RadioRanked verdict
Baofeng
Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
A solid, budget-friendly tri-band HT for new operators. Its CHIRP compatibility and tri-band capability offer excellent value for the entry-level market.
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓New licensed amateur radio operators
- ✓Budget-conscious entry-level hams
- ✓Public service or temporary radio needs
- ✓Learning multiple bands affordably
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Experienced operators needing premium features
- ✕Users expecting professional-grade build quality
- ✕Operators requiring extreme long-range performance
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- CHIRP compatible programming
- Tri-band operation (VHF, UHF, 1.25m)
- High channel memory capacity
- Workhorse performance for the price
What we don't
- Antenna length may be misleading
- Charging accessories often excluded
- Real-world range varies greatly
Proprietary RR score
How we scored it
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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10.00W
TX Power
2500mAh
Battery
999
Channels
290g
Weight
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Value for Money
Operators praise the radio's performance relative to its low cost.
Antenna Misrepresentation
Multiple buyers noted the antennas received were shorter than pictured.
Operational Reliability
The radio performs well on multiple bands, including 1.25m.
Accessories/Setup
Users noted missing items like chargers and differing antenna lengths.
Overview
The Baofeng K5 Plus is squarely aimed at newly licensed Technicians and budget-conscious hams who want to explore VHF, UHF, and the 1.25m band without committing serious money. If you're still learning the ropes or need a throwaway beater for a public service event, this is a sensible starting point. It sits at the entry-level end of the market and makes no pretense otherwise.
CHIRP compatibility is the most practically valuable feature here for its price tier, since it sidesteps the confusing front-panel programming that trips up most beginners. The 999-channel memory gives you room to load a full region's repeater directory without pruning. Tri-power output (10W, 7W, and 4W) offers at least some flexibility for battery conservation, though the 2500mAh cell's real-world endurance on high power remains modest. Beginner-friendliness scores well; feature depth does not.
Without water resistance of any kind, the K5 Plus is a fair-weather or indoor radio. At $26.99 it earns a strong value score for a tri-band entry point, but operators needing durability, a wider feature set, or reliable digital modes should look further up the catalog.
Specifications
| Price | $25.99 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W |
| Memory Channels | 999 |
| Weight | 290g |
| Battery | 2500 mAh |
| FCC Authorization | Covers the electronics only (Part 15B) |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-UVK5 |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 15B |
| FCC Grant Date | 2023-11-12 |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Model Number | K5PLUS |
| Built-In Media | 2500mAh Battery x 1, BAOFENG K5PLUS Two Way Radio x 1, Earpice x 1; Belt Clip x 1; Lanyard x 1, Speaker Mic x 1; USB-C Charging Cable x 1, Standard ANT x 1; Long ANT x 1 |
| Frequency Range | UHF VHF 1.25M |
| Compatible Devices | CHIRP software, Earpiece, Standard antenna |
| Additional Features | Channel Clone, Digital Display, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission |
| Warranty Description | 18 Months Warranty |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Key Features
- Tri-band TX on VHF, UHF, and 1.25m (222 MHz); multi-band RX adds airband and NOAA
- Three selectable TX power levels: 10W, 7W, and 4W
- 999 memory channels; CHIRP-compatible for PC-side programming
- 2500mAh Li-ion battery pack included
- Receives FM broadcast, airband, and NOAA weather frequencies in addition to ham bands
- Not water resistant; no IP rating; unsuitable for field use in wet conditions
- FCC ID: 2AJGM-5RM; verify your regional band allocations before transmitting on 1.25m
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 Tri-Band.
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What Customers Say
Great overall product, feels like it’s built good, works great, only thing that I notice is it doesn’t come with the desktop charger which I was planning on using, and the long antenna is far from 15” like listed. It does come with a usbc for charging, and did come fully charge ready to use. Over al...
I know alot of people talk smack about Baofeng radios. But for the money its a darn good radio. I have two and they work great. And if something happens to it, I'm only out $25.