Rating of the TOP-5 Baofeng radios of 2022: overview and characteristics

Baofeng radios are well-deservedly popular with consumers.

it functional, simple and high-quality devices sold at an affordable price.

In this review, we will consider the best models of Baofeng walkie-talkies, we will analyze the criteria for choosing equipment from this manufacturer.

What features of Baofeng walkie-talkies should you pay attention to when choosing?

Baofeng radios are distinguished by a good combination of price and quality, the devices have intuitive controls, modern electronics and excellent functionality.

When buying a Baofeng walkie-talkie, you need to consider a number of the following points:

• Frequency range.
  The company produces both stations with civilian bands that are allowed for use without registration on the territory of Russia, as well as professional equipment for frequencies that require a license.
  The former support the UHF band with LPD and PMR frequencies, the latter support VHF and part of the UHF band.
  Dual band devices provide communication in VHF and UHF at the same time.
• Communication range.
  The characteristics of Baofeng equipment indicate the corresponding parameter for open areas.
  In the city and on rough terrain, the maximum communication range is reduced several times.
• Device power.
  The brand completes its walkie-talkies with reliable and capacious lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries, which are characterized by the absence of a memory effect and a high resource.
  Some models are available with AAA batteries.
• The type of radio station.
  Baofeng digital radios are more expensive, but provide better communication quality with low background noise and interference, high sound quality, and signal encryption.
  Analog models do not have these advantages, but they are cheaper.
• Body execution.
  The manufacturer produces its equipment in secure, ergonomic and durable cases.
  A number of models are reinforced with a powerful metal chassis.
  The best stations have IP54 or MIL-STD 810 shock, water and dust resistance.
• Controls.
  Baofeng equipment is equipped with a screen and keyboard, but some devices are available without them.
  The first option is the most convenient in operation, the second (with control buttons and knobs) is more reliable in extreme conditions.

Review of the best Baofeng radio models

Baofeng Portable Radios suitable for both domestic and professional use.

The models considered in the review in terms of their performance characteristics are not inferior to expensive devices of more famous brands.

Baofeng UV-5R

Compact walkie-talkie in an ergonomic yellow case Baofeng UV-5R is a dual-band professional transceiver with wide functionality and stylish design.

The model is equipped with a convenient keyboard, an informative display, and a removable antenna.

The station can operate in two bands - UHF and VHF.

The transition through the channels is carried out by pressing the A / B button.

The equipment provides a communication range of up to 10 km within line of sight, supports direct input of frequencies from the keypad, has the ability to set the backlight off time, and operates at an air temperature of -20 ... 60 °C.

Specifications:

• frequencies - VHF / UHF, 136-174 / 400-520 / 65-108 MHz (reception only);
• transmitter - 5 W, power switching, range 10 km;
• channels - 128, CTCSS / DCS / DTMF encoding;
• antenna design - removable;
• power supply - battery, Li-Ion, 1800 mAh;
• Audio – Noise canceling, 1000mW output, headset support;
• functionality - FM receiver, VOX, PTT, channel scanner, Dual Watch, key lock, PC programming, Roger Beep, timer;
• features - display, LED flashlight, memory connection, charge indication, energy saving;
• dimensions and weight of the equipment - 58 × 110 × 32 mm, 250 g.

Baofeng BF-888S

The portable model Baofeng BF-888S in a practical black plastic case, operating in the civilian frequency range of 400-470 MHz and having 16 memory channels, will suit fishermen, hunters, hikers and motorized tourists, builders and security workers.

In open space, the station guarantees stable reception / transmission at a distance of up to 6 km.

In the city and on rough terrain, the distance is reduced by about 2 times.

The model is equipped with special indicators - green (reception) and red (transmission).

The device is powered by a 1500 mAh battery.

The package includes - LED flashlight, clip, belt clip, rechargeable battery, charger.

