Getting lost in the woods, away from civilized locations, can put you in a real pinch. Your phone might not work since there isn’t any signal. So, you’ve got no way of calling for help unless you made sure to pack a BaoFeng radio!

This strong radio system will provide instant communication solutions where other electric transmissions fail. They offer fast and reliable two-way broadcasting no matter where you are.

BaoFeng has a wide number of radio models to choose from. If you want to quickly find the best BaoFeng radio, we invite you to read our intensively researched review. It’s filled with all the information you need including a buying guide!

Why BaoFeng Ham Radios?

BaoFeng ham radios are extremely popular among amateur radio enthusiasts as well as commercial users. Their widespread fame stems from the fact that they are incredibly reliable when it comes to ensuring smooth and flawless communication.

By providing quality services, these radios are likely to dominate the market for a long time.

Balance of Quality & Affordability

One great thing about BaoFeng ham radios is that they can take a punch! They’re designed to be highly durable to endure tons of abuse. Being built with high-quality components, they are sure to be long-lasting! However, you won’t have to break your bank to afford one because they’re surprisingly cheap too.

Wider Range

Every BaoFeng ham radio boasts enough power to cover a wide area with ease. It will go to significantly larger ranges compared to others. So, you’d get to communicate with more people.

Versatility

BaoFeng radios have a rather useful ability to operate in UHF and VHF frequencies. This makes it quite versatile as you’d be able to switch between the two whenever you want. As a result, you won’t have to spend extra money to buy two different units.

Warranty & Customer Service

BaoFeng radios come with a decent warranty, and their customer service is praiseworthy. They’re quick to handle your warranties or solve any issue with your device. You’ll find them ready to be at your service all the time, which can be a great deal of help!

Best BaoFeng Ham Radio

Ham radios are an excellent portable system that lets you stay connected to the world and help you out in emergencies. We’ve compiled up a list to help you find the rightBaoFeng ham radio. Take a look!

1. BaoFeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band Transceiver

The BaoFeng UV5RA is an ideal model for anyone who wants peak performance at an affordable price. That’s because this impressive device boasts quality and functionality without charging too much from the users!

This compact radio offers a frequency range of 136-174 / 400-520MHz, which is plenty for all your needs. It will easily reach 15 miles and maybe even more under favorable conditions. So, you’ll be transmitting and receiving data from all over the places with this best baofeng two-way radio!

Featuring dual freq. display, dual-band display, and the dual-standby display, you’ll be able to keep track of everything. It will ensure clean and noise-free transmission every time. The LCD display is large and bright enough so you won’t miss a thing!

Thanks to the keypad lock, there won’t be any accidental button pushing to mess everything up! This powerful gear comes equipped with an FM radio to keep you up to date with the news. The addition of the VOX function offers you the convenience of voice operation without having to use your hands!

And this rugged piece of equipment is equipped with a 3800mAh battery that keeps it running for a long time. You can tweak the power options to make it run even longer! Overall, this is one of the best radios you can get on a budget.

Pros

• The compact design makes it easy to hold in hand
• Offers clear communication every time
• Covers a lot of ground with ease
• Features dual frequency range
• Highly affordable price design

Cons

• The built-in flashlight isn’t as bright as expected
• The user manual is a bit confusing

2. 2PCs BaoFeng Radios UV-5R MK4 8 Watt MP Max Power with Programming Cable Compatible with BaoFeng Ham Radio, Two Way Radios Mirkit Edition

We’ve got another outstanding radio system from BaoFeng for all of you ham lovers out there! This immensely popular device is more than capable of meeting all your demands.

And this powerful device comes with three power settings, going all the way up to 8W, which is incredible! It allows you to enjoy high-quality long-distance communication. However, you can tweak the settings and reduce the power output down to 2W to save batteries!

You’ll get standard frequency range out of it as it offers 136 to 174MHz of VHF and 400 to 520MHz of UHF. This makes it a perfectly versatile tool! Programming this one will feel like a breeze thanks to the user-friendly design. It offers 128 channel memory, which is a neat feature.

This product comes with everything you need to get to work, so you won’t have to buy additional tools. You’ll get a decent amount of battery backup, so you won’t have to charge it all too frequently! The package contains two pieces of the amazing UV-5R models, so you’d be saving a lot of money in the process.

