Baofeng UV-5R III Tri-Band Walkie Talkie | Accessory Bundle
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★ Baofeng UV-5R III Tri-Band Highlights:
- Tri-Band Operation: 136–174MHz (VHF) + 220–260MHz (1.25M) + 400–520MHz (UHF) — three bands in one radio.
- 128 Programmable Channels: 50 CTCSS & 104 DCS codes for private, interference-free communication.
- 5W Output Power: High/Low switchable for range vs. battery balance.
- FM Radio Reception: 65–108MHz FM broadcast reception — monitor emergency broadcasts while on standby.
- Dual Watch & Standby: Monitor two frequencies simultaneously across different bands.
- VOX Hands-Free: Voice-activated transmission — no button press needed.
- Built-in LED Flashlight: Handy torch for low-light field use.
- CHIRP Compatible: Full PC programming support via CHIRP and Baofeng CPS software.
- Choose Your Bundle: Select radio only or add accessories from the options above.
Baofeng UV-5R III — The UK's Favourite Tri-Band Amateur Radio
The Baofeng UV-5R III is the tri-band evolution of the world's best-selling UV-5R. Where the standard UV-5R covers two bands, the UV-5R III adds a third — the 220–260MHz (1.25 metre) band — making it one of the most versatile handheld amateur radios available in the UK today. Whether you're a Foundation licensee exploring your first repeaters, an experienced operator wanting tri-band flexibility, or a team needing a dependable dual-watch radio for UK operations, the UV-5R III delivers.
Built on Baofeng's proven UV-5R platform, the UV-5R III inherits all the features UK amateur radio users trust — 128 programmable channels, CTCSS/DCS tone encoding, FM broadcast reception, VOX, and full CHIRP software support — while adding the exclusive 1.25M band that sets it apart from every other radio in its class.
Select your preferred accessory bundle from the options above — radio only, with programming cable, with speaker mic, or with tactical antenna upgrade — to get exactly the configuration your operation requires.
Choose Your Bundle — Select from Options Above
- ▶ UV-5R III Only — The radio with all standard accessories. Ideal if you already own a programming cable and accessories.
- ▶ + Programming Cable — Adds the official Baofeng USB cable for fast PC programming via CHIRP or CPS software.
- ▶ + Speaker Mic — Adds an original Baofeng K-Type handheld shoulder mic for hands-free communication.
- ▶ + Speaker Mic + Programming Cable — The complete professional kit — radio, mic, and cable in one bundle.
- ▶ + 18.8 inch Foldable CS Tactical Antenna — Adds a compact foldable tactical antenna for improved signal and range in the field.
- ▶ + NA-771 Antenna — Adds the popular NA-771 high-gain dual-band antenna (38.5cm, SMA-Female) for extended range over the stock antenna.


What Makes the UV-5R III Different — The 1.25M Band Explained
Most Baofeng radios cover two bands — VHF (2m) and UHF (70cm). The UV-5R III adds the 220–260MHz (1.25 metre) band, making it a genuine tri-band radio. This third band is less congested than VHF and UHF in many UK areas, providing a useful additional frequency range for amateur operators who want more options. The UV-5R III can receive and transmit on all three bands.
UV-5R III Tri-Band Frequency Coverage
Band 1 — VHF (2m)
136–174MHz
TX & RX
Ideal for open terrain & rural UK use
Band 2 — 1.25M
220–260MHz
TX & RX
Less congested — exclusive to UV-5R III
Band 3 — UHF (70cm)
400–520MHz
TX & RX
Best for urban UK & indoor use
Also receives: FM Broadcast 65–108MHz — monitor local radio stations in the background while keeping your channels active.
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
- Monitor / Scan Function
- Busy Channel Lock-Out (BCLO)
- Channel Step: 2.5 / 5 / 6.25 / 10 / 12.5 / 25KHz
- Roger Beep
- DTMF Tone Sending (ANI / Remote Commands)
- 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 (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) |
| Charger | Desktop Drop-In Charger with USB Connector |
What's in the Box
- 1 x Baofeng UV-5R III Tri-Band Walkie Talkie (Black)
- 1 x 7.4V 1800mAh Original Baofeng Li-ion Battery Pack
- 2 x Antenna (stock dual-band + tri-band)
- 1 x Hand Strap
- 1 x Belt Clip
- 1 x English User Manual
- 1 x Desktop Charger with USB Connector
- 1 x PTT Earpiece
- + Any accessories selected from bundle options above
Programming the Baofeng UV-5R III
▶ Recommended: Programme via CHIRP or Baofeng CPS Software
PC programming is the fastest and most accurate method for the UV-5R III. Use the free CHIRP software or official Baofeng CPS software with an original Baofeng USB programming cable to set all 128 channels, CTCSS/DCS tones, and repeater offsets in minutes.
▶ Read our step-by-step guide: How to Program Your Baofeng Radio Using CHIRP
How to Manually Programme a Simplex Channel
- Press [VFO/MR] to enter Frequency Mode.
- Press [A/B] and choose the A Side (upper display). — Programming data entered on the B Side will not be saved.
- Press [BAND] to choose your frequency band — toggle between 136MHz (VHF) or 470MHz (UHF).
- Disable TDR (Dual Watch):
[MENU] 7 [MENU] → OFF [MENU] [EXIT] - Enter the frequency using the numeric keypad.
- Optional — Enter CTCSS:
[MENU] 13 [MENU] [code] [MENU] [EXIT]
or DCS:[MENU] 12 [MENU] [code] [MENU] [EXIT] - Assign to a channel:
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [channel number] [MENU] [EXIT]
How to Manually Programme a Repeater Channel
- Press [VFO/MR] to enter Frequency Mode.
