Baofeng
Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
The BF-5RH Pro offers robust, feature-rich performance at a budget price point. It provides excellent coverage and essential modern features for serious field operation.
★★★★⯪4.5(293 reviews)
VHFUHF1.25mAPRSGPSBluetoothCHIRP
$73–$73
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Budget-conscious General/Extra operators
- ✓Field operations needing high coverage
- ✓New operators learning advanced features
- ✓ARES/RACES deployment support
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Users expecting immediate plug-and-play use
- ✕Operators who rely solely on simple buttons
- ✕Those needing guaranteed CHIRP support
The good and the bad
What we like
- 10W output provides strong repeater range
- USB-C charging simplifies field logistics
- Integrated GPS supports APRS direction finding
- 640 channels across 10 zones
- Excellent value for feature set
What we don't
- Requires significant initial programming effort
- CHIRP compatibility is currently lacking
- Not a plug-and-play unit
Proprietary RR Score
How we scored it
86
Very GoodValue
95
Features
67
Beginner
93
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
640
Channels
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Value and Price
Users repeatedly praise the radio's impressive value.
4.6
Programming Complexity
Setup requires advanced user knowledge and time.
3.8
Coverage and Range
The 10W output provides excellent, reliable range.
4.5
Modern Features
GPS and USB-C are highly appreciated additions.
4.3
★★★★⯪4.5(293 Amazon reviews)
5 star
75%
4 star
13%
3 star
5%
2 star
2%
1 star
5%
Overview
The BF-5RH Pro is aimed squarely at newly licensed Technicians and budget-conscious General or Extra class operators who want triband VHF/1.25m/UHF coverage with APRS position reporting without committing to a Yaesu or Kenwood price point. It fits comfortably as a first serious handheld or a beater radio for public service events where you would rather lose a $70 radio than a $300 one.
The 10W output and 2500mAh USB-C battery are the practical highlights here. Ten watts from a handheld gives you a meaningful edge hitting distant repeaters compared to the typical 5W class, and USB-C charging reduces the cable-drawer tax. The integrated GPS feeds APRS firmware 2.0.9 directly, which matters for ARES/RACES deployment or simplex direction finding. With 640 channels organized across 10 zones, scan-heavy operators will find the memory structure workable, and IP54 dust and splash resistance is adequate for field use without claiming full submersion protection.
Worth noting clearly: despite what some listings imply, this radio does not support CHIRP or Bluetooth programming. You will need Baofeng's own CPS software and the included CH340 cable. For a ham who is comfortable with CPS workflows and wants triband APRS capability at this price, the value proposition is genuine. If CHIRP compatibility is non-negotiable for your workflow, look elsewhere.
Specifications
| Price | $72.99 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W |
| Memory Channels | 640 |
| Battery | 2500 mAh |
| Display | 1.77in TFT Color |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-5RHPRO |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 11 |
| FCC Grant Date | 2024-10-08 |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 2 |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 7.4 Volts |
| Model Number | 5RH Pro |
| Built-In Media | 1× CH340 Programming Cable, 2X Earpiece with mic ,2x Belt clip,2 x Hand strap, 2×18.89 inch Tactical Antennas,2×805S Antennas, 2×Original antenna,2× AirBand antenna, 2×BF-5RH Pro Ham Radio Handheld,2×2500mAh USB-C Battery, 2×USB-C charger with cable, 1 x Hand Strap 1 x User's Manual |
| Frequency Range | HAM |
| Mfr Part Number | 5RH Pro |
| Waterproof Rating | IP54 |
| Compatible Devices | UV5RH Radio |
| Additional Features | Battery Saver Mode, GPS/APRS, Emergency Alarm,1.77 TFT in Color Screen, 640 Channels in 10 Zone, AM/FM/VHF/1.25M/UHF, Multi-band,FM,Suitable for Survival Gear, One Key Frquency Copy, Weather Alert |
| Battery Average Life | 72 Hours |
| Warranty Description | 30-Day |
| Connectivity Protocol | GPS |
Key Features
- Triband operation covers VHF, 1.25m, and UHF from a single handheld
- 10W max TX output on VHF and UHF; meaningful improvement over standard 5W handhelds
- Integrated GPS with APRS support (firmware 2.0.9); no external tracker required
- 640 memory channels organized into 10 zones for structured scan group management
- IP54 rated; splash and dust resistant, not submersible
- USB-C charging on a 2500mAh Li-Po pack; no proprietary charge cradle required
- CHIRP is NOT supported; programming requires Baofeng CPS via included CH340 cable
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What Customers Say
★★★★★Great deal for great radios
This is a very positive review, but there is something to be said first: These are hobbyist/Baofeng lover radios. These are not set and forget, use em right out of the box radios. There is some tinkering to be done and some research the end user has to do to find optimal CPS versions and clean templ...
Renegade5399·Sep 12, 2025·Verified Purchase
★★★★★An Essential Piece of Gear for Every Adventure
I can't say enough good things about our Baofeng radios. They are an incredible value for the price, and the range is truly impressive. My friends and I use them on every long hike and 4x4 trip, and they've become absolutely essential for keeping our group connected, especially when we're spread out...
Hiker and offroader·Sep 1, 2025·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Great Customer Service!
5-stars for great customer service! One of the two handheld speaker/mics included in the package arrived non-functional. I was able to contact Amazon customer service and they opened a ticket for me with the supplier. Within days they had responded and shipped TWO new mics! Great service!The rad...
Rocket Man·Apr 20, 2026·Verified Purchase