Pros

• Packed with excellent features like flashlight, emergency alerts, etc.
• Impressive output power makes it more powerful and capable
• Equipped with the capability of operating in dual frequencies
• Offers crisp, clear communication

Cons

• The charger is reported to be quite poor in quality

3. BaoFeng Radio UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (6 Pack) + 6 TIDRADIO-771 Antennas and Speaker Mics + 12 1800mah Batteries + 1 Programming Cable BaoFeng Walkie Talkie Ham Radio

If you’re in need of multiple ham radios for an affordable price, we’d suggest you take a look at this amazing package offered by BaoFeng. It comes with 6 pieces of BaoFeng’s popular UV-5R model that is well-known for its impressive performance.

Besides the radio systems, you’ll be getting all the accessories you need to run them, so no more wasting time looking for the right ones! The devices boast dual frequencies with the standard frequency range to get your job done perfectly. You’ll be receiving and transmitting clear data with these gadgets wherever you are.

This one completely eliminates the common radio communication scenario where both sides appear to be yelling louder than the other. Well, why would you yell when you and the person on the receiving end hear everything loud and clear?

They are all equipped with FM radio to let you catch up on the trending news and offers 128 channel memory so that you can save the common frequencies. The UV-5R system is very easy to program. As a result, even if you’re a beginner, you won’t have much trouble setting it to your preferences!

And besides providing superior radio services, the tools come packed with flashlights, large LCD displays, emergency alerts, etc. to make them more convenient. You’d be right to invest in it without a doubt!

Pros

• Economical choice due to affordable price
• Delivers and receives crystal clear audio
• Packed with outstanding features
• Boasts dual-frequency operation

Cons

• The speaker mics are reported to provide subpar performance

Best BaoFeng Two-Way Radio

Check out of our review of two-way radios that are designed to provide aid in your quest to find the finest BaoFeng two-way radio!

4. BaoFeng Bf-F8hp 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio Includes Full Kit With Large Battery

If you’d been a fan of BaoFeng’s UV-5R, then you’d feel right at home with our next product, which is an updated and next-generation version of that model! It comes with twice as much power and performance!

This device boasts 8 watts of power that make it powerful enough to reach long distances, making it perfect for traveling! Thanks to the new V-85 antenna, you’ll be capturing radio signals with much more efficiency while sending a clearer transmission. It remains as versatile as ever with the dual-frequency operation.

Being constructed with better materials and packing a hardened radio shell, the BF-F8HP is much more durable than before. Aided by the larger 2000mAh battery, you’d be getting longer run time as well.

Just like its predecessor, this tool comes with a bright flashlight to offer the sight in the dark. You can listen to the FM radio on the goal from a choice of 128 saved channels! Of course, you can change the frequency any time you want. Besides, programming this one is astoundingly easy.  

Pros

• An extremely powerful device with a power output of 8 watts
• Excellent battery backup to get you through an entire day
• Fitted with tri-color display that’s easily customizable
• Equipped with improved V-85 antenna for better performance
• Ensures clear and interruption-free communication

Cons

• The instruction-manual is slightly confusing

5. BaoFeng Uv-5r Dual Band Two Way Radio

Operating in both VHF and UHF frequencies, the UV-5R is a versatile radio system that offers the right kind of performance anytime, anywhere! This model will make your radio communication a breeze and flawless!

And this powerful thing comes in a really compact body, allowing you to carry it around easily. With 4-watts of output power, you’ll be covering a lot of ground with this VHF radio device. Whether you’re dealing with long-distance communication or indoor operations, this one is the right tool for all of it!

Even if you’re new to ham radios, it’s so easy to operate that you’ll have this thing programmed with your best channels in just a day! It offers 128 channel memory, so don’t worry about running out of space.

Everything you transmit will be crystal clear. The speakers will help you listen to received messages or the FM radio loudly enough. Aided by LCD display with tri-color background, you won’t face any trouble in monitoring, even in the dark.

Other features include flashlight that shines brightly enough, VOX function for voice control, emergency alert system, etc. You can go ahead and purchase this one!

Pros

• Capable of operating in dual frequency
• Perfect for both indoor and outdoor operation
• The large LCD display allows easy monitoring
• Offers clear transmission and receiving

Cons

• The charging bay is quite poor in quality

Best BaoFeng Handheld Radio

Tired of those bulky radio devices that feel extremely uncomfortable to hold in your hand? Then I’m sure the next product from BaoFeng will indulge you!

