Baofeng UV-5R Review: The Legendary Budget Radio in 2026
Share
Is the UV-5R Still Worth Buying?
The Baofeng UV-5R is the best-selling ham radio of all time. Millions sold. At $25, it is the cheapest entry point into the hobby. But in 2026, is it still the right choice? Here is an honest review.
What You Get for $25
- Dual band VHF/UHF (136-174 / 400-520 MHz)
- 128 channels
- 5W output power
- 1800mAh battery
- LED flashlight
- FM radio receiver
What It Lacks
| Feature | UV-5R | UV-K1(8) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Band | ❌ | ✅ |
| NOAA Weather | ❌ | ✅ |
| USB-C | ❌ | ✅ |
| CHIRP | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price | $25 | $65.99 |
Who Should Buy the UV-5R
- Absolute beginners on a strict budget
- Those who want a backup/beater radio
- Anyone who just needs to hit a local repeater
Who Should Spend More
If you can stretch to $65, the QUANSHENG UV-K1(8) gives you dramatically more features: air band for aviation listening, NOAA weather alerts for safety, Type-C charging for convenience, and a better battery. The UV-5R is legendary, but in 2026 it shows its age.