Baofeng
Baofeng GT-5R
The GT-5R is a highly functional, budget-friendly HT ideal for new operators needing reliable, basic dual-band capability without major investment.
★★★★⯪4.4(1,145 reviews)
Amazon's Choice
VHFUHFCHIRP
$20–$20
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓New hams starting out
- ✓Club loaner or backup radio
- ✓Simplex or portable operations
- ✓Testing VHF/UHF commitment
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Advanced professional operators
- ✕Serious contest participants
- ✕Users needing advanced features
The good and the bad
What we like
- Excellent battery life for the price point
- CHIRP compatibility for programming
- 128 channels adequate for metro use
- Very low entry cost for new hams
What we don't
- Requires external programming cable
- User interface can be poor
- Limited feature set beyond basics
Proprietary RR Score
How we scored it
69
GoodValue
95
Features
19
Beginner
85
Portability
63
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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6.00W
TX Power
3800mAh
Battery
128
Channels
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Battery longevity
Users noted surprisingly long charge retention.
4.5
Programming setup
CHIRP compatibility is essential for setup.
4.0
Usability and UX
Manual programming and UX need improvement.
3.5
Regulatory compliance
Passes necessary FCC requirements.
4.5
★★★★⯪4.4(1,145 Amazon reviews)
5 star
71%
4 star
16%
3 star
6%
2 star
2%
1 star
5%
Overview
The GT-5R is aimed squarely at newly licensed Technicians and entry-level operators who want a functional dual-band HT without committing serious money to the hobby. At $21.59, it sits at the floor of the market and makes no pretense of competing with Yaesu or Kenwood offerings. Think club loaner radio, go-bag backup, or first HT while you decide whether VHF/UHF operations are worth a deeper investment.
The 3800mAh battery is a genuine bright spot for a radio at this price, offering respectable runtime for portable ops or simplex use during events. CHIRP compatibility is non-negotiable for sane channel management, and the GT-5R covers that base without issue. The 128-channel memory is adequate for most repeater-heavy metro areas, though the feature set beyond that is thin, and the specs sheet does not include mid or low TX power figures, which limits how precisely you can assess power step behavior.
There is no IP rating here, so keep it out of the rain. For a new licensee who wants a legal, CHIRP-programmable dual-bander under $25, this delivers reasonable value. Operators expecting any digital modes, build quality, or weather resistance above baseline should look elsewhere.
Specifications
| Price | $19.99 |
| TX Power (High) | 6.00W |
| Memory Channels | 128 |
| Battery | 3800 mAh |
| Display | LCD |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-GT18 |
| FCC Grant Date | 2023-11-13 |
| size | 1PCS |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Tuner Type | UHF/VHF |
| Model Number | GT 5R |
| Built-In Media | BAOFENG GT-5R Ham Radio x 1, Battery x 1, Belt Clip x 1, Hand Strap x 1, Desktop Charger & Adapter x 1, Headset x 1 |
| Frequency Range | 144 - 148 MHz |
| Compatible Devices | Baofeng UV-5R series accessories |
| Additional Features | Dual Band, Lightweight, Long Range, Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission |
| Warranty Description | 18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support |
| Connectivity Protocol | VHF, UHF |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 3.78"D x 4.29"W x 7.17"H |
Key Features
- VHF and UHF dual-band coverage; analog FM only, no DMR or APRS capability
- 6W rated TX power on high; mid and low power outputs are unspecified
- CHIRP-compatible for straightforward channel programming via computer
- 3800mAh lithium-ion battery; above-average capacity for the price tier
- 128 memory channels; sufficient for regional repeater coverage in most markets
- FCC Part 90 compliant; spurious emission levels meet legal TX standards
- Not water resistant; no IP rating, unsuitable for rain or wet field conditions
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What Customers Say
★★★★★Awesome
Awesome radio. Battery lasts for days while monitoring, range is extremely good, takes up little to no room in a “go bag” and programming is simple. Can not beat the price! Would strongly suggest purchasing the data cable at the same time as you will need it for more advanced programming.
Bruce·Apr 29, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Great Little Radio
I have been a brand loyal user of the higher end Japanese amateur radios for many years. I shied away from Baofeng due to the price seeming far too good to be true. I finally got one as a backup and these little radios are fantastic. I don't unlock them and just run them based on what I am licensed ...
jmoonx14·Apr 18, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★☆Just like they say!
This review deals with the new Baofeng GT5R radio, a dual band vhf HT targeted to the new Ham operator. The radios are apparently designed for one who is looking for an inexpensive but reliable path into what can ultimately be a fairly expensive hobby. I received 6 units of the GT5R radios from A...
Tom Tall·Apr 10, 2021·Verified Purchase