6. 5 Pack BAOFENG BF-888S Portable Handheld 2-Way Ham Radio

Boasting a sleek design with impressive grips, the BF-888S is made to be incredibly easy and comfortable to hold. It sits perfectly in your hand so you can enjoy hours of painless operation!

Besides the amazing body, it comes stocked with multiple appealing features that allow it to exhibit top-notch performance. Operating in UHF frequency with a range of 400-470MHZ, this thing will be excellent for indoor and closer uses.

Your transmitted data will face no interruptions as the signals will cut through solid objects. So, this one is perfect for helping you communicate with your peers if you’re taking on a construction job or your fellow security guards if you’re keeping the peace and safety.

There are about 16 channels to choose from, which is often more than enough. The hands-free voice-controlled operation adds a lot of conveniences. Besides, it’s armed with a flashlight to help you out with vision in the dark during emergencies. Thanks to the 1500mAh battery, you’ll enjoy decent runtime on a single charge!

Pros

• Offers flawless communication indoors and even outdoors
• Designed to be easy to hold and carry
• Reduced noise and interruptions during radio transmission
• It comes with extra features like flashlight, emergency alarm, VOX function, etc.

Cons

• The belt clip isn’t durable enough

7. BaoFeng X Radioddity Uv-5rx3 Tri-Band Radio Vhf, 1.25m, Uhf Amateur Handheld Ham Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkie With Earpiece and Programming Cable

The UV-5RX3 is something you can’t go wrong with because it offers functionality and reliability at an affordable price. You’ll get exceptional performance from this model and enjoy seamless radio communication.

Being a tri-band radio, it doesn’t just work with the traditional VHF and UHF frequencies; you’ll get to use the ham band at a frequency range of 220-225MHz. This makes it even more versatile than the other radios on the market.

And this model sports a compact design, making it comfortable to hold. So, it’s easily one of the best BaoFeng handheld radio units. Thanks to the classic 5r-plus design, this thing’s quite durable and long-lasting as well. It’s a two-way radio so you can transmit and receive at the same time!

One important feature is the use of two antennas. Out of those two, one is designed to offer smooth VHF/UHF frequencies, while the other is designed only for the 220MHz ham band. You can switch between them any time you want!

Using a PC, you’ll find that programming this one is incredibly easy, even for beginners. The large tri-color display offers amazing visuals. You can rely on this device to form long-distance communication as it can reach up to 5.5 miles with ease!

Pros

• Designed to be a tri-band radio with multiple frequencies
• Sturdy enough to withstand accidental abuses
• Tri-color display offers outstanding visual
• Compact design ensures comfort in holding
• Capable of offering long-distance communication

Cons

• The belt clip should’ve been designed to be more durable

What to Look for in a BaoFeng Radio

Is the availability of tons of options in the market confusing you? Do you feel overwhelmed as you don’t know what you’re supposed to be looking for? Then don’t worry, fate has brought you to the right place where we will do all we can to remove all the perplexities!

Let us walk you through the buying process for the best BaoFeng ham radio. You shouldn’t just pick one randomly. There is a systematic way. In our research, we’ve found that choosing the best one is easier if you consider a few things rather than believing the sweet words of the salesman!

Range of Frequency

The first important aspect to consider is the radio frequency range. This is something that is crucial to match your needs. If you’ve been looking at the specs, you should already know by now that there are mono, dual, and tri-band designs in the market. If you didn’t, now you do!

These models support three frequency modes, FM, UHF, and VHF. Their operation frequency is quite different too. Now, the UHF or the Ultra-High Frequency waves work at a range of 420-450 MHz. They have the ability to pass right through solid obstructions. So, this frequency is suitable for indoor operation.

As for the Very-High Frequency waves, they operate at a range of 144-148 MHz. They cannot cut through solids, but they are capable of going to longer distances, making them perfect for outdoor operation.

If you’re planning to go out on an adventure in the woods where cellphone signals aren’t available, you should go with one that operates in VHF frequency.

Of course, you can choose either one depending on your needs, but there are lots of ham radios that can operate in both of the frequencies. If you’re looking for versatility, you should opt for them.

