Baofeng radios: pick by license, not by range claims
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Quick answer
Baofeng radios such as the UV-5R are handheld two-way radios, and you need the right FCC license to transmit. In 2018 the FCC warned that many two-way VHF/UHF radios sold in the U.S. were not authorized. It said buyers should check that a radio is labeled FCC-compliant or works only on amateur frequencies. BTECH, the U.S. team formerly called BaoFeng Tech, sorts its radios by service. Its GMRS-V2 is for GMRS licensees, and its UV-PRO is for licensed amateur or Part 90 users.
What the FCC said about Baofeng-style radios
The FCC Enforcement Bureau's 2018 advisory (DA 18-980) says two-way VHF/UHF radios must be FCC authorized before they are imported, advertised, sold or used. Its key points:
- Some radios can be modified to transmit on public safety and other land mobile channels, or use prohibited wideband modes; the FCC calls those radios illegal.
- A radio needs no FCC equipment authorization only if it can operate only on amateur frequencies, and even then the operator needs an amateur license.
- The FCC said it had seen radios operating at 136 to 143, 400 to 419 and 451 to 520 MHz, outside the amateur bands.
- Before buying or using one, the FCC says to make sure the radio is labeled FCC-compliant or operates solely within amateur frequencies.
The advisory also cited an FCC citation against a seller that did business as Baofengradio.US.
Which license do you need?
| Service | License | Repeaters | Notes from BTECH and FCC |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMRS | FCC individual license, no exam | Yes | FCC says it covers the licensee and immediate family, around 462 and 467 MHz |
| FRS | Licensed by rule (no application) | No | Handheld radios with built-in antennas, 0.5 or 2 W by channel |
| MURS | Licensed by rule | No | Five VHF channels, 2 W limit |
| Amateur (ham) | FCC license and exam | Yes | FCC says most new operators start at Technician class |
BTECH's guide warns against choosing by advertised mileage; terrain, antenna placement and repeaters matter more than the number on the box.
The UV-5R family
The UV-5R is the search most people start with. BTECH sells the BaoFeng BF-F8HP as the third-generation UV-5R, with 8, 4 and 1 W power settings, a 2,000 mAh battery and compatibility with UV-5R accessories. BTECH lists it as transmitting on 136 to 174 MHz and 400 to 520 MHz, which is wider than the amateur bands, so the FCC advisory's label check applies before you buy or transmit.
Because of that wide range, we do not list a UV-5R style radio as a pick here. If you hold an amateur license and want one, check the FCC label on the exact unit, program only the frequencies your license allows, and see our ham radio guide for radios from Yaesu and Icom.
GMRS-V2 vs UV-PRO
| Spec | BTECH GMRS-V2 | BTECH UV-PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Service stated by maker | GMRS (Part 95E) | Amateur and Part 90 commercial; not certified for GMRS |
| License you need | GMRS | Amateur, or a Part 90 authorization |
| Power | 0.5 or 5 W | Not listed on the page we read |
| Channels | 200, custom names | 180 in six banks |
| Extras | Repeater capable, NOAA weather, USB-C charging, IP54 | GPS, APRS, Bluetooth KISS packet link, app programming |
BTECH notes that on the GMRS-V2, FRS interstitial channels 8 to 14 are limited to low power under FCC rules.
Before you transmit
- Pick the service your group will use: GMRS for family and repeaters, FRS for simple license-free handhelds, ham if you will take the exam.
- Get the license from the FCC; GMRS needs no exam, amateur needs one.
- Check the radio's label as the FCC advises, and transmit only within the radio's authorization and your license, as BTECH also states for the UV-PRO.
- Program carefully: BTECH offers programming software and a support center for its radios.
- Practice before an emergency so everyone knows the channel plan.
What to look for when you buy
For GMRS licensees: BTECH GMRS-V2
Best for: Families with a GMRS license who want repeater access and NOAA weather
BTECH lists GMRS (Part 95E) transmit and receive, 0.5 or 5 W, 200 custom channels, repeater compatibility, NOAA weather, USB-C charging and IP54.
Watch out: You need an FCC GMRS license to transmit; FRS channels 8 to 14 stay at low power.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)For licensed hams: BTECH UV-PRO
Best for: Amateur operators who want GPS, APRS and app programming
BTECH lists the UV-PRO for amateur and Part 90 use, with GPS and APRS, a Bluetooth KISS packet link and 180 channels in six banks.
Watch out: BTECH says it is not certified for GMRS; transmit only within your license and the radio's authorization.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- Do you need a license for a Baofeng radio?
- To transmit, yes in most cases: an amateur license for ham bands or a GMRS license for GMRS; the FCC says even amateur-only radios need a licensed operator.
- Is the Baofeng UV-5R legal in the US?
- The FCC says to check that a radio is labeled FCC-compliant or operates only on amateur frequencies before buying or using it.
- Can a Baofeng UV-5R be used on GMRS?
- Use a radio certified for GMRS; BTECH sells the GMRS-V2 for that and says its UV-PRO is not GMRS-certified.
- What is BTECH?
- BTECH says it is the current brand of the U.S. team formerly known as BaoFeng Tech, and it supports legacy BaoFeng products.
Sources
- Enforcement Advisory 2018-03: two-way VHF/UHF radios may not be imported, advertised, or sold unless they comply (DA 18-980), Federal Communications Commission
- General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), Federal Communications Commission
- Amateur Radio Service, Federal Communications Commission
- Radio service guide: GMRS vs FRS vs MURS vs ham, BTECH
- GMRS-V2, BTECH
- UV-PRO, BTECH
- BaoFeng BF-F8HP, BTECH