Specifications:

• frequencies - UHF, 400-470 MHz;
• transmitter - 5 W, power switching, range 6 km;
• channels - 16, CTCSS/DCS encoding;
• antenna design - removable;
• power supply - battery, Li-Ion, 1500 mAh;
• sound - noise reduction, headset support;
• functionality - FM receiver, VOX, PTT, channel scanner, PC programming, timer, emergency channel tuning, scrambler;
• features - LED flashlight, charger connection, charge indication, energy saving;
• dimensions and weight of the equipment - 55 × 100 × 34 mm, 166 g.

Baofeng UV-5R 8W

The Baofeng UV-5R 8W portable communication device with three power modes, supporting dual band operation, stands out with its price / quality ratio and perfectly pairs with radio stations operating on the corresponding waves.

This model is equipped with HI/MID/LOW power switch, battery saver option, FM radio, 128-channel memory, auto-scan search system.

The device is equipped with an LED flashlight, a detachable antenna, a charger, a carrying clip and an ergonomic headset.

Depending on the conditions, the equipment provides communication at a distance of up to 12 km.

Specifications:

• frequencies - VHF / UHF, 136-174 / 400-520 / 65-108 MHz (reception only);
• transmitter - 8 W, power switching, range 12 km;
• channels - 128, CTCSS / DCS / DTMF encoding;
• antenna design - removable;
• power supply - battery, Li-Ion, 1800 mAh;
• sound - noise reduction, headset support;
• functionality - FM receiver, VOX, PTT, channel scanner / monitoring, Dual Watch, key lock, PC programming, Roger Beep, timer;
• features - display, LED flashlight, memory connection, charge indication, energy saving;
• dimensions and weight of the equipment - 58 × 110 × 32 mm, 130 g.

Baofeng BF-T3

A set of two black Baofeng BF-T3 walkie-talkies is an inexpensive, extremely simple and easy-to-use portable set for voice communication over short distances.

The equipment supports negotiations between operators on any of the 22 channels and provides a receiving / transmitting range in line-of-sight conditions up to 3 km.

The stations are equipped with convenient control buttons on the front panel and are powered by 4 AAA batteries.

A miniature real-time display shows all the necessary information - status, active channel number, volume level and battery charge.

Specifications:

• frequencies - UHF, 400-470 MHz;
• transmitter - 0.5 W, power switching, range 3 km;
• channels - 22, CTCSS encoding;
• antenna design - non-removable;
• food - 4 AAA elements;
• sound - noise reduction, headset support, 10 melodies;
• functionality - VOX, PTT, channel scanning / monitoring, key lock;
• features - display, LED flashlight, charge indication, energy saving;
• dimensions and weight of the equipment - 55 × 145 × 35 mm, 79 g.

Baofeng UV-82 8W

The small-sized radio set Baofeng UV-82 8W with three power modes stands out against other models with an excellent price / quality ratio and the ability to work simultaneously in two bands.

The device is equipped with 2 transmission control buttons at different frequencies, equipped with a two-line digital display with a three-color backlight for different modes.

The device is equipped with an FM radio receiver, 128-channel memory, a high-capacity battery, and a power saving mode.

The product is equipped with a charger, charging stand, headset, carrying clip.

The operating temperature of the device is -20…60 °C.

Specifications:

• frequencies - VHF / UHF, 136-174 / 400-520 / 65-108 MHz (reception only);
• transmitter - 8 W, power switching, range 10 km;
• channels - 128, CTCSS / DCS / DTMF encoding;
• antenna design - removable;
• power supply - battery, Li-Ion, 2800 mAh;
• Audio – Noise canceling, 1000mW output, headset support;
• functionality - FM receiver, VOX, PTT, channel scanner, Dual Watch, key lock, PC programming, Roger Beep, timer;
• features - display, metal chassis, LED flashlight, charger connection, charge indication, energy saving;
• dimensions and weight of the equipment - 115 × 52 × 32 mm, 250 g.

Reviews

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Useful video

This video provides an overview of the Baofeng UV-5R radio station:

Conclusion

• Baofeng radio stations are functional, reliable, high-quality, simple and inexpensive devices that have won the love of a large number of users.
• Baofeng radios are characterized by excellent performance, intuitive operation, modern electronic base, powerful functionality and good equipment.
• When buying a Baofeng radio station, you should pay attention to its operating range, communication range, power type, case design and implementation of controls.