Baofeng
Baofeng K5 Plus
57Average
A dual-band FM handheld for first-licence holders who need something that works before they know what they actually want.
Value
95
Features
10
Beginner
63
Portability
52
VHFUHF
500+ bought in past month
Amazon's ChoicePrime
FCC AuthorizedPart 1, Part 2, Part 11
Price updated 4/3/2026
999
Channels
★★★★⯪4.5(494 reviews)
5 star
76%
4 star
13%
3 star
5%
2 star
2%
1 star
4%
Overview
The Baofeng K5 Plus is aimed squarely at newly licensed Technicians and casual monitors who want to get on VHF and UHF without committing serious money. At around $25, it sits at the very bottom of the handheld market, and it knows its lane. This is not a radio for contesting, digital modes, or anything that demands precision engineering.
The 999-channel memory is a genuinely useful number at this price point, giving you room to load up a full regional repeater directory via CHIRP without juggling banks. That is where the feature highlights end, though. TX power figures are unspecified in available documentation, there is no IP rating and the unit is not water resistant, so field use in anything but dry conditions is a real risk.
Without customer feedback data to draw from, the honest verdict rests on the value scoring, which lands in competent-but-unremarkable territory. If you need a bedside scanner or a shack loaner radio and can accept analogue FM only, it earns its price. If you are even considering DMR, APRS, or outdoor use, spend more.
Specifications
| Price | $25.56 |
| Memory Channels | 999 |
| RX Range | 136.0000–480.0000 MHz |
| TX Range | 136.0000–480.0000 MHz |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-UVK5 |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 1, Part 2, Part 11 |
| FCC Grant Date | 2023-11-12 |
| Color | Black |
| Special Feature | Rechargable |
| Compatible Devices | [Frequency-based compatibility]: 136-174 MHz (VHF) and 400-480 MHz (UHF) |
| Included Components | User Manual |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | UHF |
| Model Number | K5 Plus |
| Built-In Media | User Manual |
| Additional Features | Rechargable |
| Warranty Description | no |
| Connectivity Protocol | Analog FM |
Key Features
- 999 memory channels; sufficient for full regional repeater import via CHIRP
- VHF and UHF coverage; analogue FM only, no digital modes
- Dual charging options: USB-C cable and included desktop charger
- Bundled high-gain antenna extends to approximately 15 inches for improved link margin
- Not water resistant; no IP rating, avoid precipitation exposure
- No published TX power spec; output wattage unverified across power levels
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What Customers Say
★★★★★Plastic is weak, radio is excellent.
Great radios- need to beef up the battery retention material. after a couple drops, the plastic where the battery is clipped in has broken off of a few of these and the battery won't stay in place. Still great value for the money. Very reliable radios.
Kevinp·Jan 30, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★★BAOFENG K5PLUS Is a must have!!
The Baofeng K5 Plus is indeed a popular choice among ham radio enthusiasts. With its 10W output, it offers very impressive power for a handheld, making it suitable for both casual communication and more serious operations. Its compact design, user-friendly interface, and range of features such as du...
Bret Fox·Apr 12, 2025·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Fun Radio for Beginners!
I bought this to learn how to program and use an HT in preparation for getting my HAM license. I used CHIRP to program the radio with local frequencies including FRS, GMRS, HAM, repeaters and aviation. It was easy. I also have a GMRS license, and have used this to connect to a GMRS repeater ten mile...
Phil O.·Feb 10, 2026·Verified Purchase