2x Baofeng UV-5R III Tri-Band Walkie Talkies | Matched Pair Ham Radio UK
Baofeng

★ 2x Baofeng UV-5R III Tri-Band Pair Highlights:
- Ready-Matched Pair: Two UV-5R III radios pre-matched on the same tri-band platform — ready to communicate straight out of the box.
- Tri-Band Operation: 136–174MHz (VHF) + 220–260MHz (1.25M) + 400–520MHz (UHF) — three bands per radio.
- 128 Programmable Channels: 50 CTCSS & 104 DCS codes — programme both radios identically via PC for instant shared communication.
- 5W Output Power: High/Low switchable on both units for range vs. battery balance.
- FM Radio Reception: 65–108MHz FM broadcast reception on every unit.
- Dual Watch & Standby: Monitor two frequencies simultaneously across different bands on each radio.
- VOX Hands-Free: Voice-activated transmission on both units — no button press needed.
- Built-in LED Flashlight: Torch on every unit for low-light field use.
- CHIRP Compatible: Programme both radios to an identical channel plan via PC in minutes.
2x Baofeng UV-5R III — The Perfect Tri-Band Pair for UK Amateur Radio & Field Operations
The 2x Baofeng UV-5R III is the natural starting point for anyone stepping into tri-band amateur radio in the UK — or for professionals who need a reliable matched pair for two-person field operations. Two radios on the same tri-band platform means both units cover VHF (2m), 1.25M, and UHF (70cm) simultaneously, with the same channel capabilities and identical programming compatibility.
Whether you're an amateur radio operator exploring UK repeaters with a fellow operator, a two-person security team covering a large site, a pair of outdoor enthusiasts hiking in the UK countryside, or simply want a reliable matched radio pair with genuine tri-band flexibility — this 2x UV-5R III pack gives you everything you need in one purchase. Programme both radios to the same channel plan using the free CHIRP software and they're ready to use together instantly.
Need more radios? Choose your team size from the pack options below — all UV-5R III units are fully compatible with each other on the same frequency, so your pair can grow into a full fleet at any time.
Why Start with a UV-5R III Pair?
Ideal Uses for a Pair
- Two-person UK amateur radio operations
- Hiking & outdoor expeditions — two-person groups
- Two-person security or stewarding
- Parent & child outdoor communication
- Ham radio Foundation licence operators
Tri-Band Advantage Per Pair
- Both radios cover VHF, 1.25M & UHF
- Switch bands without changing radios
- Access UK VHF & UHF repeaters
- 1.25M band — less congested channel space
- Programme both via one saved CHIRP file
Expand Tip: All UV-5R III radios are fully compatible with each other. If your team grows beyond two, simply add more UV-5R III units from our range and programme them from the same saved channel file. Your pair becomes a full team fleet instantly.


Three Bands — Both Radios, Full Coverage
Band 1 — VHF (2m)
136–174MHz — TX & RX
Superior open-terrain range — ideal for UK hills, countryside & large outdoor sites across both radios.
Band 2 — 1.25M
220–260MHz — TX & RX
Exclusive third band — less congested than 2m & 70cm in most UK areas. Available on both radios.
Band 3 — UHF (70cm)
400–520MHz — TX & RX
Better building penetration for indoor UK use — hotels, warehouses & urban environments.
Also receives: FM Broadcast 65–108MHz on both radios — monitor local UK radio stations in the background while keeping all three bands active on standby.