Power Output & Battery

You can’t expect to have flawless long-range communication if your radio isn’t equipped with decent power output. In general, 3 to 5-watt of power output should be more than enough for long-range coverage. It’s important to understand that larger power output requires a powerful battery to accommodate it.

Ham radios come with rechargeable batteries that are sealed with multi-cells. Most of the BaoFeng radios are equipped with Li-Ion rechargeable batteries that have higher energy density compared to others on the market.

The energy density determines the battery’s life, so having a higher density ensures longer battery backup. Recharging isn’t possible when you’re out for months. In those cases, radios that can be powered using triple-A Alkaline batteries will come in handy.

Besides checking the battery options, make sure that the power cables and other components are high in quality as well so that they can deliver maximum support.

Durability

Durability is something that determines how long-lasting your device will be. You can’t rely on them if they break before you even get to use them. Ham radios often have to withstand a lot of beating, especially if they are used in emergencies.

So, choose one that is sturdy enough to survive all sorts of abuses. Thankfully, the majority of the BaoFeng radios have powerful builds, so you’d regret it if you decide to punch them hard for some reason!

Display

The display of the ham radios shows the important info, but if it’s not clear enough, you won’t be able to see anything where light isn’t available. That can be a major inconvenience. So, you should make sure to choose displays that are large and come with backlit options.

Antenna

Every BaoFeng ham radio is equipped with an antenna that captures the signals as well as transmit them. So, it should be functional enough so that you don’t miss out on anything! Besides, it’s a gravely important component, and you won’t be able to use your radio if it breaks. So, the antenna should be durable as well.

You can tell the quality of the signal by checking the antenna gain, which is measured in dB. So, the higher the dB gain, the more powerful your antenna will be!

Squelch on Your Radio

Squelch is simply the circuit function that is installed in radios in order to suppress the audio output of a receiver when a strong input signal is not available. It’s tasked with reducing the annoying channel noise in the case where no transmission is being received by radio.

Most of the better portable radios come with carrier squelch to do the suppressing job. BaoFeng features the fantastic tone receive squelch that is known to be excellent at producing access tones for sub-audible repeaters in their radios.

Additional Features

Extra features are can be delightful as they offer more convenience. Having a flashlight attached to the radio can come in handy when walking out in the dark. You won’t have to pack an extra light or panic when your flashlight runs out of battery anymore!

Price

Although most of the BaoFeng radios are reasonably priced, there is still a lot of differences. Take a look around, check out the prices of each radio that you like, and see if the specifications are good enough for you. You’d find that the expensive ones seem to be packing more features and they are also comparatively higher in quality.

We’d suggest you go for the best radio that you can find regardless of the price, but if budget is a problem, you’d still find amazing affordable options on the market. BaoFeng made sure to design one for everyone!

Warranty

A decent warranty means the company has a lot of confidence in their products. This is a good sign because it means the radio is more likely to be long-lasting. Since the company will fix everything for you if any issue arises, you’d have a peace of mind. Fortunately, BaoFeng offers appealing warranties with their radio models.

So, go for the one that offers the most warranty!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most commonly asked queries regarding the best BaoFeng radios:

Q: Can a BaoFeng radio be used as a walkie talkie?

Ans: Sure, they are technically capable of serving the role of a walkie talkie. However, you’d require a license. Otherwise, it would be illegal, and you could face charges for it.

Q: How far can I expect a BaoFeng radio to transmit?

Ans: The answer depends on various factors. Radio transmission can be easily interrupted by weather conditions. Different models have different capabilities. However, an average radio on ideal weather can go as far as 15 miles.

Q: Did the FCC make BaoFeng radios illegal?

Ans: Actually, no. BaoFeng radios follow the rules of the FCC, and most of their models are certified. So, you won’t have to break the law to use them. You’d still need to acquire the user license.

Q: What makes BaoFeng radios so popular?

Ans: Well, BaoFeng radios are very affordable but still manages to provide impressive service. You can get your hands on one without having to pay over 50 dollars.  

Q: Should I opt for UHF or VHF?

Ans: It depends on your needs. UHF is perfect for indoor use while VHF excels at outdoor, long-distance radio communication.

Final Words

We’ve prepared our best BaoFeng radio reviews with everything you need to know. Now that you’ve read it, you won’t have to struggle to pick your ideal product. With BaoFeng radios, you’ll enjoy flawless radio communication wherever you are, at an affordable price!