BAOFENG K5PLUS Radio Ham Radio 10W Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Long Range UV32 5RM Handheld Two Way Radio NOAA Weather Radio with Copy Frequency,USB-C Charginng for Hunting Survival Gear

Because of the remarkably low cost, this makes a great first radio for a new ham, and equally great as a spare to keep tucked away in case of emergency. Features are impressive: Tri-band, 10 watts power, good volume, AM air band monitoring and FM monitoring beyond the ham bands, weather band, nice scanning capability, USB-C charging, easy programming via computer or the front panel, and 1000 storable channels, and 2 antennas. It’s held up well to use and some minor drops. I keep looking for the gotcha in this radio, but haven’t found it yet. Certainly worth the price.

The Baofeng K5 Plus is indeed a popular choice among ham radio enthusiasts. With its 10W output, it offers very impressive power for a handheld, making it suitable for both casual communication and more serious operations. Its compact design, user-friendly interface, and range of features such as dual-band frequencies and programmable channels makes it awesome. Love its performance in various conditions, making it a solid investment for both beginners and experienced operators in the amateur radio world.

I bought 2 of these radios for an event our club was having.Pros:Includes a drop-in charger and a USB-C charging cable.Battery can be charged directly via USB-C.The radio is larger and feels more durable.The screen looks nice when you can see it.Cons:The screen turns off within 5 secondsThe screen is impossible to read in sunlight.The included Abbree antennas are of terrible quality.With the original antennas, any movement caused the radio to cut out on receive. After switching to a Nagoya NA701 and a Diamond SRJ77CA antenna, which I already had, the reception improved significantly, and the radio no longer cuts out with slight movement.I recommend disabling the radio button using CHIRP software. This allows you to quickly turn the screen back on by pressing the button after it automatically turns off. Overall, these radios are typical Baofengs with a few enhancements. For $30 and a good antenna, you get a descent radio.

Baofeng K5 Plus Ham Radio ReviewI recently purchased the Baofeng K5 Plus, and I have to say I am thoroughly impressed. As a budget-friendly option, it offers outstanding performance that punches well above its price point.Packaging and Contents of the BoxWhen the Baofeng K5 Plus arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the thoughtful packaging. It’s clear that Baofeng has paid attention to the unboxing experience, even for a budget model like this one.The box itself is sturdy, ensuring that the radio and its accessories are well-protected during shipping. Inside, everything is neatly organized, with each item individually wrapped in plastic to avoid any potential damage from friction or moisture.Contents of the Box:Baofeng K5 Plus Radio – The main unit itself, which has a solid build and feels nice in hand. It's compact but not too small, striking a good balance for ease of use.Battery Pack – The included battery is of good quality and fits securely into the radio. It’s a 2000mAh lithium-ion battery, which provides solid performance, giving you several hours of operation, depending on usage.Antenna – A well-made flexible antenna is included. It’s not overly long but works well on both the 2m and 440 MHz bands. It’s easy to install and remove, with a tight connection that doesn’t feel like it will wear down with use.Charger Dock – A desktop charger is included for easy recharging of the battery. The charger is compact, lightweight, and works quickly, allowing you to top off the battery in a reasonable amount of time. It also features LED indicators to show the charging status.Belt Clip – A useful belt clip is provided, which allows you to carry the radio conveniently while keeping it easily accessible for communication.User Manual – The manual is well-written and offers clear instructions on how to set up the radio, program frequencies, and troubleshoot basic issues. It’s a handy reference for both beginners and more experienced users who want to get up to speed with the features quickly.Antenna Extension – An optional antenna extension is also included, which can help improve signal reception and transmission range in certain situations.Overall Thoughts on Packaging:The packaging is straightforward but professional. It’s not overly flashy, but it’s functional and ensures that all parts are safely stored and easily accessible. The contents are complete, meaning you won’t need to buy any additional accessories to get started right away.For the price, the inclusion of a charger dock, a solid battery, and the belt clip is a nice touch, making it clear that Baofeng has designed this radio with user convenience in mind. It’s a great package that gives you everything you need to start using the radio immediately, without feeling like you're missing out on essential components.In short, the Baofeng K5 Plus comes well-packaged with all the necessary accessories for a smooth, hassle-free experience.SWR PerformanceThe SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) on the Baofeng K5 Plus is exceptional. After calibrating my antenna and conducting several tests, I found that the SWR was consistently low, which is crucial for efficient transmission and avoiding damage to the radio. I’ve had no issues with signal quality, and it seems to be well-tuned straight out of the box, providing reliable communication without any issues related to signal reflection or poor transmission.2m and 440 MHz CompatibilityThe Baofeng K5 Plus performs admirably in both the 2-meter and 440 MHz bands, which are critical for both local and regional communication. I tested it on both frequencies, and I found the reception to be clear and reliable, even in areas where many other radios might struggle. Whether you’re transmitting on 144-148 MHz (2m) or 430-450 MHz (440 MHz), this radio ensures that you’re always on the right frequency and transmitting with crystal clarity.Power Levels and Advertised WattageOne of my concerns when purchasing a budget ham radio was whether the actual power levels would match the advertised specs. I was happy to find that the Baofeng K5 Plus does indeed deliver its advertised wattage. On low power, it offers around 1-5 watts, and on high power, it pushes a solid 8 watts. This is more than sufficient for most local communications and ensures that the radio performs as expected under different conditions.Price vs. QualityThe Baofeng K5 Plus is notably affordable, yet its build quality is surprisingly sturdy for such a budget model. While it may not have the high-end finish of some premium radios, the construction feels durable and well-made. The buttons are responsive, and the display is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight.Where this radio really shines in terms of quality is in its reliability and consistency. For a lower-cost radio, it holds up exceptionally well in terms of performance and signal clarity. The audio quality, both incoming and outgoing, is crisp, and the radio has a solid range without excessive interference. It’s clear that Baofeng has put a lot of effort into optimizing the design for both affordability and performance.ConclusionOverall, the Baofeng K5 Plus is an excellent purchase for anyone looking for a budget-friendly ham radio that doesn't compromise on performance. It handles the 2m and 440 MHz bands with ease, delivers on advertised wattage, and offers reliable SWR readings. While its price might make it seem like an entry-level option, it’s superior in quality, making it a great choice for both beginners and more experienced ham radio operators who want an affordable, dependable radio for everyday use.

Pretty good unit. Default voice sounds cheaper than previous models. The usb-c charging is a huge plus