The claim
5W output (UV-5R 5W Dual Band Radio)
What we found
Fine printA bench test measured 2.3-4.0 W on high depending on frequency.
Source · checked Nov 15, 2026
Product review
Baofeng UV-5R review, scored
Cheapest capable ham handheld; needs a license and patience to program.
Tech Busy editorial team · Fact-checked · Updated
#8 of 9 products in Two-Way Radios
Calculated from published specs and owner feedback
See all two-way radios- Overall 6.3
- Social 8.0
- Usability 4.6
Up next in Two-Way Radios
Strengths and drawbacks
Published specs and owner feedback, not a hands-on test.
Strengths
- Costs under $23
- CHIRP software support
- Responsive store support per Trustpilot
Drawbacks
- Amateur license needed to transmit
- Only 7 days for change-of-mind returns
- No water rating or USB charging
How the score breaks down
Published features and owner comments · not a lab test.
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.
Claims we checked
The published claim, then what we found. Live statuses. How we review
The claim
Return within 7 days for a full refund
What we found
Fine printCustomers pay all return shipping; defective units within 30 days get a replacement.
Source · checked Nov 15, 2026
The claim
1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty
What we found
Fine printApplies only to new items sold by baofengradio.com or authorized dealers.
Source · checked Nov 15, 2026
More from this brand
Other products from Baofeng. Not reviewed yet.
- BaofengUV-5R MiniNot yet reviewed
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