Baofeng
Baofeng UV-26
72Good
Ten watts on three bands for under thirty dollars makes the UV-26 a surprisingly capable entry point for new Technicians on a tight budget.
Value
95
Features
30
Beginner
90
Portability
56
VHFUHF1.25mCHIRP
50+ bought in past month
Prime
FCC AuthorizedPart 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 11
Price updated 4/3/2026
10.00W
TX Power
2500mAh
Battery
999
Channels
★★★★⯪4.4(92 reviews)
5 star
72%
4 star
15%
3 star
5%
2 star
2%
1 star
6%
Overview
The UV-26 is aimed squarely at newly licensed operators who want to get on VHF, UHF, and 1.25m without committing serious money to the hobby. It sits comfortably alongside other budget Baofeng offerings but edges ahead with triband coverage and a generous 999-channel memory, which is more headroom than most beginners will ever fill.
At 10W output and CHIRP compatibility, the core functionality is solid for simplex work and hitting local repeaters. CHIRP support in particular matters here: it means you can avoid the notoriously fiddly front-panel programming and get channels loaded cleanly from a computer, which is a genuine time-saver for anyone standing up a new radio. The 2500mAh battery is adequate for a day of casual operating without reaching for the charger.
The UV-26 scores well on value and is about as beginner-friendly as handheld radios get, but its feature set is lean. If you need DMR, APRS, or anything beyond analog FM, look elsewhere. This is the right radio for a Technician building their first go-bag or wanting a beater HT for ARES nets.
Specifications
| Price | $27.99 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W |
| Memory Channels | 999 |
| Battery | 2500 mAh |
| Display | 1.77in TFT Color |
| RX Range | 136.0000–520.0000 MHz |
| TX Range | 136.0000–520.0000 MHz |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-UV26 |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 11 |
| FCC Grant Date | 2025-06-02 |
| Color | UV26-10Watt-1Pack |
| Special Feature | 771 Antenna, Air-band antenna, Superior grip, Enhanced design, Wider frequency band, 10W power, USB C charging, 1.77inch colour screen, Frequency copy |
| Compatible Devices | BAOFENG UV26 Ham Radios, other devices on the same frequency bands and channels, CHIRP, CPS, TIDRADIO wireless programmer, earpiece, belt, hand strap, charging base station |
| Included Components | ①1X UV26 Ham Radio, ②1X 6.1" antenna, ③1X 15.12" 771 antenna, ④1X 10.63" 771 Air-band antenna, ⑤1X 2500mAh Battery, ⑥1X Type-C charger with cable, ⑦1X earpiece with mic, ⑧1X belt, ⑨1X hand strap, ⑩1X charging base station, 10WHTC, 2500mAh Battery, 10WHTC Charger, USB Cable |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | VHF/1.25M/UHF |
| Model Number | UV26 |
| Built-In Media | ①1X UV26 Ham Radio, ②1X 6.1" antenna, ③1X 15.12" 771 antenna, ④1X 10.63" 771 Air-band antenna, ⑤1X 2500mAh Battery, ⑥1X Type-C charger with cable, ⑦1X earpiece with mic, ⑧1X belt, ⑨1X hand strap, ⑩1X charging base station, 10WHTC, 2500mAh Battery, 10WHTC Charger, USB Cable |
| Mfr Part Number | UV26 |
| Additional Features | 771 Antenna, Air-band antenna, Superior grip, Enhanced design, Wider frequency band, 10W power, USB C charging, 1.77inch colour screen, Frequency copy |
| Battery Average Life | 52 Hours |
| Connectivity Protocol | VHF/1.25M/UHF |
Key Features
- CHIRP-compatible via UV-17Pro or 5RM profile; supports TIDRADIO wireless programmer
- Triband coverage: VHF, UHF, and 1.25m (220 MHz) in a single HT
- 10W maximum TX output on supported frequencies
- 999 memory channels; ample capacity for regional repeater directories
- Three antennas included: 6.1-inch stub, 15.12-inch 771, and 10.63-inch 771 air-band
- Type-C charging with included base station; no proprietary charging cable required
- Water resistant; no IP rating published, so do not plan on immersion or heavy rain
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What Customers Say
★★★★★Its an awesome scanner
This is a very good quality radio/scanner, the battery life is excellent, its worth the money and its functions perfectly.
E.C.·Jan 18, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Nice HT
Really nice radio. Love the display. Using this on a mobile antenna in my car. Working great!!!!
JCRock43·Mar 19, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★☆Works now updated my review
Nice Radioi BUT It still is not work correctly. I have been a HAM for 40 years and never had such frustration with a New radio 1. Will not receive or transmit the indicator light tell you it is transmitting but it is not. NOAAA preset works good so I know their is audio. I have 3 days into this, I h...
Photoguy·Jun 23, 2025·Verified Purchase