BAOFENG 10W Long Range Handheld Ham Radio

I really like the radio but I think the 8w UV5Rs preform better in reception clarity and transmission. Since they are so cheap, I think you should have at least one of each!

Preface:

As my HT collection (addiction) approaches 30 radios, this one stands out as the new “best bang for the buck”! Note that this review also covers the other variants of this radio that are sold on Amazon, such as the “5RM” and the “K5 Plus”. The new Baofeng “UV-5G Plus” looks like it’s the same radio (GMRS only version) but I haven’t had one in my hands yet. Also, I’ve been noticing a lot of obviously “AI generated” reviews. This is not one of those…

Things I like:

1. The easy to read, full color display. (especially in frequency mode)
2. The channel names can be up to 12 characters. (7 to 10 characters are standard on most other radios)
3. Larger keys that are spaced farther apart. (compared to most other radios)
4. Separate keys for VFO/MR, A/B and “frequency capture”. (no function key or long pressing keys)
5. Good transmit audio. (and receive audio too)
6. Up to 9 watts output. (depends on frequency)
7. 220 MHz band coverage with full output power. (some radios in this price range only receive 220 MHz)
8. Aircraft band receive. (more on this below)
9. USB-C charging. (a must have feature these days)
10. Pre-programmed NOAA weather channels.
11. One Touch Search. (just make sure you read about how it supposed to work)

Things I don’t like:

1. Just about any signal will make the S-meter read full scale.
2. Does not normally come with a separate 220 MHz band antenna.
3. Replacement batteries are a little pricey. (about $17, almost the same price as a new radio!)

A few observations I have made that might not have been mentioned elsewhere:

1. “Reports of distorted AM aircraft band audio” – Most of these newer radios (several brands) experience some overload distortion when receiving very strong AM aircraft signals. I think another issue contributing to reports of distorted aircraft band receive stems from the fact that the wrong frequency steps are being selected. I’m using the proper 25 KHz frequency steps and it sounds good to me. When scanning with the improper frequency steps, the radio is not stopping on the correct frequency (but something close enough) which is causing the “off frequency” distortion.

2. “Reports of no AM aircraft band receive” – I have all (3) variants of this radio and they all receive aircraft band just fine. That being said, I wouldn’t recommend just putting the radio into scanning mode and “hoping” it happens to land on a conversation. I recommend programming the local airports approach and departure frequencies into memory channels, then scanning those. I’ve have great luck using that method.

3. “Using CHIRP Programming Software” – I’ve seen recommendations to use the “Baofeng UV-17R Pro” as the radio selection when using the CHIRP programming software. Just use the correct “5RM” selection instead. While selecting UV-17R Pro will technically work, it’s not the correct radio to use. Those radios use firmware version V0.11, where as the 5RM uses version V0.14. The 5RM has 3 power settings (H/M/L) where the UV-17R Pro only has 2 power settings. (H/L) There are also other subtle differences that may cause trouble down the line.

4. “Noise Filtering” – I’ve noticed the slight background hiss on some signals will reduce after a second or two. It sounds like there’s some digital noise filtering or “companding” built into the radio chip.

5. “Generous S-Meter” – Another thing I noticed was the “over generous” signal strength meter. Most people that mainly use local repeaters might not notice this. While testing the radio for weak signal receive performance, I couldn’t find a weak enough signal the make it not read full scale. As an experiment, I tuned to a NOAA weather station and moved the radio around until the signal got really weak, then I started to see the lesser meter readings. Note that regardless of all of the segments on the meter, it only has 5 levels.

6. “One Touch Search” – I’ve noticed some confusion on what the actual function of the “one touch frequency search” button is. Note that this is not a typical “search” function where you can search for random activity within several miles of your radio. (which the radio has also) Think of it as working more of a “frequency counter”. It requires that another radio is within a few feet. It does not search per-say, but more of what is called “reaction tuning”. It will quickly display the frequency and PL tone (if present) and stores it on the screen. At that point you can talk to the other radio. You also have the option to store it in a memory channel as well. Remember, it will not work unless the other radio is within about 20 feet. (depends on how powerful the other radio is)

7. “220 MHz Band Antenna” – The “K5 Plus” variant is the only one that comes with a separate 220 MHz antenna. Note that as of April 2024, some vendors are offering a package that includes the 220 band antenna for a few dollars more. For a good Tri-Band VHF/220/UHF band antenna, I recommend the Nagoya NA-320A.

8. “FCC Test Data” – If you have some time to kill, do a search for “2AJGM-5RM” on the FCC ID database. You will see the full test results of the radio, including spurious harmonics, etc. (It’s 182 pages!) Trust a testing laboratory’s results over a random person on the internet using consumer grade equipment, who may or may not have it set up properly.

9. “USB-C AC Adapter” – If you want a good inexpensive USB-C “wall wart” to use with this radio, check out the MAILESI TPA-5950100U. (ASIN B088D4CNHV) It even comes in a 2-pack for when you buy two of these radios!

Update on 04/10/24:

Note that some vendors are offering a package that includes the 220 band antenna for a few dollars more. Also, the AR-5RM variant has been including a 771 clone VHF/UHF long antenna with no mention of it in the product description.

Conclusion:
This is the first “high power” Tri-Band radio with aircraft band receive and frequency capture in the $30 range.

I’ve been a scanner buff for decades. This is a very reasonably priced radio at an amazing price! Scan gmrs,frs,ham,and business freqs! Even gets fm music radio and am 200,350 mhz which is awesome for military aircraft! Update big screen is awesome! Important is that you can charge it fast charge USB c to USB c, other saytheydo and don’t, but this one does! Great radio,unbelievable price, there is a learning curve on programming but hey your a scanner geek,you got this easily

So far, pretty easy to use, feels well constructed. Has come along on job sites a few times now, and it’s outperformed the other radios I previously carried.