10 Best Baofeng Handheld Ham Radios 2025 in the United States

The BAOFENG UV-32 is a solid choice for anyone needing a handheld ham radio with strong communication capabilities. It operates with a 10W power output, which is quite powerful for this type of radio and supports high, medium, and low power settings to help save battery or extend range. The radio offers a wide frequency range and can hold up to 1000 memory channels, giving you plenty of room to program different frequencies or groups.

Battery life is supported by a 2500mAh lithium-ion battery, which should last well through typical outdoor or emergency scenarios. Charging is convenient thanks to USB-C compatibility and a desktop charger, making it flexible to recharge on the go. However, the device is not water-resistant, so it may not be the best fit if you expect tough weather or wet conditions. The UV-32’s large 18.89-inch high gain antenna helps boost signal strength and communication distance, which is rated up to around 5 kilometers under good conditions. Its display and interface are upgraded from its predecessor, with useful features like GPS, NOAA weather alerts, an LED flashlight, and alarm functions that add safety value for outdoor use.

Programming can be done either by side keys, an app, or via a programming cable, allowing flexibility depending on your comfort level. The dual-pack includes two radios, batteries, antennas, and relevant cables, which is convenient for pairs or group communication needs. While it’s not ruggedized for water or heavy impact, the UV-32 brings a strong feature set for hunting, survival, or tactical use where weather updates, location tracking, and long-range communication matter. It stands out with its balance of power, ease of charging, and extra safety features but be mindful of its limited durability against moisture.

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.

The Baofeng UV-5R 8W handheld ham radios come in a pack of 10, making them ideal for groups like school teams or event management needing reliable communication devices. They cover both VHF and UHF frequency bands, providing flexibility for different communication needs. With 8 watts of power, these radios can reach up to about 8 kilometers under good conditions, which is decent for outdoor or team use, though not meant for extreme long-range communication. The 1800mAh batteries offer moderate battery life suitable for day-long use, and the radios include a power saver mode to extend usage.

The radios have 128 programmable memory channels allowing users to store many frequencies, which is a plus for versatility. The display is a simple LCD with adjustable backlight colors, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions. The interface provides several useful functions like VOX (hands-free talk), scanning channels, dual watch, and emergency SOS alerts, enhancing safety and convenience.

In terms of durability, these radios are lightweight but not water-resistant, so they require care in wet or harsh environments. The package includes headsets, chargers, belt clips, and straps, which adds good value and convenience when equipping a team. Some drawbacks include limited water protection and potentially complex initial programming for users unfamiliar with ham radios. However, the radios offer solid performance and features at a budget-friendly price point, making them a strong choice for beginners or groups needing multiple units for reliable short to mid-range communication.