10 Best Baofeng Handheld Ham Radios 2025 in the United States

The BAOFENG UV-5RM is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile handheld ham radio, especially in a multi-pack format. It covers a wide frequency range (136-174 MHz and 400-470 MHz), which means it supports both VHF and UHF bands, making it suitable for many communication needs. The radio offers up to 10 watts of power output with adjustable settings (high, medium, low), helping you balance range and battery consumption. Speaking of battery, the upgraded 2500mAh Li-ion battery with USB-C charging is a welcome improvement, providing longer usage time and flexible charging options like power banks or car USB ports, which is handy for outdoor activities.

The 1.77-inch color display is bigger and clearer than older models, making menus and channel info easier to read, which improves user experience. It supports up to 128 channels, plenty for most ham radio users, and features like dual band, dual display, and dual standby add convenience for monitoring multiple frequencies simultaneously. The radio comes with essential accessories and a 1-year warranty, plus good customer support.

The UV-5RM is not water-resistant, so it may not be ideal in wet conditions without extra protection. While the radio is durable compared to older versions, it’s best suited for casual to moderate outdoor use rather than heavy-duty environments. Its programming can be a bit technical for beginners without software or guides, though the included manual helps. This set is well suited for hobbyists, outdoor enthusiasts, or small groups needing reliable communication on a budget.

The BAOFENG UV-5R is a popular handheld ham radio that covers a wide frequency range (150-174 MHz and 450-512 MHz), making it versatile for many radio users. It offers a maximum power output of 8 watts, which is strong enough to provide good signal range—up to around 10 miles under ideal conditions. One of its standout features is the large 3800mAh rechargeable battery, which offers much longer standby time compared to many typical radios, and the included USB charging cable adds convenience for charging on the go.

The device supports 128 programmable channels, allowing you to store many frequencies, and you can customize these settings easily with the included programming cable and free software, which is great for those who want tailored communication options. The dual-band, dual-display, and dual-standby features help you monitor multiple channels at once, while the LED flashlight and keypad lock add practical usability in the field. The supplied tactical antenna enhances reception, and the professional-style earpiece with a rotatable earplug offers clear, comfortable communication, which is especially helpful during long use.

This model is not water-resistant, so it requires some care in wet conditions. The radio weighs about 2.7 pounds for the 2-pack, which is reasonable but not ultra-light. The interface and display are straightforward but may feel a bit basic compared to higher-end models. The BAOFENG UV-5R is well suited for ham radio beginners and enthusiasts who need a reliable, powerful handheld radio with good battery life and flexible programming options, provided they can keep it dry and do not require ultra-rugged construction.

The BAOFENG 5RH PRO is a versatile handheld ham radio that stands out with its wide frequency range covering FM, VHF, UHF, 1.25M, and aviation RX bands, making it suitable for a variety of communication needs. With a power output of up to 10 watts, it supports long-range communication up to around 10 kilometers under good conditions, which is quite strong for a portable radio. Its 2500mAh rechargeable battery combined with USB-C charging and a base charger offers convenience and decent battery life, so you won’t frequently run out of power during outings.

The radio's 1.77-inch color screen is bright and easy to read, improving usability in different lighting environments. Users benefit from advanced features like NOAA weather alerts and GPS functions, which are helpful for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals needing location tracking and weather updates. The programming flexibility with up to 10 zones and 64 channels per zone is excellent for users managing complex communication setups. Additionally, it comes as a complete kit with accessories like an earpiece and belt clip, ready for immediate use.

Some users might find the device a bit heavy at 2.57 pounds, and while water resistance adds durability, it is not fully waterproof, so care is needed in wet conditions. This makes the BAOFENG 5RH PRO a solid choice for both daily and professional ham radio users who want strong performance and useful features, especially if GPS and weather monitoring are important in a handheld unit.