- Press [A/B] and choose the A Side (upper display).
- Press [BAND] to choose your frequency band.
- Optional — Clear existing CTCSS/DCS codes:
RX DCS:[MENU] 10 [MENU] 0 [MENU] [EXIT]
RX CTCSS:[MENU] 11 [MENU] 0 [MENU] [EXIT]
TX DCS:[MENU] 12 [MENU] 0 [MENU] [EXIT]
TX CTCSS:[MENU] 13 [MENU] 0 [MENU] [EXIT] - Disable TDR:
[MENU] 7 [MENU] → OFF [MENU] [EXIT] - Optional — Delete existing channel data:
[MENU] 28 → [channel number] [MENU] [EXIT] - Enter the repeater output frequency (your receive frequency) using the keypad.
- Input the repeater offset:
[MENU] 26 [MENU] [offset] [MENU] [EXIT] - Enter the TX frequency shift:
[MENU] 25 [MENU] [1 = positive / 2 = negative] [MENU] [EXIT] - Optional — Enter TX CTCSS/DCS tone for repeater access:
CTCSS:[MENU] 13 [MENU] [code] [MENU] [EXIT]
DCS:[MENU] 12 [MENU] [code] [MENU] [EXIT] - Assign receive frequency to channel:
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [channel number] [MENU] [EXIT] - Press [*Scan] to activate Reverse Mode and display the TX frequency.
- Assign TX frequency to same channel:
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [same channel number] [MENU] [EXIT] - Press [*Scan] to exit Reverse Mode.
Recommended Accessories for the UV-5R III
- ▶ Speaker Mic — Handheld shoulder mic for easier hands-free communication.
- ▶ Programming Cable — Programme all 128 channels quickly via PC & CHIRP software.
- ▶ Bluetooth Programming Adapter — Programme your UV-5R III wirelessly from your smartphone.
- ▶ View All Baofeng Accessories
Who Uses the Baofeng UV-5R III in the UK?
The UV-5R III is popular with UK amateur radio operators, outdoor enthusiasts, and professional teams who need tri-band flexibility:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes the UV-5R III different from the standard UV-5R?
A: The key difference is the addition of the 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 — are shared with the standard UV-5R platform.
Q: Is the UV-5R III legal to use in the UK?
A: The UV-5R III is legal to own and receive on in the UK without a licence. To transmit, you require a valid UK Amateur Radio (Ham) Licence or a UK Business Radio Licence issued by Ofcom. It is not authorised for PMR446 licence-free channels. See our guide: UK Ham Radio Licences — Your Complete Guide.
Q: How do I programme the UV-5R III?
A: Two options are available. Use the free CHIRP software or official Baofeng CPS software with an original Baofeng USB programming cable — recommended. Manual keypad programming is also available — see the step-by-step guide in the programming section above. Full CHIRP guide: How to Program Your Baofeng Radio Using CHIRP.
Q: Does the UV-5R III work on UK repeaters?
A: Yes. With a valid UK Amateur Radio Licence, the UV-5R III 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 using CHIRP or the manual keypad method described above.
Q: Which antenna bundle should I choose?
A: The stock antenna is a good general-purpose option for most users. The NA-771 (38.5cm) provides higher gain on VHF and UHF for improved range — ideal for outdoor and rural UK use. The 18.8 inch CS Tactical Antenna is foldable and compact — suitable for field use where a longer fixed antenna would be impractical. All antennas use the SMA-Female connector and are plug-and-play compatible with the UV-5R III.
Q: VHF vs UHF — which band should I use with the UV-5R III?
A: VHF (136–174MHz) delivers greater range in open UK outdoor environments — hills, countryside, and large open sites. UHF (400–520MHz) penetrates buildings and urban structures better — ideal for cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The 1.25M band (220–260MHz) sits between the two and is less congested in most UK areas. Read more: VHF vs UHF — Which is Better?
Q: What earpiece connector does the UV-5R III use?
A: The UV-5R III uses a Kenwood K-Type 2-pin connector, compatible with all K-Type speaker mics, earpieces, and headsets. A PTT earpiece is included in the box.
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 radio
Great radio! Fantastic quality really happy with it. The usb c charging port is so much easier to charge it
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Baofeng UV 5RIII
very good little radio. Seems well constructed and easy to set up. Recommended
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uv-5r111
seems fine so far in the process of getting to understand how it works. rig came set to Chinese language, but managed to sort it out manual not very good
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Excellent radio!
Outstanding functionality for the price, and a very high quality product! Bought for a paintball and airsoft team, we're all using this radio. Highly recommended!!
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Baofeng two way radio
A very good piece of kit
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BAOFENG UV-5R III TRI-BAND VHF/UHF 136-174/220-260/400-520MHZ WALKIE TALKIE TWO WAY RADIO
Use it only as a marine band scanner, it is excellent
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UV 5R Tri band III
Brilliant little radio for a introduction into the world of radio's. Great price for the radio - and for what it is capable off. However will say that the instruction manual does need to be more thorough and complete, and should include frequencies tables for the customers destination country. Sturdy enough and robust radio, I have no regrets from buying this radio as a first radio, an excellent little machine and would not be suprised if it is the best radio for its price range. I am that inpressed with it i am thinking of getting more for my camping/hiking and wild camping group. Perfect radio for those that would like to get into the world of radio's but who's budgets are low that locks them out of the higher costing radio systems (which many are more "delicate" than this little gem)
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BAOFENG UV-5R III TRI-BAND
a great radio at a good price...delivery was very slow
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Just got it
Great little radio