RadioRanked verdict
Baofeng
Baofeng K5 Plus
The K5 Plus offers impressive features and power for its low cost, making it a functional entry-level HT. However, users must manage expectations regarding build quality and performance limitations.
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓New amateur radio licensees
- ✓Casual monitoring and local repeaters
- ✓Budget-conscious field testing
- ✓Learning radio programming basics
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Contesting or competitive field use
- ✕Professional or mission-critical comms
- ✕Operators requiring rugged durability
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- High channel count via CHIRP programming
- Strong TX power for the price point
- Affordable entry point for new operators
- Easy to program with CHIRP software
What we don't
- Plastic build quality is noted as weak
- Screen visibility poor in sunlight
- No IP rating or water resistance
- Requires aftermarket antennas for best results
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
290g
Weight
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Value and Price
The radio provides impressive features relative to its low cost.
Physical Build Quality
Plastic components and battery retention are reported as weak.
Performance and Range
Achieves good signal reports and repeater reach for the price.
Usability and Setup
Programming via CHIRP is straightforward and effective.
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 | $23.46 |
| Memory Channels | 999 |
| Weight | 290g |
| RX Range | 136.0000–480.0000 MHz |
| TX Range | 136.0000–480.0000 MHz |
| FCC Authorization | Covers the electronics only (Part 15B) |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-UVK5 |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 15B |
| FCC Grant Date | 2023-11-12 |
| size | compact |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Tuner Type | UHF |
| Model Number | K5 Plus |
| Built-In Media | User Manual |
| Compatible Devices | [Frequency-based compatibility]: 136-174 MHz (VHF) and 400-480 MHz (UHF) |
| Additional Features | Rechargable |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Warranty Description | no |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
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
Recommended Antenna Upgrades
A better antenna is the cheapest way to extend your range. These fit the SMA-Female jack on the Baofeng K5 Plus.
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What Customers Say
I am going to give this thing 5 stars for delivery of incredible value at an incredibly low price. I've been a ham operator for about 50 years. My first 2-meter rig was crystal-controlled, before the days of PLL circuits and synthesizers. Over the years I've had Yaesu and Icom handhelds for 2-mtr...
In all the years as a federally licensed amateur radio operator I have only purchased the common name brands (Kenwood, Yaesu and Icom) transceivers. Up until recently, I never had a desire to purchase one of the cheaper HT transceivers found here on Amazon. But, a few weeks ago I decided to see what...
Great way to get started in the radio realm. You will end up buying a few for camping. Great around the house.Programing is easy with CHIRP software, a programing cable and a PC.Go to radiorefference.com for local and national frequencies.Programable for GMRS, HAM, listen to local air traffic. Even ...