Last Updated: January 25, 2022 (Refresh Now)
BAOFENG BF F8HP UV 5R 3rd Gen 8 Watt Dual Band Two Way Radio 136 174MHz VHF 400 520MHz UHF Includes Full Kit with Large Battery
Last Updated: January 25, 2022 (Refresh Now)
8.3
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
997
Old Reviews
272
Unverified
27
Spam Test
!
Yes
FM RADIO
2100 mAh
BATTERY CAPACITY
Review Analysis - 698 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Usage
136program, manual, easy to program, radio, menu
+80%
-20%
" ... While they are certainly not as easy to use, if you have someone in your group who can manage to download and install CHIRP and spend 5 minutes googling for the appropriate frequencies, you can use some of the 128 memory channels to store all the FRS, GMRS and MURS channels (there are still some restrictions here), plus NOAA, your favorite country music station and any other channels that might be of interest, at least for listening. ... "
" ... Excellent product… very compact easy to use ... "
" ... Easy to use, more YouTube videos on setup and configuration than you can shake a stick at. ... "
" ... The programming is somewhat harder to learn on the Baofeng, but if you buy the programming cable, then setting up repeater stations is very easy using free Chirp software. ... "
" ... Our son recommended them he has a pair and also is very happy. ... "
" ... This unit is easy to be easy to use. ... "
" ... There are 100 videos on YouTube how to read the menu options once you understand the menu it’s super simple to set up, change, and works extremely well! ... "
" ... I found programming easy using Chirp. ... "
Battery
81life, radio, charger, extended, charge
+75%
-25%
" ... Excellent battery life. ... "
" ... The battery last a long time. ... "
" ... The sound quality is great, and my first battery charge has lasted about 2 weeks of light to moderate use. ... "
" ... I haven't had it long enough to see if battery life is good. ... Includes a nice desk charger. ... "
" ... Charged the battery and replacement battery. ... "
" ... Sound is clear, battery life is good and we used Motorola in the past . ... "
" ... All I can say is it worked great and the battery lasted 3 days with the unit left on. ... "
" ... It's durable, rugged, has more battery life than you know what to do with, and is a great entry level HAM radio. ... "
Price
69money, radio, value, point, save
+86%
-14%
" ... Really great product, probably one of the best in that price range. ... "
" ... I wish the display was better but you can’t beat it for the price. ... "
" ... Love this thing for the money. ... "
" ... Can't believe the price. ... "
" ... Great little radio for the price, definetly worth the money but dont think you are getting a 300 dollar quality build. ... "
" ... Baofeng makes great radios for the price. ... "
" ... Am still learning new things about it, but I'm happy with it for the price. ... "
" ... Just a sweet little radio and can’t be bear for the money ... "
Sound
60speaker, radio, battery life, audio, quality is great
+70%
-30%
" ... Like the battery and how small it is and The sound quality ... "
" ... High volume,great power,battery life is great ... "
" ... Great sound quality. ... "
" ... Over all: Super pleased with the unit, I didn't it buy for transmitting, just listening (for now). ... "
" ... i have had no complaints about audio quality. ... "
" ... Good sound quality and interface is well designed. ... "
" ... Sound is clear, battery life is good and we used Motorola in the past . ... "
" ... The sound is clear and understanding. ... "
Body
58small, size, radio, clip, build quality
+84%
-16%
" ... I like the compact size of this radio. ... "
" ... Small, light, compact. ... "
" ... -Build quality feels toy like, but is sturdy enough for daily use, ... -Belt Clips suck - buy some proper holsters if your using it all day ... "
" ... Built very solid. ... "
" ... Just open my box, small lightweight looks sturdy I haven’t tried to use it easy as of yet, tomorrow morning I’ll get up and play with my new toy . ... "
" ... - Fairly small footprint without being too small. ... It's not impossible to learn, but it's not very handy. ... "
" ... It’s better than the BaoFeng model and is heavy duty. ... "
" ... Very handy and really good quality of the product ... "
Network
55reception, range, repeaters, antennas, nagoya
+85%
-15%
" ... Despite the clutter of homes and factories in my area, this unit still connects with my other BaoFengs up to 2 Km away. ... "
" ... Great little handheld and, after putting an antenna on top of the house, find it has great reach to the local repeaters and I've been happily using it to talk around the area ever since. ... "
" ... The antenna ( rubber duckie) is actually quite good. ... "
" ... reached over 80 miles on standard antenna. ... "
" ... Reception is amazing!! ... "
" ... It has been super reliable and gets a better signal than what is provided through work. ... "
" ... Order a better antenna to get advertised distance . ... "
" ... Using the longer antenna really helps. ... "
Marketplace
48received, amazon, replacement, delivery, seller
+63%
-38%
" ... Very helpful merchant and superb product! ... "
" ... I contacted the seller via Amazon and a replacement was shipped immediately. ... "
" ... As for my experience, it was good, no problems, everything works and is real not counterfeit. ... "
" ... works as advertised ... "
" ... But so far no issues, was quickly and safely delivered. ... "
" ... First it was a very quick delivery. ... "
