want: 4 for $40 USD.

[@the1spyderryder]

I have heard that story about baofeng radios for ever. Thery meet FCC rules or they wouldn't be allowed. Second these are Very broad banded radios both tx and rx and will actually will work in several services with in their band width that is why. You can't have great filtering with broad band radios.

[@greenflagracing7067]

they are infamous for out of band and spurious emissions. the GT-5R is the version that is fully FCC compliant.

[@augustaverbian]

I was surprised that radio usage have a license and legalities

[@simonroberts6490]

Can you imagine the chaos if anyone could transmit anything on any frequency? Even ignoring the possibility of deliberate malice, imagine people with zero training and no particular technical aptitude given a powerful radio with access to all kinds of frequencies. They'd be treading on all manner of essential communications. The police would be stuck using land-line telephones to communicate about crimes in progress, same problem for fire and other emergency services. Airplanes wouldn't be able to talk with ATC. Even if that doesn't worry you, your internet would be down because of the interference on microwave frequencies that carry much of the internet traffic. Your TV and radio services would have to come via cable, and your radio control models would be crashing all the time. Licensing and control is important in any shared resource, be very grateful for it :)

[@fitcher-armchair-sleuth]

No Baofengs. Just one old wouxun. When you think about everything from QRP homebrew cw rigs to HF gear and even satellite operation - There is lots of choices. I hope all the "new ham" HT's don't end up tossed in a junk box for lack of interest in the hobby and it not being what the new ham expected. Basic VHF tends to get old and boring pretty quick. In my area everything (for scanner listening) analog has moved to encrypted digital. There are other vhf options like ssb dxing and satellite operation .. just to mention a couple. Yes, there is all this digital gear, (fusion, dstar, dmr .. etc,) but all that is pretty expensive stuff for home and mobile operation. Not to mention its all pretty complicated. My first Amateur radio adventures started with "listening" to the bands, building antennas from wire and learning how to solder cables, connectors and putting it all together. I got a general coverage receiver with the HF bands. I had lots of paper notebooks full of information on short waves & long waves, frequencies, modes, bands and operation. This is how I learned everything about radio and operating. I enjoyed every minute of learning all this stuff. I learned the Q-Signals, phonetic code, emission types, radio terms, R-S-T, GMT / UCT and so on. All that said, I think I would much rather save money and get a decent receiver and start learning and doing so - because its fun. This is why I wouldn't bother getting a fleet of analog / digital HTs. About all (general coverage / shortwave receivers) are made in China now (like the HTs) and many are based off the latest receiver-microprocessors. Don't buy something that breaks the bank. You don't have to and all you need is a wire for an antenna. Oh and before someone says that "shortwave" is dead and gone, it isn't all gone yet. They never stop trying to get the bands for other corporate usages - more control over communications and more money for them. I'm happy with my wires and my older radio gear. Still learning and having fun bouncing my signals all over. Still listening and talking to folks locally and all over the world. Remember - The internet is not true radio. It is wire and satellite connected telephone/voip. That isn't true radio / amateur radio at all. If you like all that you can always try qsonet dot com / cq100.

[@bradl2636]

What do you recommend here in 2023... anything not made in China?

[@HamRadioDX]

Icom, Yaesu.. made in Japan

[@bradl2636]

@@HamRadioDX Thank you sir. I have heard some Icom are designed in Japan but actually manufactured in China... do you know anything about that? Just like my photography gear, power and hand tools, and firearms, I'm a big fan of genuine Japanese, German and Czech engineering and manufacturing 😎. I’m happy with my spray of U.S. “tools” as well. Having worked in China and seen it for myself I’m a ZERO fan of most things originating there.

[@HamRadioDX]

@@bradl2636 No all Icom are made in Japan, not China.

[@bradl2636]

@@HamRadioDX Thank you sir a rep with my local iCom dealer may have misspoke… possibly very new staff member.

[@checkthefacts.]

Thanks from G0RJI

[@stephenwilliams5201]

Dropped mine off my body. It fell ten feet. To a concrete floor. Picking it up. Turned it on the little china lady spoke up. Not phased one bit. Quite a radio. Takes a beating in stride. Kv4li

[@AlexGtheOG90]

Screw it. I just passed my tech class ham exam and spent $40 for a uv5r and 2m/70cm Nagoya whip antenna.

[@HamRadioDX]

Cool! and congrats you passed!

[@mariosotgiu2389]

Un' altra radio "per prosciutto" 😂😂😂

[@Yahootie]

Thats not shrinkwrap, friend. ✌🏻

[@HamRadioDX]

Plastic :)

[@tompipps3383]

TOM PIPPS . FOAM - BATON ROUGE LOUISUANA USA . HI HELLO &

[@reallybored2613]

Das günstigste… das „billigste“ wäre eigentlich schlecht und kostenarm.🗿 aber ja, keiner hat deutsch studiert.🤔

[@johnbepko3677]

I have a new one and it does not work at all . It cannot b programmed, and has already been set for one frequency, apparently, and gets one FM station that cannot be changed. This appears to be a real piece of garbage,

[@johnbepko3677]

Does ANYONE have a manual that explains what this can do? The manual they sent is useless. John Bepko sends.

[@dubiousdoublechin6363]

Any luck with fixing it a year in, John?

[@FRS-eo2pl]

Please don't buy this cheap radio : Ask yourself the question: why is it so cheap ? this radio is a spectrum polluter

[@Bob814u]

Do you have a link to the proof of your claim? Saying it is one thing. Proving it is another. Please submit a link to your proof.

[@FRS-eo2pl]

@@Bob814u Saying it is one thing : and what about to say UV5R is a good radio ? can you prove it ?

[@FRS-eo2pl]

@Bob814u instead of always assuming that others are wrong, find out : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rouxap6Vhq57jLc

[@TheChico868]

Not everyone can afford a expensive radio

[@iNowHateAtSigns]

Any internet search on this topic will reveal the evidence that absolutely does exist.

[@officerwebb620]

How can you say they're banned in the US but not illegal to use in the US, that's completely contradictory and hypocritical, I wouldn't trust this video ...

[@HamRadioDX]

Banned from being imported, but not illegal to use on amateur bands. Listen to the video

[@officerwebb620]

@@HamRadioDX Well if that was true they couldn't sell them on amazon here in the states which they do ...

[@winstonsmith993]

@@officerwebb620 again, *LISTEN* to the video. He said "talk that they *may* get banned." He didn't say that they were already banned.

[@iNowHateAtSigns]

This video is perfectly trustworthy. One small mention of a "possible ban" is just a passing comment on a complicated subject.

[@Funkteon]

After learning that these are illegal for non-certified users in Australia (and most other places around the world), I went and scored a pair of Midland X-Talker T61VP3, which, perhaps, are also illegal...lol - Can you tell me if I'm misinformed about this?!?