Should a Baofeng be your First Ham Radio - Ham Radio Q&A

The Baofeng UV5R. Some have called them the savior to ham radio and others say they are nothing but a scourge to the hobby. But one is for sure, they are inexpensive and most new hams gravitate to them as their first radio due primarily to the price. So in this video I’m going to look at some of the pros and cons and if the UV5R is a good choice for your first radio.

Shop for Baofeng UV5R on Amazon:

Baofeng UV5R Teardown:

ARRL Lab HT Testing:

Colophon:

[rogats]

I genuinely preferred the Baofeng sound quality and really thought that was the Yaesu!

[incaroads]

A lot of famous guitarists had Sears guitars (or equivalents) as their first instruments. What might have happened to them if they had been forced to all buy Les Paul's before they were even allowed to start playing? If there had been some kind of snooty guitar club, that probably would have been the case; and we'd all be poorer for it.

[thestonerguy]

This was, perhaps, the fairest review of the Baofeng HT's that I've sent to date. You also touched on the FCC letter which has spurred erroneous errors. Thanks for making it clear to everyone.

[favoriteize]

The Baofeng was much clearer in comparison. The other radios transmission sounded dirty with the treble being too high.

[IowaSheepdog]

I like the straight forward and honest review and you just got a new sub. I want to hear both good and bad points about these radios. The UV-5R is what is getting me into the HAM radio hobby. I got a deal on a six pack of UV-5R kits (radio, extra battery, extra long antenna, external mic, USB interface cable) so I bought it since everything was less than $180. I have been studying for the tests and plan on taking the Technician, General, and Amateur Extra in May providing we are past this COVID event. It’s something that has been on the back burner for years (decades) and now that I have the time I am making the best of it.

[DuckingAround]

My UV-5R got me into ham radio for under $100. It is perfect for the brand new ham on a budget

[timpost]

I'm studying to earn my Technician's license after decades of interest in the hobby. The UV-5R is what gave me the ability to purchase something low cost that allowed me to simply listen, to make sure I really love it and want to pursue it, prior to spending more. I paid 28 bucks for mine which was fine for me knowing that I start getting into a great many things but only follow through on things that really captivate me. And, well, I'm hooked now! I have my own list of minor gripes about using the radio and I'm happy, because that means I've used it enough to understand how it could work a little better, which I wouldn't have done with something above this price point. If it keeps turning new people like me into people that have strongly-held opinions about the radio, then I say it's doing a fine job as an entry level handheld into the hobby. Great video! I'm learning a lot from your channel. Thanks for making all of these.

[bustedpeanut]

I have 2 UV-5R radios. I plan on buying several more in the near future, to augment camping gear, family vehicles, “bug out” bags, etc., and the extended-life batteries. As you stated about battery life, I haven’t yet run one of my radios less than 5 days (in stand-by) before needing recharge... 4 days if I’m listening to commercial FM radio, and that’s with the “shorty” that was included with the radios. I think they’re a good starter’s and/or emergency kit radio. To be completely honest, the only thing I’d ask they’d update would be to make the radios at least water resistant, if not water proof.

[hamandcheese]

I found mine on Facebook marketplace for $15. It’s the reason I ended up getting my tech and then going for the general. I’ve had so much fun I’m going for my extra in the fall

[BautistaVids]

I just got my Technician license after a friend gifted me a Baofeng UV-5R. I've come across all sorts of feedback for and against these units and I've recently been using SDR to get a birds eye view of the transmission. I really appreciate your videos and how well you covered this without being dogmatic on the matter. Thumbs up.

[AlphaSierra]

Excellent starter radio as your first entry into the hobby! I still keep one in my truck every day. It taught me a lot about programming, offsets, PL tones, etc. I’ve had great success with the Nagoya antennas, roll-up j-poles when I travel, and I use KB9VBR’s copper J-pole at home as a base station antenna. I can peg repeaters 40 miles away and talk to Australia on IRLP.

One of my favorite hobbies is using the Baofeng along with KB9VBR’s home brew “Tape Measure Yagi” to make satellite contacts!

Not too shabby for a $35 HT in my opinion. I am definitely in the “savior of the hobby” camp.

Keep up the great work Michael! I’ve learned so much from your channel as a new Ham. 73’s!

[sylviaoliva]

I have a UV5R, F8HP, and a Kenwood ht, with various antennas, finding that operator sensitivity and skill are the first assets. 73, K0VY

[Rayxl]

I use mine on a repeater 13 miles away for the radio club net twice a week and it works perfectly.

[dennisclark]

Thank you Michael for a great review. I'm currently studying for my Technician license and have 2 of the UV-5R's. I have been able to listen in on the PAPA system in Southern California. I listen to the more seasoned operators as they discuss all topics on Ham radio and this, in itself, has been a great learning experience.

[dansage]

They’re great radios w long distance. I’ve been using these for hiking and during ski trips to keep in touch w family and friends.

[davidkeith]

I have 3 UV-5R radios. They are great radios considering the price. And like you said, the batteries last forever. Great review! Highly recommend these affordable radios for beginners.

[rflagg]

The UV-82 (2M/70cm) was my first radio, purchased before I got my license. After listening with it for a while, studied for my test, and got my General. I’m not sure I would have gotten into amateur radio if I had to buy a much more expensive HT first. For that, I think the Baofengs serve a purpose.

[scottv]

I purchased the BTECH UV-5x3 Tri-Band radios.
Upgraded the antenna to the Nagoya Na-320a Tri-band Antenna.
Studying for my technician license now.
Thanks for the video.

[graywoulf]

Last October, I purchased the Baofeng BF-F9V2+ model as it is tri-powered and had great features for a $50 HT. At that time, I was studying for my tech license but before I passed the test, I bought a Yaesu FT-60. I now also own a AnyTone AT-D868UV with DMR. I keep the Baofeng as a emergency "Prepper" radio since it will transmit outside of the ham bands. I like it myself.

[DialMMicrocontrollr]

I think it's great as a starter radio and as a backup. Everyone should also check out the Baofeng BF-F8HP which is similar but can transmit at up to 8 Watts. They have batteries and other accessories that are interchangeable with the UV-5R so you could get a long life battery or antenna for either and it works great. I would not recommend transmitting at 8 Watts with the HT next to your head, so get an earpiece or external mic. GREAT VIDEO