UV-5R Series

Baofeng UV-5R Series UK:
Compare Models & Choose the Right Radio

The Baofeng UV-5R series offers affordable, versatile handheld radios with dual band (VHF/UHF) reception, popular with UK amateur radio operators, outdoor users, security teams and businesses.

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Tracked UK Delivery Reliable delivery across the UK
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12-Month Warranty Shop with confidence
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Expert Support UK-based help & guides
⚠️ Important: Not Licence-Free

Baofeng UV-5R series radios are programmable two-way radios and are not PMR446 licence-free radios. In the UK, you normally need an Ofcom licence (e.g. Amateur Radio Licence) to transmit legally.

UK Licence Guidance → View PMR446 Alternatives →

Quick Model Chooser

Find the right UV-5R model for your needs.

Baofeng Classic UV-5R Dual Band
Classic Dual-Band The original popular 5W model. View UV-5R
Baofeng UV-5R Mini Bluetooth
Compact / Bluetooth Bluetooth App Programming. View 5R Mini
Baofeng UV-5RH 10W USB-C
USB-C / High Power 10W output with USB-C. View UV-5RH
Baofeng UV-5RH Pro GPS
Long Range / GPS Built-in GPS & APRS tracking. View 5RH Pro
Models Compare UK Licence Programming Business FAQs

Our Baofeng UV-5R Series Radios

Choose a model to view full details, specifications and compatible accessories.

Baofeng UV-5RH Pro GPS
Baofeng UV-5RH Pro GPS
10W + Built-in GPS Tracking
10W GPS 640CH Airband RX USB-C
View Product →
Baofeng UV-5RH 10W
Baofeng UV-5RH
10W High Power & 2500mAh
10W 999CH Airband RX USB-C 2500mAh
View Product →
Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
Baofeng UV-5RM Plus
10W Multi-Band with Airband
10W 999CH Airband RX USB-C NOAA
View Product →
UV-5R Black UV-5R Camo
Baofeng UV-5R
Black | Camo — Classic Ham Radio
5W 128CH VHF / UHF CHIRP
Black → Camo →
UV-5R III Black UV-5R III Camo UV-5R III 3800mAh
Baofeng UV-5R III
Tri-Band (VHF/UHF/220MHz)
5W Tri-Band 128CH CHIRP
Black Camo 3800mAh
Baofeng UV-5R Mini
Baofeng UV-5R Mini
Ultra-Compact with Bluetooth App
5W 999CH Airband RX USB-C Bluetooth
View Product →

↓ Explore Our Best-Selling Baofeng UV-5R Series Radios Below

Which UV-5R model fits your needs?

Choose the option that best matches how you plan to use your radio.

👤 I'm a beginner Start with the classic UV-5R.
📱 I want a compact radio Choose the UV-5R Mini for smaller size.
📍 I need GPS Get the UV-5RH Pro GPS for APRS and location features.
🔋 I want a larger battery The UV-5RH and UV-5RM Plus offer 2500mAh.
✈️ I want aviation receive All multi-band models include airband receive.

Model Comparison Table

Compare key features across the Baofeng UV-5R series.

Feature Baofeng UV-5R UV-5R Baofeng UV-5R III UV-5R III Baofeng UV-5R Mini UV-5R Mini Baofeng UV-5RH UV-5RH Baofeng UV-5RH Pro GPS UV-5RH Pro GPS Baofeng UV-5RM Plus UV-5RM Plus
Power Output 5W 5W 5W 10W 10W 10W
Band Capability Dual Band Tri-Band Multi-Band Multi-Band Multi-Band Multi-Band
Airband RX No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Memory Channels 128 128 999 999 640 999
Battery 1800mAh 1800mAh / 3800mAh 1800mAh 2500mAh 2500mAh 2500mAh
USB-C Charging No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
GPS No No No No Yes No
Bluetooth BT-A1D Adapter No Built-in BT-A1D Adapter BT-A1D Adapter BT-A1D Adapter
CHIRP Compatible Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Shop Now Shop Now Shop Now Shop Now Shop Now Shop Now
Baofeng BT-A1D Wireless Bluetooth Programming Adapter

Bluetooth Programming with the BT-A1D Adapter

The Baofeng BT-A1D Bluetooth adapter allows you to program your UV-5R, UV-5RH, UV-5RH Pro GPS, and UV-5RM Plus wirelessly via the free OLA app on your smartphone — no PC or cables required. Note: The UV-5R Mini features built-in Bluetooth and does not require the adapter.

Shop BT-A1D → BT-A1D Setup Guide

UK Legal Use & Licensing

It's important to understand the rules before you transmit.

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Licensed Programmable Use (UV-5R Series)

Baofeng UV-5R series radios can transmit on amateur radio frequencies, but you normally need an Ofcom licence (e.g. Foundation, Intermediate or Full Amateur Radio Licence) to do so legally in the UK.

Read Our UK Licence Guide →
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Need Licence-Free Communication?

If you need simple, legal, licence-free radios for family, work or outdoor use, view our PMR446 range. These meet UK rules with fixed antennas and 0.5W output power.

