10 Best Baofeng Handheld Ham Radios 2026 in the United States

The BAOFENG AR-25R handheld ham radio, an upgrade to the UV-5R, offers a range of impressive features for ham radio enthusiasts. It operates on multiple bands including VHF and UHF, providing a wide frequency range suitable for various communication needs. With a power output of 10 watts, it ensures long range communication, which is a significant strength for outdoor activities and emergency situations.

The inclusion of 999 memory channels allows users to store an extensive list of frequencies, making it highly versatile and convenient for frequent users. The built-in SOS emergency feature, LED flashlight, and VOX mode for hands-free operation add practical value to the device in various scenarios. Additionally, the one key frequency match function simplifies the process of cloning frequencies from other radios without needing a computer, which is user-friendly, especially for beginners.

The USB-C charger is a modern touch, facilitating easy recharging of the lithium-ion batteries included in the package. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The radio is not water-resistant, which could be a concern for users who need a durable device for outdoor use in varying weather conditions. The display and interface are functional but may not be as intuitive or advanced as some higher-end models, which might require a bit of a learning curve for new users. While the device is advertised as suitable for novices, some technical guidance might still be necessary to fully utilize all features. Despite these minor issues, the BAOFENG AR-25R offers a solid combination of power, functionality, and additional features at a competitive price, making it a strong contender for both new and experienced ham radio operators.

The Baofeng 5RM is a versatile handheld ham radio designed for users who need reliable communication across multiple settings like agriculture, construction, security, and outdoor activities. It supports a wide frequency range including VHF, UHF, and additional bands such as 1.25M and 350MHz, which makes it flexible for various communication needs. With a 10-watt power output, it offers a decent long-range reach—up to around 8 kilometers in good conditions—suitable for most outdoor and work environments. The battery is a 2500mAh rechargeable lithium-ion type, providing reasonable usage time and convenient USB Type-C charging, which is a welcome upgrade for ease and speed of charging. The radio’s 1.77-inch screen is relatively large for this category, making the interface easier to navigate. It supports up to 999 memory channels and allows programming through several methods including direct keypad entry, computer software, and CHIRP, catering to both beginners and more experienced users.

Additional features like NOAA weather alerts, an emergency alarm, and an integrated flashlight add practical value, especially for outdoor and emergency situations. However, the radios are not water-resistant, which could be a drawback for users needing rugged durability in harsh weather or wet conditions. The package includes 10 units with batteries, chargers, earpieces, and accessories, making it ideal for group use or organizations needing multiple radios. In summary, the Baofeng 5RM provides strong multi-band functionality, solid power, and user-friendly features at a good value but lacks weatherproofing, so it is best suited for general outdoor use where water exposure is limited.

The Baofeng UV-5R 20-pack is a versatile set of handheld ham radios, ideal for groups needing reliable communication over medium distances, such as farms, security teams, or event staff. It supports both VHF and UHF frequency bands, which covers a wide range of channels and makes it compatible with many communication setups. With up to 128 memory channels and features like adjustable squelch, CTCSS/DCS codes, and an emergency SOS alarm, it offers good flexibility for customizing and managing communication.

The radios include a clear LCD display with backlight and user-friendly functions like voice prompts and scan mode, helping users navigate settings easily. Battery life is powered by 1800mAh rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which should be sufficient for typical daily use but might require recharging during extended outings. One drawback is the radios are not water-resistant, so they need to be protected from rain or wet conditions.

The package includes all necessary accessories like earpieces, chargers, belt clips, and straps, making it convenient to deploy right away. Not designed for the toughest environments, these radios still provide a solid choice for groups needing affordable, easy-to-use ham radios with good channel capacity and essential extras, offering long-range capability of up to around 5 km.