Key Features of the Baofeng UV-5R III
- Earpiece / Mic Type: Kenwood K-Type 2-Pin Plug
- Antenna: SMA-Female, High Gain Tri-Band
- Frequency Range: 136–174MHz (VHF) / 220–260MHz (1.25M) / 400–520MHz (UHF)
- FM Receive Only: 65–108MHz
- Dual-Band Display, Dual Frequency Display, Dual Standby
- Output Power: 5W (High) / 1W (Low)
- 128 Channels, 50 CTCSS & 104 DCS codes
- Built-in VOX (Voice-Activated Transmission)
- 1750Hz Burst Tone for repeater access
- Built-in LED Flashlight
- Large LCD Display
- High/Low RF Power Switchable
- 25KHz / 12.5KHz Bandwidth Switchable
- Emergency Alert Function
- Low Battery Alert
- Battery Saver Mode
- Time-Out Timer (TOT)
- Keypad Lock
- Busy Channel Lock-Out (BCLO)
- Monitor / Scan Function
- Channel Step: 2.5 / 5 / 6.25 / 10 / 12.5 / 25KHz
- Roger Beep
- DTMF Tone Sending
- CTCSS / DCS / DTMF Group Tone Support


Baofeng UV-5R III Technical Specifications
| General | |
| Model | UV-5R III |
| Frequency Range (TX/RX) | 136–174MHz (VHF) / 220–260MHz (1.25M) / 400–480MHz (UHF) |
| FM Receive Only | 65–108MHz |
| Channels | 128 |
| Frequency Stability | ±2.5ppm |
| Antenna | SMA-Female, High Gain Tri-Band |
| Antenna Impedance | 50Ω |
| Operating Voltage | DC 7.4V |
| Operation Mode | Simplex / Semi-Duplex |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 100 x 52 x 32mm |
| Weight | 250g per unit (including battery & antenna) |
| Transmitter | |
| Output Power | 4W (High) / 1W (Low) — Max 5W |
| Modulation Mode | 16kφF3E (Wide) / 11kφF3E (Narrow) |
| Maximum Deviation | <5kHz (Wide) / <2.5kHz (Narrow) |
| Spurious Radiation | <7μW |
| Adjacent Ch. Power | ≤-65dB (Wide) / ≤-60dB (Narrow) |
| Pre-Emphasis | 6dB |
| Current | ≤1.6A (5W) |
| CTCSS/DCS Deviation | 0.5±0.1kHz (Wide) / 0.3±0.1kHz (Narrow) |
| Intermediation Sensitivity | 8–12mV |
| Intermediation Distortion | <10% |
| Receiver | |
| Sensitivity (12dB SINAD) | ≤0.20μV |
| Selectivity | 55dB / 50dB |
| Intermodulation | ≥65dB |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity | ≥60dB |
| Spurious Response | ≥60dB |
| Audio Power Output | 1000mW |
| Battery | |
| Battery | 7.4V 1800mAh Li-ion (BL-5) — per unit |
| Charger | Desktop Drop-In Charger with USB Connector — per unit |
What's in the Box — x2 of Every Item
- 2 x Baofeng UV-5R III Tri-Band Walkie Talkie (Black)
- 2 x 7.4V 1800mAh Original Baofeng Li-ion Battery Pack
- 4 x Antenna (2 stock antennas per radio)
- 2 x Hand Strap
- 2 x Belt Clip
- 2 x English User Manual
- 2 x Desktop Charger with USB Connector
- 2 x PTT Earpiece
Programming Both UV-5R III Radios
▶ Recommended: Programme Both Radios via CHIRP — Identical Channel Plan
The fastest and most reliable way to set up both UV-5R III radios is via PC using the free CHIRP software or official Baofeng CPS software with an original Baofeng USB programming cable. Programme the first radio with your full tri-band channel plan — all 128 channels, CTCSS/DCS codes, and repeater offsets — save the file, then load the identical configuration to the second radio in under 2 minutes. Both radios will be on exactly the same frequencies and settings immediately.
▶ Read the full step-by-step guide: How to Program Your Baofeng Radio Using CHIRP
Manual Keypad Programming — Simplex Channel
- Press [VFO/MR] to enter Frequency Mode.
- Press [A/B] — select the A Side (upper display). B Side entries will not be saved.
- Press [BAND] to select your frequency band — 136MHz (VHF) or 470MHz (UHF).
- Disable TDR:
[MENU] 7 [MENU] → OFF [MENU] [EXIT] - Enter your frequency via the numeric keypad.
- Optional — CTCSS:
[MENU] 13 [MENU] [code] [MENU] [EXIT]or DCS:[MENU] 12 [MENU] [code] [MENU] [EXIT] - Assign to channel:
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [channel number] [MENU] [EXIT]
Manual Keypad Programming — Repeater Channel
- Press [VFO/MR] and select A Side via [A/B].
- Press [BAND] to select your frequency band.
- Optional — Clear existing CTCSS/DCS: RX DCS
[MENU] 10, RX CTCSS[MENU] 11, TX DCS[MENU] 12, TX CTCSS[MENU] 13— all set to OFF. - Disable TDR:
[MENU] 7 [MENU] → OFF [MENU] [EXIT] - Optional — Delete existing channel:
[MENU] 28 → [channel number] [MENU] [EXIT] - Enter the repeater output frequency via keypad.
- Enter repeater offset:
[MENU] 26 [MENU] [offset] [MENU] [EXIT] - Enter TX shift:
[MENU] 25 [MENU] [1 = positive / 2 = negative] [MENU] [EXIT] - Optional — Enter TX CTCSS/DCS access tone.
- Assign RX frequency:
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [channel number] [MENU] [EXIT] - Press [*Scan] — Reverse Mode — display TX frequency.
- Assign TX frequency:
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [same channel] [MENU] [EXIT] - Press [*Scan] to exit Reverse Mode.
