The claim
Official Baofeng store
What we found
VerifiedThe store lists its Chinese parent site and an ICP registration.
Source · checked Nov 15, 2026
Brand review
Baofeng review, scored
Low-cost ham radios with good store support but short return windows.
Tech Busy editorial team · Fact-checked · Updated
#8 of 9 brands in Two-Way Radios
From the Baofeng UV-5R review · calculated, not lab-tested
See all two-way radios- Overall 6.3
- Social 8.0
- Usability 4.6
Up next in Two-Way Radios
Baofeng products
Products listed by Baofeng. One has a published Tech Busy score.
See 1 more productHide 1 productNot yet reviewed
UV-5R Mini
Not yet reviewed
How the score breaks down
From the review of Baofeng UV-5R · published features and owner comments · not a lab test.
From the review of Baofeng UV-5R · published features and owner comments · not a lab test.
- Overall6.3
- Social8.0
- Usability4.6
Usability4.6/10
Build and durability4.0/10
Warranty and returns2.0/10
Ease of use5.0/10
Price and extras6.0/10
Support and owner reports7.0/10
Social8.0/10
Marketplace reviews9.0/10
Independent web and YouTube7.0/10
RedditNot enough data
How each score was set
Usability 4.6 /10
From published features and owner comments · not a lab test.
- Build and durability4.0/10
- The FCC ID and 1800 mAh battery are listed; no water or drop rating, and weight is not on the store page.
- Warranty and returns2.0/10
- One-year warranty, but change-of-mind returns close after 7 days and the buyer pays all return shipping.
- Ease of use5.0/10
- VOX, a dual display and NOAA/FM receive; no USB charging, and the store page does not explain the amateur license.
- Price and extras6.0/10
- Under $23 a radio, but legal transmitting needs an amateur license exam; shipping and spare battery prices were not captured.
- Support and owner reports7.0/10
- Email support; Trustpilot reviewers rate the store 5 of 5 and Baofeng answers every negative review.
Social 8.0 /10
Average of the independent owner-review sources listed below.
- Marketplace reviews9.0/10
- Product · 13,543 reviews · amazon.com
- Independent web and YouTube7.0/10
- Product · 3 reviews · hamgear.wordpress.com, electronics-notes.com, besthamradio.com
- RedditNot enough data
- Searched; not enough owner reviews to score.
Strengths and drawbacks
Published specs and owner feedback, not a hands-on test.
Strengths
- Some of the lowest prices for dual-band radios
- Trustpilot store rating of 5 from 427
- Large accessory ecosystem
Drawbacks
- Most models need an amateur license
- 7-day change-of-mind return window
- Customer pays return shipping
Claims we checked
The published claim, then what we found. Live statuses. How we review
Questions
From Baofeng’s published terms. Not legal advice.
Do I need a license for a Baofeng UV-5R?
Yes, to transmit; it is an amateur (ham) radio and needs an FCC amateur license.
What warranty does Baofeng offer?
One year on new items bought from baofengradio.com or authorized dealers.
How do returns work?
Unwanted items can be returned within 7 days at the buyer's shipping cost; defective items within 30 days are replaced.
More in Two-Way Radios
Brand scores out of 10 · See all two-way radios
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BTECHBTECHUS-supported GMRS and ham radios; returns carry a restocking fee.7.0
RadioddityLow-cost GMRS and ham radios; late returns cost restocking fees.6.8
About Baofeng
Baofeng is a Chinese radio maker best known for low-cost amateur handhelds such as the UV-5R; its official store baofengradio.com also sells GMRS, DMR and business radios worldwide.