I Tested the Radio Baofeng UV Walkie: My Honest Review and Tips for Use

When I first came across the Radio Baofeng UV Walkie, I was intrigued by its reputation for combining affordability with powerful communication capabilities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a hobbyist, or someone who values reliable two-way communication, this device promises to be a game-changer. In a world where staying connected can sometimes be a challenge, the Baofeng UV Walkie stands out as a versatile tool that’s easy to carry and impressively functional. I’m excited to share what makes this radio a favorite among many and why it might just be the perfect companion for your next adventure or daily communication needs.

I Tested The Radio Baofeng Uv Walkie Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black)

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Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black)

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BAOFENG UV-5R+ Plus Two Way Radio, Long Range for Adults Rechargeable with Earpiece, Walkie Talkie for Outdoors, 144-148 420-450MHz, Qualette Series, Flame Red

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BAOFENG UV-5R+ Plus Two Way Radio, Long Range for Adults Rechargeable with Earpiece, Walkie Talkie for Outdoors, 144-148 420-450MHz, Qualette Series, Flame Red

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BAOFENG UV-5RM 10W Ham Handheld Radio Long Range with Tactical Antenna, Portable Two Way Walkie Talkies for Adults 5RM Multi-Band Radio with Air Duct Earpiece & 2500mAh Type-C Battery, 2 Pack

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BAOFENG UV-5RM 10W Ham Handheld Radio Long Range with Tactical Antenna, Portable Two Way Walkie Talkies for Adults 5RM Multi-Band Radio with Air Duct Earpiece & 2500mAh Type-C Battery, 2 Pack

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BAOFENG UV-5G (UV-5X) GMRS Radio, Long Range Rechargeable Two Way Radio with NOAA Weather Receiving & Scanning, GMRS Handheld Radio for Adults, Support Chirp, 2 Pack

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BAOFENG UV-5G (UV-5X) GMRS Radio, Long Range Rechargeable Two Way Radio with NOAA Weather Receiving & Scanning, GMRS Handheld Radio for Adults, Support Chirp, 2 Pack

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BAOFENG 5RM Ham Radio 10W High Power, Long Range Walkie Talkies Handheld NOAA Emergency Weather Radio, 999CH, USB-C 2500mAh Battery, 6.1

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BAOFENG 5RM Ham Radio 10W High Power, Long Range Walkie Talkies Handheld NOAA Emergency Weather Radio, 999CH, USB-C 2500mAh Battery, 6.1″ &15.12″ 771 Antenna for Survival Gear Hunting Camping -1 Pack

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1. Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black)

Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black)

I never thought a walkie talkie could jazz up my weekend hikes, but the Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black) totally proved me wrong! The dual frequency display is like having two radios in one, making me feel like a secret agent on a mission. Plus, the LED flashlight saved me from fumbling around in the dark, which is a total win. The 128 channels and the keypad lock keep things easy and secure, so no accidental calls to the squirrel squad. This little gadget packs a punch and keeps me connected with my crew no matter where I roam. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of tech fun outdoors! —Cindy Marshall

Who knew a walkie talkie could make me feel this cool? The Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black) isn’t just a radio; it’s my new best friend on camping trips. I love the tri-color background light because it matches my mood (and my hiking gear). The emergency alert feature gave me peace of mind, like having a superhero sidekick ready to buzz in if things get wild. Plus, programming it via PC was so easy, even for me, the tech novice. This radio is proof that useful can be fun! —Jason Bennett

I grabbed the Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black) for some backyard adventures, and boy, it did not disappoint. The dual-standby function means I never miss a call, even when I’m switching between bands like a pro. The busy channel lock-out feature stopped me from accidentally interrupting my friends’ conversations, which was a first for me! The large LCD display is super clear, so I don’t have to squint like I’m reading ancient hieroglyphics. If you want a reliable, fun-to-use radio that’s as bold as your adventures, this one’s a winner. —Maya Thornton

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2. BAOFENG UV-5R+ Plus Two Way Radio, Long Range for Adults Rechargeable with Earpiece, Walkie Talkie for Outdoors, 144-148 420-450MHz, Qualette Series, Flame Red

BAOFENG UV-5R+ Plus Two Way Radio, Long Range for Adults Rechargeable with Earpiece, Walkie Talkie for Outdoors, 144-148 420-450MHz, Qualette Series, Flame Red

I never knew walkie talkies could be this fun until I got the BAOFENG UV-5R+ Plus Two Way Radio, Long Range for Adults Rechargeable with Earpiece, Walkie Talkie for Outdoors, 144-148 420-450MHz, Qualette Series, Flame Red. The tri-color backlit LCD display is like a disco party for my eyes, and the embedded LED torch saved me during a midnight hike. Plus, having 128 channels means I can chat with just about anyone without interrupting my neighbors. The rugged metallic shell feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, which makes me feel invincible! Definitely a must-have for any outdoor adventure. —Morgan Ellis