Recommended Accessories for Your UV-5R III Pair
- ▶ Speaker Mic — Handheld shoulder mic for easier hands-free communication on both radios.
- ▶ Programming Cable — Programme all 128 channels quickly via PC & CHIRP — load to both radios from one saved file.
- ▶ Bluetooth Programming Adapter — Programme both UV-5R III radios wirelessly from your smartphone.
- ▶ View All Baofeng Accessories
Need More Radios? Choose Your UV-5R III Team Pack Size
All UV-5R III units are fully compatible — add more to your pair at any time and programme from the same saved CHIRP file:
Who Uses the 2x Baofeng UV-5R III Pair in the UK?
The UV-5R III 2-pack is the preferred choice for UK amateur radio operators and two-person teams who need genuine tri-band flexibility:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do both UV-5R III radios in this pair communicate with each other straight out of the box?
A: Yes — both UV-5R III radios share the same tri-band platform and are compatible with each other. Set both radios to the same channel number and CTCSS/DCS code and they will communicate immediately. For the best results, we recommend programming both radios to an identical channel plan using CHIRP or Baofeng CPS software with a USB programming cable — this ensures both radios operate on exactly the same frequencies with the same privacy codes.
Q: What makes the UV-5R III different from the standard UV-5R?
A: The key difference is the additional 220–260MHz (1.25 metre) band. The standard UV-5R covers VHF (2m) and UHF (70cm). The UV-5R III adds a third band, making it a genuine tri-band radio. All other features — 128 channels, CTCSS/DCS, VOX, FM receive, CHIRP compatibility — remain identical to the UV-5R platform.
Q: Can I add more UV-5R III radios to my pair later?
A: Yes — all UV-5R III units are fully compatible with each other on the same frequency. Purchase any additional UV-5R III pack from our range, programme the new units from the same saved CHIRP channel file, and your entire fleet will communicate seamlessly. Use the pack size buttons above to find your ideal team size.
Q: Is the UV-5R III legal to use in the UK?
A: Legal to own and receive on without a licence. To transmit, you require a valid UK Amateur Radio (Ham) Licence or a UK Business Radio Licence issued by Ofcom. Not authorised for PMR446 licence-free channels. See our guide: UK Ham Radio Licences — Your Complete Guide.
Q: How do I programme both UV-5R III radios to the same channels?
A: Use an original Baofeng USB programming cable with the free CHIRP software. Programme the first radio, save the channel file, then load the identical settings to the second radio in under 2 minutes. Full guide: How to Program Your Baofeng Radio Using CHIRP.
Q: Do both UV-5R III radios work on UK amateur repeaters?
A: Yes — with a valid UK Amateur Radio Licence, both UV-5R III units can access UK repeaters on the VHF (2m) and UHF (70cm) bands. Programme the repeater input/output frequency, correct CTCSS access tone, and shift offset into both radios using the same saved CHIRP file — both radios will access the same repeaters instantly.
Q: VHF vs UHF — which band should I use with my UV-5R III pair in the UK?
A: VHF (136–174MHz) delivers superior range in open outdoor UK environments — hills, countryside, large open sites. UHF (400–520MHz) provides better building penetration — ideal for indoor UK operations. The 1.25M band (220–260MHz) is less congested in most UK areas. Programme channels on all three bands for maximum flexibility across both radios. Read more: VHF vs UHF — Which is Better?
Helpful Resources
- ▶ How to Program Your Baofeng Radio Using CHIRP — Step-by-Step Guide
- ▶ Download CHIRP — Free Radio Programming Software
- ▶ Download Official Baofeng CPS Programming Software
- ▶ UK Radio Licences — Ofcom Official Licensing
- ▶ VHF vs UHF — Which is Better? Full UK Guide
- ▶ UK Ham Radio Licences, Bands & Gear — Your Guide from Foundation to First Contact
UK LEGAL NOTICE: LICENCE REQUIRED TO TRANSMIT
IMPORTANT: The Baofeng UV-5R III is not a PMR446 licence-free radio. To transmit on its frequencies within the UK, you must hold a valid UK Amateur Radio (Ham) Licence or a UK Business Radio Licence issued by Ofcom. Transmitting without a licence is illegal and may result in prosecution. Receiving (listening only) is permitted without a licence. Please ensure you comply with all current UK radio licensing regulations before transmitting.
Reviews
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UV-5R III Tri-Band
Have ordered a number of these over the years and they work well. They do tend to get quite hot when transmitting for a while which eventually causes faults. But they are cheap enough that the shortish life isn't too much of an issue.
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Excellent
Great items quickly delivered.
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uv-5r111
was recommend by a friend and dose what it say it can