" ... This product was as described. ... "
" ... Love it exactly as shown ... "
Size
42small, radio, size, clip, broke
+83%
-17%
" ... Good radio small not to bulky ... "
" ... Great size, fits in the hand very well, smallest HT I've ever had. ... "
" ... I like that it comes with a charger and accessories and is a compact size. ... "
" ... Nice, small and compact and still 8 watts output. ... "
" ... Small and compact, but big on features ... "
" ... good addition to bag ... "
" ... It fits well in my hand. ... "
" ... Compact size and portability ... "
Reliability
41years, months, radio, failed, died
+49%
-51%
" ... It appeared to work okay for a couple minutes and then the radio died completely. ... "
" ... Just under 3 months in and the radio is dead. ... "
" ... to me they were unusable. ... "
" ... Tried to turn it on, totally dead. ... "
" ... It failed on a ride and wouldn’t stay on. ... "
" ... Sadly it only lasted 2 days. ... It worked and then the speaker or speaker circuitry failed. ... "
" ... I got it out last week and found that it would not power on. ... It is just completely dead and for no apparent reason. ... "
" ... Began obviously malfunctioning, then completely died after nine months. ... "
Marketplace / Marketplace
23seller, received, vendor, thank, described
+83%
-17%
" ... Real product, not a fake! ... "
" ... Vendor sent me a new unit and we are good to go. ... "
" ... This product was as described. ... "
" ... works as advertised ... "
" ... The seller that’s great and the product was fabulous. ... "
" ... You'll thank me later. ... "
" ... Came as ordered on time. ... "
" ... Amazon is great. ... "
Cable
22programming, radio, chirp, get the programming, recommend getting
+95%
-5%
" ... After watching a YouTube on programming it with the cord I found it very easy to do. ... "
" ... You'll have to buy the cable ($20) but the software is free to download. ... For that I recommend getting the cable and software. ... "
" ... A programming cable is pretty much essential to get the most out of this radio. ... "
" ... Programmed with cable and working great ... "
" ... Programming cable a must. ... "
" ... I would recommend anyone purchasing this to get the programming cable as well. ... "
" ... Get the Chirp cable and programming is a breeze. ... "
" ... By using an adapter cable, an antenna can be connected in place of the short rubber antenna that comes with the radio. ... "
Features
20radio, lots of features, flashlight, radios, programming
+95%
-5%
" ... Low cost radio with a lot of features. ... "
" ... Has all of the features of more expensive rigs and a few extras. ... "
" ... Small and compact, but big on features ... "
" ... I'm still learning all the programming features and look forward to active use. ... "
" ... Great radio system with lots of features ... "
" ... It has more of a rugged feel and comes with a 76 Page User Manual that will help you get acquainted with all the features. ... "
" ... Product works great, lots of features and options. ... "
" ... The BaoFeng BF-F8HP is perfect in design and features. ... "
Battery / Charging
19charge, radio, battery, charged, replaced
+47%
-53%
" ... I have only had to charge it about three times in 5 months. ... "
" ... My base won’t charge the radio something wrong with it so now I have to spend more money to charge it ... "
" ... Radio works fine but the charger is worthless. ... The third time I charged it the charger overheated and melted down. ... "
" ... wrong charger was in the box!!! ... "
" ... I thought it might be the battery or the charger so I tried it with the car adaptor. ... "
" ... The charger quit working had to use a different power plug to charge unit ... "
" ... In fact it was not even really the correct “model” I had ordered the BF-F8HP the first attempt to turn it on after charging failed. ... So I let it sit on the charger overnight to no avail. ... "
" ... You’re supposed to use BaoFeng charger and batter with this as stated in the manual, however I received a PoFung charger and an unmarked battery. ... "
Calling
18talk, voice, push to talk, call, question
+44%
-56%
" ... all static when police talk ... "
" ... I had a simple question about the specs and I couldn't get anyone that spoke understandable English on the phone, their website to "Contact Support" via a web link appears to be not working. ... Out of desperation, I sent my question to Sales without any expectation of getting an answer or a phone call. ... "
" ... Others can hear me, but I can’t hear them, so the radio is useless and it’s brand new. ... "
" ... Couldn't hear anything on the receiving end. ... "
" ... They refuse to help by voice and the manual is not clear. ... "
" ... We are not able to hear anything or anyone in our group . ... "
" ... I bought this for my boyfriend because he wanted to talk to other people and listen in on conversations, but this was too confusing for us to use and we had to return it. ... "
" ... We only bought one and didn’t realize the push to talk didn’t work till we got another one. ... "
Marketplace / Delivery
17received, delivered, arrived, service, quick
+88%
-12%
" ... Came as ordered on time. ... "
" ... The new one arrived today and works perfectly. ... "
" ... It was delivered on schedule in great condition. ... "
" ... Delivery on time as they said. ... "
" ... Great service and prompt delivery. ... "
" ... Works great and arrived quickly. ... "
" ... First it was a very quick delivery. ... "
