Can I use it without a ham license?

No. It transmits only on the 144–148 MHz and 420–450 MHz amateur bands, which require a license in the US. Listening does not require one.

Does it transmit on FRS, GMRS or MURS?

No. It will not transmit outside its stated ranges, so it cannot legally or technically work as an FRS, GMRS or MURS radio.

Is it a good first ham radio?

Yes for a licensed beginner on a tight budget. Expect to buy a programming cable and possibly a better antenna.

How is it programmed?

By hand through the keypad and menu, or with a computer using a USB programming cable and free software such as CHIRP.

What comes in the box?

Typically the radio, a battery, a stock antenna, a belt clip, a charger and a manual. Bundles vary, so check the contents.

How does it compare with the UV-5R Plus or other versions?

The core radio is the same; variants differ mainly in display, firmware and included accessories. None fixes the receiver's interference weakness.

Where is the UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way cheapest?

At Walmart, for $28.98, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 2 ratings.

NOBRAND

UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way

Best price now

$28.98at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

NOBRAND

UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way

Best price now

$28.98at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $28.98 at Walmart on Nov 10.

Our take on the UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way

The UV-5R is a compact dual-band VHF/UHF handheld transceiver covering 144–148 MHz and 420–450 MHz. It is the best-known entry-level ham radio: cheap, widely cloned, and supported by a large community of guides and third-party accessories. It transmits only inside those two ham bands, so it is not a general-purpose or license-free radio. Compared with pricier handhelds it lacks weatherproofing, a clean receiver and easy programming, but it does more per unit than most beginner radios.

Best forNewly licensed ham operatorsBudget first handheld radioListening on VHF/UHF public service and ham frequenciesSpare or backup radio for a go-bag

Pros

Covers both 2 m and 70 cm ham bands
Small, light body that fits a pocket or glovebox
Large aftermarket of batteries, antennas, cables and cases
Built-in flashlight and FM broadcast receiver
Widely documented; plenty of programming guides online

Cons

Transmits only within 144–148 and 420–450 MHz
Front-end is prone to overload and interference from strong nearby signals
Keypad programming is slow and confusing
Stock antenna and stock battery are mediocre
Not water-resistant and feels plasticky

UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by MyrdwellReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$28.98Free shippingChecked Nov 10
Visit Walmart

What reviewers say

Owners treat the UV-5R as a capable first radio for the money, but warn that it is a hobbyist's tool, not a rugged or simple device. Most praise its dual-band coverage and accessory support; complaints center on receiver interference, awkward menu programming and the stock antenna.

What people mention

Receiver interferenceCriticisedOwners report breakthrough and images from strong nearby transmitters, especially in cities.
ProgrammingCriticisedKeypad entry through the menu is slow; most people end up using a computer cable.
Band coveragePraisedUsers value having both 2 m and 70 cm in one small handheld.
Stock antennaCriticisedThe included antenna is often replaced for better range and reception.
BuildMixedIt feels light and plasticky, and it is not water-resistant, though it survives normal handling.
AccessoriesPraisedBatteries, antennas, cases and programming cables are easy to find and swap.

About the UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way

This is a dual band handheld two-way radio, model UV-5R. It operates on two frequency bands: 144-148 MHz and 420-450 MHz.

The radio transmits only within these frequency ranges.

Model: UV-5R
Type: Dual band handheld two-way radio
Frequency range: 144-148 MHz, 420-450 MHz

Questions and answers

Can I use it without a ham license?: No. It transmits only on the 144–148 MHz and 420–450 MHz amateur bands, which require a license in the US. Listening does not require one.
Does it transmit on FRS, GMRS or MURS?: No. It will not transmit outside its stated ranges, so it cannot legally or technically work as an FRS, GMRS or MURS radio.
Is it a good first ham radio?: Yes for a licensed beginner on a tight budget. Expect to buy a programming cable and possibly a better antenna.
How is it programmed?: By hand through the keypad and menu, or with a computer using a USB programming cable and free software such as CHIRP.
What comes in the box?: Typically the radio, a battery, a stock antenna, a belt clip, a charger and a manual. Bundles vary, so check the contents.
How does it compare with the UV-5R Plus or other versions?: The core radio is the same; variants differ mainly in display, firmware and included accessories. None fixes the receiver's interference weakness.
Where is the UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way cheapest?: At Walmart, for $28.98, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 2 ratings.