BAOFENGBF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery

I bought the BTECH BF-F8HP for my emergency kit as it offered decent 8W power and the ability to Tx/Rx on 2m/70cm/GMRS. No, that is not legal, but I have it in my emergency kit, so in SHTF situation, I can use it. That's the only time it is used. I have my Ham and GMRS license, regardless, this is not legal to use on GMRS bands. This radio is hands down one of the best entry-to-mid level handheld ham radios I’ve used. If you’re just getting into amateur radio or looking for a powerful upgrade from a basic Baofeng UV-5R, this is a no-brainer.What I liked:✅ More Power = (Somewhat) Better Range: With selectable 1W, 4W, and 8W power settings, this radio easily outperforms many others in its price range. The 8-watt output gives me noticeably better reach, especially when trying to hit distant repeaters or when working simplex in open areas.✅ Actually puts out close to 8W.✅ Improved Hardware & Firmware: BTECH is based on South Dakota and clearly takes user feedback seriously. Compared to older Baofeng models, the BF-F8HP has better heat management, a more stable signal, and improved internal components. It feels more refined all around.✅ Excellent Battery Life: The included 2000mAh battery lasts all day with moderate use. Even after several hours of scanning and transmitting, I still had power left. Great for hiking, field use, or emergencies. There are other larger capacity options like a 3800mAh offering (which I bought). So with the 2000mAh it comes with and 3800mAh battery i bought, this will last me through a multi-day emergency scenario.✅ Great Support & Documentation: One thing that sets BTECH apart from generic imports is their U.S.-based support and real instruction manual—not the confusing, broken-English leaflets that come with cheaper radios. It makes a big difference if you're new to ham radio.✅ CHIRP Compatible & Customizable: Programming is easy, especially with CHIRP software. You can customize channels, PL tones, scanning, and more. It’s beginner-friendly but powerful enough for experienced users too.📌 What you should know:This is a ham radio, not a GMRS radio. You need a valid amateur radio license to legally transmit.It’s not waterproof, so be mindful in wet environments (though it’s tough and durable otherwise).While it is an upgraded Baofeng, it is not a Yaesu, Icom or Kenwood radio. So do not have any disillusions of that. For what it is, it is a nice upgrade to the Baofeng and you can buy multiple of these for the price of buy a single unit of the other aforementioned brands. For me, this unit has been rock solid.Bottom Line: The BTECH BF-F8HP is the perfect step up from a UV-5R and offers serious performance and reliability at a great price. Whether you're new to ham radio or just want a solid backup handheld, this is one of the best values out there. Highly recommended!

I purchased this radio, and then purchased another almost two month's later. I have found it to be a good, reliable radio transceiver with pretty good function sets, as well as excellent frequency ranges for the various U S radio services bands. It has capability to receive all the Personal Radio Service (PRS) bands (GMRS, FRS, MURS and some Ham frequencies), and transmission is excellent too for a handheld. Radio programming is fairly easy using CHIRP program (easily found on the web), but you WILL need the USB Programming Cable for Two-way Radio to connect to your computer (available here for $11 or so) for programming. You don't need name brand, as connection is a standard one: two-pin to USB. I also bought and use extension microphone/speaker, which I recommend too (Baofeng BF-S112 for $6.00); although again no brand name is necessary as it will accept standard two-pin connection. Extension mike is both speaker and mike, so it can be clipped to shoulder level, requiring much less volume to hear (many cops are so outfitted), while radio is clipped to belt or waste band. You will need a license from FCC to use GMRS at full power, and you MUST adjust settings to low power to lawfully use unlicensed FRS and MURS bands. There are big fines and penalties for not following regulations, so you need to pay attention to that!! License is easy to apply for at FCC webpage. Radio holds 127 memory locations for user-defined frequency, power, friendly name and other settings, and licensed GMRS users can take advantage of the many repeaters available, which can theoretically give 50-mile range in ideal settings, while radio alone can transmit from 5-20 miles, depending on conditions and terrain. I installed a 6 foot antenna on top of my roof for use at home, and it adds a remarkable amount of additional transmit and reception capability. People buying this sort of radio will do well to understand it IS a powerful radio with a vary wide range of frequency capabilities, and some are highly restricted; meaning you can get into a world of trouble for transmitting on them, even by mistake!!! The FCC isn't too understanding nor indulgent for users offering "I didn't know!" They can give you little memory aids to help you, by means of fines up to $75,000 and a year in jail...So DO NOT screw around! But those things show you what this is: A radio that means business! You can listen to any channel without any license, but don't exceed power allowed for FRS and MURS and get a license for full-power (this radio's full power) GMRS usage! FCC Part 95 regulations are available on their website (FCC.gov), which will explain all of your abilities and responsibilities for GMRS, FRS, MURS and other designated PRS frequencies. I would recommend thinking about a longer portable antenna for carrying this around to enhance user capabilities, but the stock antenna is still a good one, so you don't have to. Battery holds a good charge so far and gives a long cycle of use, and radio comes to clip to secure it to your belt, coat, purse, whatever. All in, I am very happy with this radio (rather both of them!), and I recommend it without reservation; BUT buyers have to use it lawfully and with license for anything beyond FRS or MURS; using low power settings for those unlicensed bands!