Why the BaoFeng Might Be the Ideal First Ham Radio

If you’ve spent any time researching beginner-friendly ham radios, you’ve probably come across the BaoFeng brand. They are cheap (often under $30), relatively durable, and, thanks to that low cost, it has introduced countless new operators to amateur radio—earning it the reputation as the “gateway drug” to ham radio. In this post, we’ll discuss why the UV-5R (and its close relatives like the GT-5R) might be the perfect first radio, cover some of the concerns and controversies from seasoned hams, and suggest a couple of alternatives if you have a slightly bigger budget.

BaoFeng UV-5R Plus: Quick Overview

Price Range: Usually in the $25–$35 bracket.
Frequency Coverage: 2m/70cm (VHF/UHF).
Power Output: Typically 4–5W (though some versions claim “8W,” real-world difference is minimal).
Build Quality: Basic plastic shell; not waterproof or particularly rugged, but durable enough for everyday use.

Disclaimer: The BaoFeng UV-5R Plus (and variants) are known for questionable quality control and spurious emissions. However, for a minimal investment—often less than a single restaurant meal—you get a functional handheld radio that can kickstart your ham journey.

Affordability: Cheaper Than a Meal Out

A key selling point of the BaoFeng radios is their ultra-low price. For around $25, you can get on the air without breaking the bank.

Low Risk: If you accidentally break or lose it, the financial setback is small.
Easily Replaceable: Spare batteries, antennas, and accessories are abundant and inexpensive.
Multiple Units: Many hams buy multiple BaoFengs to keep in go-bags, vehicles, or around the house.

Common Concerns & Controversies

Potential for Unlicensed Misuse
- Because it’s so cheap, many people buy a BaoFeng before they’re licensed. This can lead to illegal transmissions on ham bands or FRS/GMRS frequencies where BaoFengs aren’t FCC-certified to transmit.
Build & RF Quality
- The UV-5R’s “front end” (its receiver) can be easily overloaded in RF-rich environments.
- Transmit audio can be muddy, the interface is clunky, and the included documentation is often poor.
- Some older models generate “spurious emissions” that can interfere with adjacent frequencies.

Despite these downsides, many operators argue that its affordability helps grow the hobby. By lowering the cost barrier, BaoFeng invites newcomers who eventually upgrade to more expensive and higher-quality radios once they’re hooked.

General Community Opinions

The broader ham radio community has varied perspectives on BaoFeng radios:

Some enthusiasts note that many hams dislike BaoFeng due to its low cost attracting unlicensed users.
It’s often emphasized that these radios are indeed FCC Part 97 certified for amateur frequencies, but not intended for FRS/GMRS use.
Critics point to the user interface as being non-intuitive, the documentation as minimal, and warn about potential spurious transmissions.

Others characterize the UV-5R as a “gateway drug” to ham radio, advising that newcomers stick with the most basic model (or the GT-5R variant) rather than relying on marketing claims about higher power. Proponents highlight that it’s durable and easy to program, whether by keypad or computer software, making it a go-to choice for getting on the air quickly. At the same time, some operators caution that BaoFeng’s lower price can mean lower RF performance—particularly in crowded environments—yet they acknowledge its role in bringing many new people into the hobby.

Other Entry-Level Alternatives

If you have a bit more cash to spend, you might consider:

Yaesu FT-4X (~$75)
- Better build quality and cleaner transmit signal than the UV-5R.
- Still fairly budget-friendly.
Yaesu FT-60R (~$150)
- Considered a “tried and true” workhorse.
- More robust front end and better audio than BaoFeng.

These radios are “BaoFeng-like” in simplicity but are made to higher quality standards. If you plan to operate often in urban or RF-heavy environments, you’ll likely appreciate the improved receive performance.

Why a Handheld Radio Matters for New Hams

A handheld (HT) is usually the easiest entry point:

Portability: Throw it in your bag or glove compartment.
Simplicity: Short antenna, no external power supply needed (runs on battery).
Community Interaction: Monitor local repeaters, join nets, and easily call for help or local advice.
Learn the Basics: You’ll get a feel for programming frequencies, PL tones, offsets, and operating simplex.

Where to Buy & Price Tracking

If you’re curious about how much these radios cost right now—and who’s selling them—take a look at HamRadioPrices.com. We track the latest deals and updates for a variety of ham radio models, including:

...and many more. Since these radios can fluctuate in price—or go on sale—bookmark our site for quick reference before you buy.

Final Thoughts

The BaoFeng UV-5R Plus might not be the pinnacle of radio engineering—its interface can be clunky, the build quality is modest, and the audio isn’t always stellar. But it’s cheap, it works, and it has helped thousands of new hams get on the air quickly. If you want something a bit more refined, you can check out the Yaesu FT-4X or FT-60R for a higher price (and higher quality). Whichever route you choose, grab your radio, explore your local repeaters, and maybe plan a trip to the nearest park or summit—there’s no better time to discover all that amateur radio has to offer.