View PMR446 Radios →

Programming & Support

Get the most from your UV-5R series radio with our guides, software and accessories.

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Programming Software Download and setup guides.
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User Manuals Official manuals and resources.
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CHIRP Guide How to program with CHIRP.
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Programming Cables Compatible cables and drivers.
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Bluetooth Guide For app programming models.

Business, Bulk Orders & Team Use

The UV-5R series can be a cost-effective solution for businesses, security teams, schools and event organisers (with the correct licence).

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  • Volume discounts available
  • Guidance on licensing for business use
  • Bundles with accessories and earpieces
  • Support for schools, construction, security, events and more
Request a Quote → or contact our team for advice
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Reviewed by UK Radio Specialists
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Last updated 2026
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12-Month Warranty
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Tracked UK Delivery
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30-Day Returns
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Information from Ofcom
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Guidance from RSGB
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Specification Methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Baofeng UV-5R series in the UK.

Is the Baofeng UV-5R Series legal to use in the UK?

All UV-5R Series radios are legal to own and use for receiving (listening) in the UK without any licence. To transmit, you must hold a valid UK Amateur Radio Licence (Foundation, Intermediate, or Full) issued by Ofcom, or an Ofcom Business Radio Licence for commercial use. Transmitting without a licence is a criminal offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006. Read our UK Ham Radio Licence guide to get started.

How far can the Baofeng UV-5R transmit?

Transmission range depends entirely on your environment. A standard 5W UV-5R can typically reach 1 to 3 miles in built-up urban areas, and up to 5 to 10+ miles in open countryside with a clear line of sight. Upgrading to a 10W model (like the UV-5RH) and attaching a high-gain antenna (such as the NA-771) will significantly improve signal penetration and overall distance.

Can I program PMR446 channels into a UV-5R to use it without a licence?

No. In the UK, PMR446 licence-free radios must legally have a fixed (non-removable) antenna and a maximum power output of 0.5W. Because the UV-5R series features removable antennas and outputs 5W to 10W, it is illegal to transmit on PMR446 frequencies with these radios, even if programmed to do so. If you need a radio for everyday casual use, please browse our compliant PMR446 Licence-Free Radios.

Which UV-5R model should I choose?

It depends on your needs:

  • Best entry-level: UV-5R Black or Camo — affordable, reliable, and widely supported.
  • Best for tri-band: UV-5R III — adds 220MHz band operation.
  • Best compact / EDC: UV-5R Mini — ultra-compact with built-in Bluetooth and airband.
  • Best high power: UV-5RH — 10W output with 2500mah battery and USB-C.
  • Best for GPS tracking: UV-5RH Pro GPS — built-in GPS for outdoor expeditions.
  • Best multi-band: UV-5RM Plus — widest frequency coverage and 999 channels.
Are all UV-5R Series radios CHIRP compatible?

Yes. All models in the UV-5R Series are fully compatible with CHIRP. A USB programming cable is required for PC connection on most models. The UV-5R Mini also supports wireless programming via its built-in Bluetooth and the OLA app. For other models, the optional BT-A1D Bluetooth adapter enables wireless programming.

What is the difference between the UV-5R and UV-5RH?

The UV-5RH is a major upgrade over the standard UV-5R across every specification: 10W power (vs 5W), 2500mAh battery (vs 1800mAh), colour display, 999 channels, Airband RX, and USB-C charging.

Can the UV-5R Series receive air band frequencies?

Air band reception (108-136MHz AM) is available on the UV-5R Mini, UV-5RH, UV-5RH Pro GPS, and UV-5RM Plus. This makes them popular with aviation enthusiasts. Transmitting on air band frequencies is strictly illegal in the UK.

How do I program a Baofeng UV-5R Series radio?

There are three ways to program them: via the manual keypad, using CHIRP software + USB cable on a PC, or via the Bluetooth app (OLA) for supported models like the UV-5R Mini or via the BT-A1D adapter. Read our CHIRP Programming Guide for detailed steps.

Does the UV-5R III support tri-band operation?

Yes. The UV-5R III supports tri-band transmit and receive across VHF, the 220MHz band, and UHF. The 220MHz band provides additional frequency flexibility for licensed amateur radio operators.

Related Guides & Useful Links

Learn more about using Baofeng radios in the UK.

📄
UK Legal Guide Licence rules explained.
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PMR446 vs UV-5R Which radio is right for you?
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Best Walkie Talkies Comparison and recommendations.
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Programming a UV-5R Step-by-step CHIRP guide.

The Baofeng UV-5R is without doubt the most recognised and widely sold amateur radio handheld in the United Kingdom. Since its original launch, the UV-5R family has grown into a comprehensive series covering every need — from the ultra-affordable entry-level UV-5R Black to the feature-packed UV-5RH Pro GPS with built-in GPS tracking.

All Baofeng UV-5R Series radios sold by Baofeng Radio UK are genuine, factory-certified units with a 12 months warranty and dedicated UK customer support. Need a licence-free option? Browse our PMR446 licence-free radios.