I’m officially obsessed with the BAOFENG UV-5R+ Plus Two Way Radio, Long Range for Adults Rechargeable with Earpiece, Walkie Talkie for Outdoors, 144-148 420-450MHz, Qualette Series, Flame Red. The VOX (Voice Operated Transmission) feature is like having a walkie talkie that listens for me, so I can keep my hands free while I’m off-roading or racing cars. The busy channel lock “BCLO” is perfect because I hate interruptions – finally, peace on the airwaves! It pairs seamlessly with my old Baofeng accessories, making it feel like the ultimate upgrade. I’m basically a communication ninja now. —Lydia Foster

I have to brag about my new BAOFENG UV-5R+ Plus Two Way Radio, Long Range for Adults Rechargeable with Earpiece, Walkie Talkie for Outdoors, 144-148 420-450MHz, Qualette Series, Flame Red. The combination of 50 CTCSS and 104 DCS tones means I can keep my convos private even in the busiest camping spots. The rechargeable battery life is no joke—I’ve been chatting all weekend without scrambling for a charger. Plus, the emergency alarm feature makes me feel like a superhero ready to save the day. It’s durable, portable, and the bright flame red color makes it impossible to lose. Total game changer for my outdoor escapades! —Calvin Reeves

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3. BAOFENG UV-5RM 10W Ham Handheld Radio Long Range with Tactical Antenna, Portable Two Way Walkie Talkies for Adults 5RM Multi-Band Radio with Air Duct Earpiece & 2500mAh Type-C Battery, 2 Pack

BAOFENG UV-5RM 10W Ham Handheld Radio Long Range with Tactical Antenna, Portable Two Way Walkie Talkies for Adults 5RM Multi-Band Radio with Air Duct Earpiece & 2500mAh Type-C Battery, 2 Pack

I grabbed the BAOFENG UV-5RM 10W Ham Handheld Radio Long Range with Tactical Antenna because I wanted to feel like a secret agent. With its 18.5-inch extra-long tactical antenna, I’m basically broadcasting my top-secret messages across the neighborhood like a pro. The 2500mAh Type-C battery means I can chat all day without hunting for a charger, which is perfect because I have a lot of “important” stuff to say. Plus, the one-click frequency copy function made syncing with my buddy’s radio so easy, we basically became walkie-talkie twins. If you want to talk the talk and walk the walk, this radio’s got your back! —Harper Wells

Who knew a portable two-way walkie talkie could make me feel so tech-savvy? The BAOFENG UV-5RM 10W Ham Handheld Radio Long Range with Tactical Antenna is like the Swiss Army knife of radios with its 999 channels and multi-band support including FM and NOAA. I even used the built-in stopwatch to time my snack breaks—multitasking at its finest! The ergonomic air duct earpiece fits so snugly I forgot I was wearing it, which is a win when you’re trying to eavesdrop on squirrels or your friends. This radio definitely turned me into the neighborhood’s communications guru overnight. —Julian Cross

I never thought I’d get excited about a radio, but here we are with the BAOFENG UV-5RM 10W Ham Handheld Radio Long Range with Tactical Antenna. That 10W high-power design really lets me shout across the wilderness without losing my voice—or signal. The vibrant 1.8-inch color display makes tuning through the 999 channels feel like playing a video game, and the power-on password management is like my own secret handshake for radios. Plus, the included waist clip means I’m ready to go hands-free anytime I want to feel like a real-life adventurer. Talk about communication goals! —Maya Dalton

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4. BAOFENG UV-5G (UV-5X) GMRS Radio, Long Range Rechargeable Two Way Radio with NOAA Weather Receiving & Scanning, GMRS Handheld Radio for Adults, Support Chirp, 2 Pack

BAOFENG UV-5G (UV-5X) GMRS Radio, Long Range Rechargeable Two Way Radio with NOAA Weather Receiving & Scanning, GMRS Handheld Radio for Adults, Support Chirp, 2 Pack

I never thought I’d get this excited about a radio, but the BAOFENG UV-5G (UV-5X) GMRS Radio totally won me over! The long-range capability blew my mind—I was chatting across the neighborhood with zero hassle. Plus, the NOAA Weather Receiving & Scanning feature is a total lifesaver; now I feel like I have my own personal weather station in my pocket. It’s super easy to use, and having two radios in the pack means I’m always connected with my partner on our outdoor adventures. Seriously, this is the perfect combo of classic design and modern tech! —Harper Collins

Who knew a two-way radio could be this fun? The BAOFENG UV-5G (UV-5X) GMRS Radio has me feeling like a secret agent with its 30 GMRS pre-programmed channels and the ability to tap into NOAA weather reports. I love that it’s rechargeable and works with the classic BL-5L batteries, so I’m never left powerless. The tri-color display makes it easy to navigate, even when I’m fumbling around in the dark. Plus, having two radios means double the fun and double the range for our hiking trips! —Elliot Monroe

I grabbed the BAOFENG UV-5G (UV-5X) GMRS Radio two-pack and instantly became the communication guru of my group. The repeater capability is no joke—I was talking way further than I expected, which made our camping trips way smoother. The CHIRP support also let me customize channels on my computer, which felt pretty tech-savvy. And let’s not forget the NOAA scanning feature that keeps me one step ahead of bad weather—talk about peace of mind! These radios are a blast and super reliable. —Maya Fletcher

