RadioRanked verdict
Baofeng
Baofeng AR-5RM
The AR-5RM is a highly capable budget option for new hams. CHIRP compatibility and memory capacity offer excellent value for the price point.
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓New Technician licensees starting out
- ✓Casual simplex frequency monitoring
- ✓Budget-conscious hams testing the hobby
- ✓Learning basic radio operation skills
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Operators needing verified RF output power
- ✕Advanced users requiring deep feature sets
- ✕Long-distance DX field operations
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- CHIRP programming support simplifies setup
- 999 channels provide ample frequency storage
- Excellent entry-level radio capability
- Very low initial purchase price
What we don't
- TX power output is not disclosed
- Requires external antenna for optimal range
- Basic feature set for advanced users
Proprietary RR score
How we scored it
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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999
Channels
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Value and Price
Reviewers praise the radio's capability relative to its low cost.
Beginner Usability
The interface is easy to navigate for new operators.
Antenna Requirement
Users recommend upgrading the antenna for better range.
Feature Upgrade
It represents a notable improvement over older models.
Overview
The AR-5RM is aimed squarely at new Technician licensees and casual simplex users who need a functional dual-band HT without committing serious money. It sits at the budget floor of the market, and the tradeoffs are real, but so is the price.
CHIRP compatibility is the headline spec here, and it matters. Programming this radio via CHIRP rather than the keypad removes the biggest friction point for newcomers, and 999 memory channels gives plenty of room to store local repeaters, NOAA weather, and calling frequencies. TX power figures are not disclosed by the manufacturer, which is a red flag for anyone who needs to verify RF output for a specific use case. Beginner-friendliness scores well in our engine; raw feature depth does not.
Without field data to draw from, the value case rests on one honest observation: at $26 with no warranty and no water resistance, this radio is disposable in both price and durability. Buy it if you need a learn-on-it radio or a throwaway loaner for a new ham. Skip it if you need reliable field performance or any accountability from the manufacturer.
Specifications
| Price | $21.99 |
| Memory Channels | 999 |
| FCC Authorization | Covers the electronics only (Part 15B) |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-5RM |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 15B |
| FCC Grant Date | 2024-08-21 |
| size | small |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Tuner Type | VHF UHF |
| Model Number | AR-5RM |
| Built-In Media | 1 X Earpiece & 1 X Clip, 1 X Radio, 1X Type-c Cable & 1 X Base Charger, Antenna, Battery |
| Frequency Range | VHF UHF |
| Compatible Devices | AM,FM Receiver |
| Additional Features | Copy Frequency, Long Range, Noaa Weather Receiver |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Battery Average Life | 100 Hours |
| Warranty Description | NO |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Key Features
- CHIRP-compatible via dedicated 5RM profile; avoids reliance on front-panel programming
- 999 memory channels across VHF and UHF bands
- TX power output not published by manufacturer; verify with a wattmeter before relying on range claims
- Rated range of 3 to 5 miles assumes line-of-sight with no obstructions; real-world urban range will be significantly lower
- USB-C charging port integrated into battery pack; charges from standard power banks
- FCC certified (ID: 2AJGM-5RM); legal for Part 97 amateur use
- Not water resistant; no IP rating assigned
Recommended Antenna Upgrades
A better antenna is the cheapest way to extend your range. These fit the SMA-Female jack on the Baofeng AR-5RM.
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Baofeng AR-5RM in Our Guides & Reviews
What Customers Say
This is a fine radio IF you understand what it is. Do not expect to be talking around the world or across the country.First things first, definitely get another antenna for it. There are numerous options for a better antenna, I went with SignalStuff's antenna and counterpoise wire which increased th...
Awesome radio for the price! This is my first handheld radio and has provided great capability in the common bands in my area. It feels well built enough for normal use. The interface is nice, easy to navigate, and offers plenty of settings. It is not overly complicated for a beginner like me to use...
I bought three Baufeng AR-5RM radios to give them a try. I built a CHIRP programming file for it and put in all our usual freqs. From what I've seen, the 5RM is the first major upgrade to the famous UV-5R. The GT-3TP that we use on the ranch is a minor upgrade, but still has UV-5R innards. There ha...