Baofeng AR-5RM Ham Radio 2 Pack with Programming Cable
- Talking range maximum: 5 mile
- Tuner type: VHF UHF
- Battery average life: 6 hours
- Water resistance level: Not Water Resistant
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A wide-receive, ham-transmit upgrade over the classic UV-5R with a bigger battery and NOAA weather alerts, still gated by the same amateur license requirement to transmit.
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ASIN: B0CW2QQGXDModel: 5RMCategory: Two-Way Radios
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Overview
The Baofeng AR-5RM is an upgraded UV-5R style ham handheld with a wide multi-band receive range, a 2500mAh battery, USB-C charging, a NOAA weather receiver and a 1.77 inch color screen, sold as a 2 pack with a programming cable and full accessory set.
Like the original UV-5R, transmitting is limited to the 144-148MHz and 420-450MHz amateur bands even though the radio can receive across a much wider range from 108MHz to 520MHz, so it functions as a scanner and NOAA receiver for anyone without a license and as a full ham transceiver for anyone with one.
- 1.77 inch color display
- USB-C charging plus US base charger
- Frequency copy between radios
- 2-pack with programming cable and speaker mics
Who it's for
Licensed ham operators who want two upgraded handhelds with better batteries and screens than the original UV-5R, plus preppers who want NOAA weather alerts and wide-band monitoring as a backup when cell service is down.
Pros and cons
- Wide multi-band receive from 108MHz to 520MHz
- NOAA weather channel alerts
- 2500mAh battery with USB-C charging
- Frequency copy between radios, full accessory kit included
- Transmit still limited to amateur bands, a ham license is required
- Wide receive range invites confusion with license-free FRS/GMRS use
Performance notes
The receive range spans six bands from 108MHz up to 520MHz, useful for monitoring aviation, marine, public safety and weather broadcasts, but transmission stays locked to the 144-148MHz and 420-450MHz amateur allocations. Frequency copy lets one radio clone another's programmed channels without manual entry, and the 2500mAh battery plus USB-C charging from a power bank, PC, car or wall outlet are aimed at longer field trips than the original UV-5R's setup.
Specifications
| Brand | Baofeng |
|---|---|
| Model | 5RM |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Talking range maximum | 5 mile |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Battery average life | 6 hours |
| Voltage | 7.4 volts |
| Construction & materials | |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Compatible devices | Laptop |
| Included components | |
| Number of packs | 2 |
| Unit count | 2 |
| Other details | |
| Tuner type | VHF UHF |
| Water resistance level | Not Water Resistant |
| Number of channels | 999 |
| BuiltIn Media | Battery, Belt, Charger, Earpiece, Hand Strap, Speaker Mic |
Frequently asked questions
Can the Baofeng AR-5RM transmit on FRS or GMRS channels?
No, transmission is limited to the 144-148MHz and 420-450MHz amateur bands, so a ham radio license is required to transmit legally, even though the radio can receive a much wider range.
What does the NOAA weather feature do?
It receives NOAA weather broadcasts to give advance warning of severe weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes and storms, and can serve as an emergency radio when cell service is down.
What is included in the 2-pack?
Two radios, two batteries, two USB-C and US base chargers, a programming cable, two speaker mics, two antennas, two earpieces, belts, hand straps and a manual.