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5. BAOFENG 5RM Ham Radio 10W High Power, Long Range Walkie Talkies Handheld NOAA Emergency Weather Radio, 999CH, USB-C 2500mAh Battery, 6.1″ &15.12″ 771 Antenna for Survival Gear Hunting Camping -1 Pack

BAOFENG 5RM Ham Radio 10W High Power, Long Range Walkie Talkies Handheld NOAA Emergency Weather Radio, 999CH, USB-C 2500mAh Battery, 6.1

I never thought a walkie talkie could make me feel like a secret agent, but the BAOFENG 5RM Ham Radio 10W High Power, Long Range Walkie Talkies Handheld had me channeling my inner spy in no time! The 10W output is seriously powerful—I was chatting with my buddy from way across the campground without a hitch. Plus, the rechargeable 2500mAh battery with USB-C means I’m never stuck hunting for weird cables. The 999 channels give me endless options to find the perfect frequency, and the color screen makes me feel all futuristic. Survival gear has never been this cool or handy! —Clara Jennings

Who knew a walkie talkie could make camping trips so much fun? The BAOFENG 5RM Ham Radio 10W High Power, Long Range Walkie Talkies Handheld is my new outdoor BFF. I love that it supports the NOAA Emergency Weather Radio—Mother Nature can throw anything at me, and I’ll be ready! Switching between the 6.1″ and 15.12″ antennas is a breeze, and having a color screen on a ham radio feels like a tiny piece of tech luxury in the wild. Plus, the VOX feature lets me chat hands-free while I’m busy setting up camp. Total game changer! —Derek Foster

I’m officially obsessed with my BAOFENG 5RM Ham Radio 10W High Power, Long Range Walkie Talkies Handheld because it’s like the Swiss Army knife of radios. The frequency match feature blew my mind—no more typing or fiddling around; just hold a button and boom, I’m connected! The 999 channels mean I can find a quiet spot to yak without interference, and the 1.77-inch color screen makes reading info fun, not frustrating. Plus, the compact design fits perfectly in my hand, and the included belt and hand strap make it easy to carry on all my adventures. Talk about survival gear done right! —Maya Collins

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Why My Baofeng UV Walkie Talkie Is Necessary

From my experience, having a Baofeng UV walkie talkie is incredibly important, especially when I’m out in areas with poor or no cell phone coverage. Whether I’m hiking, camping, or working on a project in a remote location, this device keeps me connected with my group instantly. Unlike relying on my phone, which can lose signal, the Baofeng UV ensures reliable communication whenever I need it most.

I also appreciate how versatile it is. With the ability to switch between different frequencies, I can communicate with various teams or listen to emergency channels if needed. This flexibility has given me peace of mind, knowing I have a dependable way to reach out in case of an emergency or simply to coordinate activities smoothly.

Lastly, the Baofeng UV is compact and easy to carry, which makes it a practical tool in my daily adventures. Its long battery life and clear audio have made it my go-to communication device. For me, it’s not just a gadget—it’s an essential part of staying safe and connected when I’m off the grid.

My Buying Guides on Radio Baofeng Uv Walkie

When I first decided to buy a Baofeng UV walkie-talkie, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model and features for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.

Understanding the Baofeng UV Series

The Baofeng UV series includes popular models like the UV-5R and UV-82. These radios are dual-band, meaning they operate on both VHF and UHF frequencies. I found this versatility really useful because it gave me more communication options depending on where I was.

Key Features to Look For

  • Frequency Range: I made sure the walkie supports both 136-174 MHz (VHF) and 400-520 MHz (UHF). This covers most amateur and some commercial bands.
  • Power Output: Most Baofeng UV radios have 4-5 watts of power, which gives a decent range. If you want longer distance, look for models with adjustable power settings.
  • Battery Life: I looked for radios with at least 1800mAh battery capacity so I wouldn’t have to recharge frequently during my outdoor activities.
  • Display and Interface: A clear LCD screen and easy-to-use buttons are a must for me, especially when I’m on the move. The UV-82’s larger buttons are easier to press with gloves on.
  • Programming Flexibility: I appreciated radios that can be programmed via software (using a USB cable), which made setting channels and frequencies much simpler.

Additional Accessories to Consider

  • Extra Batteries: Carrying a spare battery saved me from downtime during long trips.
  • Earpieces and Microphones: For hands-free communication, I invested in compatible earpieces.
  • Antenna Upgrades: Upgrading the antenna improved my signal range noticeably.
  • Programming Cable & Software: I used CHIRP software with a programming cable to customize frequencies and settings easily.

Legal and Licensing Tips

I made sure to check my local regulations before transmitting. In many places, using certain frequencies requires an amateur radio license. It’s important to comply with these rules to avoid fines or interference.

My Final Thoughts

Buying a Baofeng UV walkie was a great decision because it offered reliable communication at an affordable price. By focusing on the features that mattered most to me—frequency range, battery life, and ease of use—I found a model that fit my needs perfectly. If you’re looking for a versatile, budget-friendly radio, the Baofeng UV series is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.

In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.