📻 BAOFENG UV-5R Dual Band Radio - VHF/UHF Transceiver for 144-148MHz & 420-450MHz Review

Has pros: It catches well for 3 km in the forest, user-friendly interface, catches FM radio, you can listen to 2 channels at the same time. Cons: You are responsible for flashing and configuring the channels of the LPD and PMR grids on your own.

Pros: Everything is cool. The radio works perfectly. There is an FM radio. Cons below: There is no instruction in 2022. (But there is the Internet, although paper instructions would be more convenient).

Ordered two units and had to replace one of them immediately after unboxing due to speaker failure. The seller was great and the exchange went smoothly. I would recommend an update. Nice little devices, but I'm deducting a star for a broken device and poor quality antennas.

For a radio that has advertised the possibility of working on a frequency of up to 136MHz, it is really annoying that it is blocked at a minimum frequency of 150MHz. There is no mention of the need for separate software or cables. I wanted to use it for the trip I was about to leave and it doesn't even work on the desired frequency.

Radio advertised as "136-174 400-480 MHz Transceiver". Below 150 MHz, however, there is no transmission. the amateur 2-meter band (from 144 to 148 MHz) does not broadcast it. I didn't have this problem with the UV-5R I bought a few years ago. But this transceiver is totally useless as an amateur 2m transceiver. If you just want to listen (and not broadcast) now, you're done.

I have bought 4 Baofeng radios in the last ten years. Everything worked great. All open repeaters of my Yaesu FT-60 with Diamond antenna cannot do that. Bought this for a new ham. When delivered, it does not transmit on 2 meters. Goed through all the menus etc. I opened the radio in Chirp and the TX band was set to 150MHz-170MHz on 2m. Simple solution after discovery. Deducted a star for 20 minutes of desperation. Haha!

Looks like Baofeng is now following the wishes of the FCC. With the new firmware, you cannot transmit on the FRS/GMRS frequencies even using CHIRP and a $20 programming cable. Who cares if you have a license (I do), you just can't do it with it - not anymore. I bought this to replace an old UV-5R that had gone through the spin cycle. I believe the used UV-5R market might be a better option. I go back and get out of the Baofeng van.

This is a great little device. I bought it to hear what's going on in my area. I can not only listen to radio stations, but also listen to them. Don't get frustrated setting it up, just take your time and watch a few videos if needed. Before ordering, please make sure that your city does not encrypt the transmissions, otherwise it will not work in your region. The charge is enough for many days of listening pleasure. I would recommend this device to anyone who wants to listen to a scanner or…

I bought a set of these radios here in Wyoming for off road and hunting use. Large selection. With the hilly terrain blocking the signal, I was still able to get a crystal clear 12-mile range. Send and receive. This is when using the stock antenna. I have an 18 inch whip for her now. I just didn't test them after my 12 mile test. To be honest my test is to radio my dad from my house to his. 12 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain. Great radios for the money. Lightweight and excellent battery…