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Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band Radio with Earpiece

Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band Radio with Earpiece

4.7· 160 ratings

Best price now

$22.39at RadioddityObserved at 7:53 PM

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Our take on the Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band Radio with Earpiece

The Baofeng UV-5RX3 is a tri-band handheld radio (VHF, UHF and 1.25m) with 128 channels, a Li-ion battery and a claimed 5.5-mile range. It is a cheap way into amateur and hobby radio, and it ships with an earpiece. At $22.39 at Radioddity as of November 3, 2026, it sits at the low end of its recent price range, so this is a good moment to buy.

Best forNew ham and GMRS-curious hobbyistsHikers and campers who want a cheap backup radioEvent and security staff on a budgetBuyers who want a spare handheld without spending much
Pros
  • Very low price for a tri-band handheld
  • 128 channels with VHF and UHF coverage
  • Removable Li-ion battery, easy to carry spares
  • Earpiece included in the box
  • Widely supported by free programming software and cables
Cons
  • Stock antenna and front end are weak; range falls well short of 5.5 miles in practice
  • Not water-resistant and the build feels plasticky
  • Programming by keypad is tedious; needs a cable and software
  • Transmit quality and spurious emissions are mediocre
  • Requires a license to transmit legally on most bands

Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band Radio with Earpiece prices at every store

  • RadioddityNew

    In stock

    $22.39Observed at 7:53 PM
    Visit store
  • BaofengNew

    In stock

    $27.99Observed at 7:53 PM
    Visit store
  • BaofengOpen box

    Availability unknown

    $19.99Observed at 7:53 PM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • ShopCheck price at Shop

Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band Radio with Earpiece price history

Lowest price we've seen: $22.39 on Nov 4 at Radioddity. Tracked across 3 stores since Nov 4.

What reviewers say

Owners rate it highly as a first or spare radio for the money, and the 4.7 average from 160 ratings reflects that. Complaints center on real-world range, audio quality and the fiddly menu system.

Pros
  • Great value for a tri-band handheld
  • Light and easy to carry on a hike or shift
  • Battery lasts a full day of light use
  • Simple to program with a cable and free software
Cons
  • Range is far below the advertised 5.5 miles
  • Audio is tinny and the stock antenna is poor
  • Menu-driven setup frustrates beginners
  • Feels cheap and is not waterproof

Specifications

Frequency
UHF, VHF
Battery Technology
Li-ion
Use
Consumer
Color
Black
Number Of Channels
128 channel
Maximum Range
5.5 miles range

Questions and answers

Is the UV-5RX3 worth it?
Yes if you want a cheap first or spare handheld and accept its limits. At $22.39 at Radioddity as of November 3, 2026, it costs little more than a spare battery for pricier radios.
How does it compare with the UV-5R?
It adds 1.25m coverage and a third band on top of the UV-5R's VHF/UHF, with the same basic body and menu system. If you only need VHF and UHF, the UV-5R is usually cheaper.
What is the real battery life?
Expect roughly a day of light use or several hours of heavy transmitting on the included Li-ion pack. Spare batteries are cheap, so carry one on long trips.
Does it need a license?
Yes for transmitting on amateur bands in the US; you need a Technician license. Listening is unrestricted, and some channels fall under other services with their own rules.
What is in the box?
The radio, a Li-ion battery, an antenna, a charger and the earpiece. A programming cable is not included.
When is it cheapest?
Prices on this model move little, but it is currently near its recent low at $22.39 at Radioddity as of November 3, 2026. Watch for bundle deals that add a cable or spare battery.
Where is the Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band Radio with Earpiece cheapest?
At Radioddity, for $22.39, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band Radio with Earpiece?
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 160 ratings.
Where can I buy the Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band Radio with Earpiece?
4 stores we checked sell it, including Baofeng, Radioddity, eBay, Shop.