BAOFENG UV-5RM 10W Handheld Ham Radio Long-Range Portable 2 Way Radio 2Pack | Speaker Mic,Type-C Charging, Programming Cable, Earpiece, Long Antenna,NOAA, 999 Channels for Hunting, Camping, Survival Gear

You can listen on some ham bands, aircraft and marine, and this transmits well on GMRS (with a $35 license) or FRS. I am able to hear Ham Radio communications relaying though the ISS Zayra satellite as it passes overhead every few days. Program and ID up to 999 frequencies with the freely available Chirp utility.

Excellent radios. Very easy to program using chirp.

These radios are reasonable quality, good battery life, and very functional. Nice accessories: external mic/speaker, over-ear speaker and mic, and normal and long-range attennas. I'd buy another set. Now, the not so good. The nitpick: the foam ear-piece cover for the behind-ear speaker is useless. It's a cheeseball piece of foam that doesn't fit the earpiece and will tear easily, making it useless. The annoying: It does not work with CHIRP. I've tried multiple times, used different radio model codes, but it simply will not integrate with the app (for Mac). So, I ended up manually loading frequency information: not a big deal, but arduous and a pain to do. The little tiny-print manual is OK, but barely. It's not intuitive in many areas, and you have to kind of figure out what they mean. Just be patient and keep pressing buttons until you finally figured it out.You need to fully charge and discharge completely 3-4 times before the battery reaches maximum capacity.In all I'd say these are good value, which would be made more so for fixing the aforementioned issues.

If you're in the market for a reliable, high-performance two-way radio, the Baofeng UV-5RM might just be the upgrade you're looking for. As someone who uses two-way radios often, I was immediately drawn to the extensive features and impressive range advertised. After testing it in different environments, here's my take.Key Upgrades and Features:This radio takes the much-loved UV-5R model and pushes it further, offering 10W power output compared to the older model’s 8W. The increased power, coupled with the included 15-inch antenna, allows for a maximum communication range of 40 miles (in optimal conditions). Whether you're on a remote camping trip, hiking in the mountains, or working on a construction site, the long-distance capability is impressive.With 999 storage channels, you're never short on communication options. The color display is a nice touch—bright and easily readable in various lighting conditions—and the addition of a stopwatch, power-on password management, and one-click frequency copy function makes it a highly versatile tool for both casual and professional users.Performance in the Field:I tested those radios during a hiking trip in the mountains, and the signal remained strong and clear, even in areas where cell service was unreliable. The radio's ability to pick up multiple bands like UHF, VHF, GMRS, FM, AM, and NOAA weather alerts are a major plus for staying connected in diverse environments. The “VOX” (voice-operated transmission) feature also worked smoothly, allowing hands-free operation, which was especially useful when climbing or navigating rough terrain.For those who are unfamiliar with programming frequencies, the one-click frequency scanning feature is actually great. It allows you to quickly match frequencies without diving into complex settings, which is a huge advantage when you need to establish communication in a hurry.Build Quality and Accessories:The radio itself feels solid and durable, weighing in at 10.6oz, which is fairly lightweight for the features it packs. The included hand microphone and earpiece are excellent for improving privacy and clarity during conversations, especially in noisy environments.Charging Convenience:Battery life is often a concern with high-power radios, but the 2500mAh battery coupled with multiple charging methods (via Type-C and included charging docks) ensures you won’t be left stranded. Whether you’re charging through your car, laptop, or a portable power bank, keeping the UV-5RM powered up is hassle-free. I found the radio easily lasted through a full day of intermittent use without needing a charge.Those radios are feature-packed and high-performance that caters to both casual users and professionals. Its long-distance capabilities, ease of use, and rugged build make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from outdoor adventures to more practical uses in warehouses, hotels, or construction sites. If you're looking for a versatile, dependable two-way radio, those are a fantastic option.

I am new to the Ham radio world. This being said, I love these radios for my personal use. I live in a rural area with no cell service in on property. When the power goes out, we wanted to be able to contact all family members living withing a mile or 2 up and down the road from our house. These radios work very well when set up correctly and I have able to get great sound quality even in the hills and trees. Comparing these to other higher prices radios, these are worth the money and maybe even double the price!

Just got my HAM technician license, and these are a good introduction to FM HAM. Please note: no AM or CW with these radios. Very easy to programming using CHIRP software.

Bought these for my son(21). Figured it was a leveled up walkie talkie among all it's other features. Great quality and battery lasts forever and the stands are perfect. The radios can go on anything, and range is out of this world, as long as you sue the correct antenna. Sounds great and works percect for what we need.

Works pretty good for off roading. The handheld mic sucks. But the radio works well and has a few mile range.