Baofeng
Baofeng 5RM
The 5RM offers impressive tri-band coverage and features for its price point. It is a solid, budget-friendly entry point for new operators.
★★★★⯪4.4(720 reviews)
Amazon's Choice
VHFUHF1.25mCHIRP
$26–$26
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓New or budget-conscious operators
- ✓Learning the hobby on repeaters
- ✓Operators needing multi-band coverage
- ✓Emergency preparedness use cases
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Experienced professional radio users
- ✕Operators needing pristine signal purity
- ✕Users expecting premium brand feel
The good and the bad
What we like
- Tri-band coverage (VHF, UHF, 1.25m)
- CHIRP compatibility for easy programming
- USB-C charging and large battery
- Solid build quality and color display
- High feature density for the cost
What we don't
- Menu display can be hard to read
- Initial channel setup is complex
- Power output may require verification
Proprietary RR Score
How we scored it
73
GoodValue
95
Features
30
Beginner
91
Portability
56
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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10.00W
TX Power
2500mAh
Battery
999
Channels
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Value for money
Operators agree the feature set is exceptional for the price.
4.5
Multi-band capability
Tri-band operation is a major highlight for the price.
4.3
Usability and setup
Programming and initial setup require external help.
3.5
Performance and range
Reported range and audio quality are generally good.
4.1
★★★★⯪4.4(720 Amazon reviews)
5 star
72%
4 star
13%
3 star
5%
2 star
3%
1 star
7%
Overview
The Baofeng 5RM is built for newly licensed Technicians and budget-conscious operators who want tri-band coverage without committing serious money to a first handheld. At $24.12, it sits firmly in the "learn the hobby before you invest in the hobby" tier, making it a sensible starting point for anyone still finding their footing on local repeaters.
The headline spec here is tri-band operation across VHF, UHF, and 1.25m, which is genuinely uncommon at this price point. The 2500mAh lithium polymer battery is reasonable for day use, and 999 memory channels is more headroom than most operators will ever fill. CHIRP compatibility (listed under the UV-17Pro or 5RM profile) is the practical clincher; it means you can program this radio without wrestling the stock menu, which aligns with how well it scores on beginner-friendliness.
Where it falls short: features depth is thin, with no stated IP rating despite the "water resistant" marketing language, and medium and low TX power figures are not published, which makes field comparisons harder than they should be. Buy this if you need an affordable entry point into tri-band operation; look elsewhere if you want a radio that will grow with your license.
Specifications
| Price | $26.12 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W |
| Memory Channels | 999 |
| Battery | 2500 mAh |
| Display | 1.77in TFT Color |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-5RM |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 11 |
| FCC Grant Date | 2024-02-23 |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 7.4 Volts |
| Tuner Type | VHF/1.25M/UHF |
| Model Number | 5RM |
| Built-In Media | 1X 5RM radio, 1X charging base station, 1X Type C charging cable, 1X 6.1" antenna, 1X 15.12" 771 antenna, 1X 2500mAh battery, 1X handset with mic, 1X Belt, 1X hand strap, 1X user manual |
| Frequency Range | 144-174MHz, 420-470MH |
| Mfr Part Number | 5RM |
| Waterproof Rating | IP65 |
| Compatible Devices | BF-F8HP Pro, BaoFeng AR-5RM, BaoFeng UV-5R, baofeng k5 plus, weather radio |
| Additional Features | 1.77inch colour screen, 10W power, Frequency copy, USB C charging |
| Battery Average Life | 48 Hours |
| Connectivity Protocol | Radio Frequency (VHF, UHF) |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
Key Features
- TX output reaches 10W on high; mid and low power levels are not published by the manufacturer
- Covers VHF, UHF, and 1.25m (222 MHz) on a single HT, uncommon at this price
- 999 memory channels; practical capacity well exceeds typical repeater directory imports
- CHIRP-compatible via UV-17Pro or 5RM profile; also supports TIDRADIO wireless programmer (select AR-5RM)
- 2500mAh lithium polymer battery included; charges via USB-C, no proprietary cable required
- Water resistance is claimed but no IP rating is published; treat it accordingly in the field
- Ships with two antennas (a short 6.1-inch and a 15.12-inch 771-style), giving you a basic gain comparison out of the box
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What Customers Say
★★★★★Great Bang for the Buck, Solid Radio
This is a great little Ham radio for the price. My SWR/Watt meter says it's putting out a little over 8 watts on most frequencies and the frequency is true. SWR with stock antenna ranges from 1:01 to 1:13. I have no problem reaching local repeaters that range from 4 to about 10 miles away. Simplex g...
Tim Barrett·Aug 10, 2025·Verified Purchase
★★★★★BOEFANG 5RM...🔥
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.. THEY WORK ON ALL BANDS.. THESE ARE ORIGINAL CHINESE RADIOS.. THE AFTERMARKET ANTENNAS DON'T FIT RIGHT!!OTHER THAN THAT I'M HAPPY 😊
jock ryan baugh·Apr 28, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Good Value Package
Nice package with the radio, charging stand and two antennas. Works good and there’s a learning curve. Excellent value.
Niels Pedersen·Apr 24, 2026·Verified Purchase