" ... What I can say is that the item got here super quick, even faster than the estimated arrival day. ... "
Marketplace / Returns
16replacement, returned, refund, waiting, radios
+19%
-81%
" ... If I could return I would. ... "
" ... to me they were unusable. ... "
" ... after return from factory, this unit it garbage. ... "
" ... Returned defective unit! ... "
" ... Returned and will pick up elsewhere. ... "
" ... So I sent it back. ... "
" ... I want a full $88+ refund. ... "
" ... Tried to turn it on, totally dead. ... "
Scan
12scanning, scan, police fire, police, digital
+67%
-33%
" ... In the meantime , he is learning how to use it as a scanner. ... "
" ... Or a great scanner for understanding local conditons ... "
" ... Scan feature is great, so many good things. ... "
" ... I have it set up as a scanner and 1 personal channel. ... It can talk further than any of the others I have been around and doubles as a police scanner. ... "
" ... You Can use it as a Police & Fire Scanner too! ... "
" ... Still scanning very fun to listen to. ... "
" ... Love this scanner. ... "
" ... I would recommend some improvement to the scanning mode. ... "
Connectivity
12programming, computer, cable, radio, pc
+92%
-8%
" ... Its very easy to program and save channels right on the radio without having to buy a usb cable or software to do it off a computer. ... "
" ... The usb cable promises to be the easiest method of programming. ... "
" ... I have this HT connected to a J-Pole and it does quite well. ... "
" ... Use this when out in the back country to stay connected! ... "
" ... Programming is awesome on the PC with CHIRP. ... "
" ... But it's kind of a pain to program unless you order the programming cable and set up the channels with your PC computer. ... "
" ... Definitely buy the USB cord for programming. ... "
" ... Pros -Set it up to connect to a cheap low watt radio my son has. ... "
Software
11chirp software, youtube, software to program, software, program
+82%
-18%
" ... This product was easy to program with Chirp software. ... "
" ... CHIRP software makes programming a breeze. ... "
" ... You can do this both manually or with Chirp Software. ... "
" ... ONLY SOME of the features, like ID, startup message, and other alphanumeric labels must be programmed with the computer. ... "
" ... Easy to use when you download CHIRP software to program, even without it the menu system is not all that bad once you get used to it. ... "
" ... But you can program it up from the interface as well. ... "
" ... Easy to program with CHIRP software or the proprietary software. ... "
" ... Lots of instructional videos available on YouTube to learn the basics. ... "
Video
10youtube, watched, watch, several, video
+90%
-10%
" ... There are plenty of YouTube videos for tutorials to get him started. ... "
" ... There are YouTube videos on how to do this. ... "
" ... but watch a couple YouTube videos on it. ... "
" ... Lots of helpful videos. ... "
" ... I watched dozens of YouTube videos to get an idea how to operate it they definitely helped me. ... "
" ... I found several instructional YouTube videos for it online. ... "
" ... Very nice video ... "
Performance
9would, job, solid, programming, fast
+100%
" ... Does the job. ... "
" ... Great experience buying from this company shipped fast came exactly as described would recommend this company to any one ... "
" ... It does the job that I bought it for . ... "
" ... Easy programming and great performance. ... "
" ... Performance was Adequate. ... "
" ... For it's performance and ease of use it's a solid 4. ... "
Comfort
9well, one, hand held, fits, fingers
+56%
-44%
" ... I've wanted a hand held for a long time and thought this was a good one at a good price. ... "
" ... This is a nice hand held radio. ... "
" ... Great size, fits in the hand very well, smallest HT I've ever had. ... "
" ... It fits well in my hand. ... "
" ... Ear piece is a bonus ... "
Power
7last, half, got, output, meter
+71%
-29%
" ... I like the high power. ... "
" ... the extra power is really the only difference which helps kind of? ... "
" ... Nice power output. ... "
" ... @8Watts power: They probably last half or less of the 4 Watt setting, . ... "
" ... 8 watts of power excellent. ... "
Marketplace / Product As Described
6works, exactly, described, display
+83%
-17%
" ... Does exactly advertised ... "
" ... Love it exactly as shown ... "
" ... This product was as described. ... "
" ... works as advertised ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
Design
6look, like, better
+100%
" ... It works well enough and is a nicely thought out bit of hardware design. ... "
" ... Looks like it good! ... "
" ... Will look at competition. ... "
" ... The build looks better than my older version. ... "
" ... Excellent look and feel . ... "
Display
4unit, frequency, backlighted, white, small
+75%
-25%
" ... I wish the display was better but you can’t beat it for the price. ... "
" ... Would like to have the name and the frequency on the screen at the same time without having to lose the amount of memory for frequencies. ... "
" ... The display is easier to read when backlighted. ... "
Marketplace / Defective Delivery
3unit, received, today, returned
+33%
-67%
" ... Not the first time I've ever gotten a defective piece in my purchases. ... "
" ... Returned defective unit! ... "
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Specifications
Battery
Battery Capacity: 2100 mAh
Connectivity
FM Radio: Yes
Recommendations
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