Baofeng UV-5R Mini Dual Band UHF/VHF Radio

The Baofeng UV-5R Mini takes the radio that got a generation of people into ham and preparedness and shrinks it to pocket size. It's a dual-band VHF/UHF handheld with selectable 5W or 2W output, 999 memory channels, and receive across FM broadcast, airband, NOAA weather, and the standard UHF/VHF range. The point of the Mini is that it does the UV-5R's core job in a body small enough to actually carry every day, clip inside a pack, or stage in a kit without it being the bulky thing you leave behind.

Programming is the part that's genuinely better than the original. It has Bluetooth app programming for iOS and Android, so you can set up channels and settings from your phone in a few minutes with no cable. If you'd rather use a computer, CHIRP and Baofeng's CPS both work over a programming cable, so bulk programming and codeplug workflows are still fully supported. There's also one-touch frequency copy that clones channel data (including CTCSS/DCS tones) directly to another Mini, which is the fast way to get a whole group on the same plan.

For field use it has dual PTT buttons with true dual-watch, so you can monitor and key up on two channels, a reverse-frequency button to flip TX and RX for working repeaters, a customizable side key, a flashlight, and a full keypad for editing in the field. Power is a USB-C rechargeable battery, so you charge it off a power bank or car adapter with no dedicated dock to carry. Note the USB-C port is power only, not data.

One straight-shooting note: transmitting on the amateur VHF/UHF bands requires an appropriate license. Receiving is open, and getting your technician license is easy, but key up legally. If you're outfitting a team or building a go-kit, pair it with our ReadyRadio Comms Cards so everyone has the menu paths and channel plan on hand, and see the full range of radios and comms gear.

UV-5R Mini vs the Original UV-5R

If you're choosing between this and the standard UV-5R, the trade is size versus battery and ecosystem. The Mini is far smaller and adds Bluetooth programming and USB-C charging the classic UV-5R doesn't have. The full-size UV-5R has a larger battery for longer runtime and the deepest accessory and battery support of any handheld out there. For EDC and a slim go-kit, the Mini wins. For a primary base or vehicle radio where size doesn't matter, the original is still hard to beat. Stepping up, the UV-5RM is the rugged, higher-power UV-5R upgrade.

Kit It Out

The Mini uses the standard Baofeng K1 two-pin accessory port, so the same accessories that fit a UV-5R fit it. A few worth grabbing: a shoulder speaker mic so you don't have to pull the radio off your kit to talk, a flexible upgrade antenna for better performance than the stock whip, and our ReadyRadio Comms Cards for quick-reference programming and channel info in the field.

Specs

• Type: Dual-band VHF/UHF handheld transceiver
• Frequency range: VHF 136–174 MHz / UHF 400–480 MHz
• Power output: 5W / 2W selectable
• Channels: 999 memory channels
• Receive: FM broadcast, airband, NOAA weather, UHF/VHF
• Programming: Bluetooth app (iOS/Android), CHIRP, CPS, keypad
• Battery: 1600mAh USB-C rechargeable (port is power only)
• Accessory port: Baofeng K1 two-pin
• Features: Dual PTT, dual watch, frequency copy, reverse frequency, customizable side key, flashlight, NOAA scan
• Dimensions: approx. 4.3 × 2.0 × 1.5 in
• Weight: approx. 7.1 oz

FAQ

Do I need a license to use it?
You can receive freely, but transmitting on the amateur VHF/UHF bands requires an amateur radio license. The entry-level technician license is straightforward to earn and covers these bands.

How do I program it?
Three ways: the Bluetooth app on iOS or Android for cable-free setup from your phone, CHIRP or Baofeng's CPS on a computer using a programming cable for bulk or advanced work, or directly from the keypad in the field. You can also one-touch copy channels from one Mini to another.

Will my UV-5R accessories work on it?
Yes. The Mini uses the standard Baofeng K1 two-pin accessory port, so mics, earpieces, programming cables, and antennas built for the UV-5R fit the Mini.

Can I charge it from a power bank?
Yes. The battery charges over USB-C, so a power bank, car adapter, or any USB source works, with no charging dock needed. The USB-C port is for charging only, not data, so program over Bluetooth or a programming cable.

How is it different from the regular UV-5R?
The Mini is much smaller and adds Bluetooth programming and USB-C charging. The full-size UV-5R has a bigger battery and the widest accessory support. Pick the Mini for carry and compact kits, the original for a larger primary radio.