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Baofeng Celebrates 25 Years of Two-Way Radio Innovation

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In 2026, Baofeng celebrates 25 years as one of the world’s best-known manufacturers of affordable two-way radios. Founded in 2001 as Fujian Baofeng Electronics Co., Ltd., the company has grown from a small Chinese radio manufacturer into a global brand supplying handheld radios for amateur radio operators, emergency communications, outdoor activities, security, and commercial users.

Baofeng became especially popular in the amateur radio community thanks to the release of the Baofeng UV-5R. This low-cost dual-band handheld radio made it possible for thousands of new amateur radio operators to get on the air without spending a lot of money. The UV-5R supports VHF and UHF frequencies, is compatible with CHIRP programming software, and has become one of the best-selling amateur radio handheld transceivers ever produced.

Over the past 25 years, Baofeng has expanded its product range well beyond the original UV-5R. The company now manufactures a wide variety of analogue and digital two-way radios, waterproof models, commercial radios, and accessories for users around the world. Baofeng radios are used by amateur radio enthusiasts, emergency volunteers, event organisers, businesses, hikers, campers, and off-road travellers in more than 100 countries.

Baofeng’s success has been driven by its ability to offer reliable communication equipment at affordable prices. While the company continues to improve its radio designs and introduce new features, its products remain known for providing excellent value for beginners and experienced operators alike.

Reaching its 25th anniversary is an important milestone for Baofeng. During the past quarter-century, the company has helped make amateur radio and two-way radio communications more accessible than ever before, encouraging countless people to discover the hobby and stay connected through reliable radio communication.

Baofeng UV-5R 25th Anniversary Edition

The Baofeng UV-5R 25th Anniversary Edition by Radioddity is a limited-edition dual-band handheld amateur radio released to celebrate 25 years of Baofeng. Based on the popular Baofeng UV-5R, this special edition combines the proven performance of one of the world’s best-selling handheld ham radios with modern upgrades, collector’s styling, and USB-C charging. It is designed for amateur radio operators, emergency communication, camping, hiking, off-road touring, and anyone looking for an affordable VHF/UHF handheld transceiver.

Transparent Design and Special Edition Features

One of the standout features of the Baofeng UV-5R 25th Anniversary Edition is its transparent housing, available in Glacier Ice and Solar Flare colours. The clear case showcases the internal electronics, giving the radio a unique appearance that sets it apart from standard UV-5R models. Exclusive anniversary branding includes a commemorative startup screen, a custom 25th Anniversary keypad button, a collector’s badge, and premium packaging, making it appealing to both new operators and long-time Baofeng fans.

See my review below:

Baofeng UV-5R 25th Anniversary Specifications

The Baofeng UV-5R 25th Anniversary Edition operates on the 136–174 MHz VHF and 400–520 MHz UHF frequency ranges. It delivers up to 5 watts of transmit power, stores 128 programmable memory channels, and includes dual watch, dual standby, VOX hands-free operation, CTCSS and DCS signalling, an FM broadcast receiver, LED flashlight, and emergency alarm. Like the standard UV-5R, it is fully compatible with CHIRP programming software, making it easy to program repeaters and memory channels from a computer.

USB-C Charging and Everyday Convenience

A major upgrade over many earlier UV-5R models is the included 1800 mAh USB-C rechargeable battery. Users can charge the radio with a standard USB-C cable, reducing the need to carry a dedicated desktop charger while travelling or operating in the field. The package also includes a durable hard-shell carry case that helps protect the radio during transport, making it well suited for portable amateur radio, four-wheel driving, hiking, camping, and emergency preparedness.

Performance and Compatibility

The Baofeng UV-5R 25th Anniversary Edition offers the same reliable performance that has made the UV-5R one of the most popular handheld ham radios in the world. It performs well for local repeaters, simplex communication, public service events, emergency communication, and general amateur radio use. Existing UV-5R accessories, including antennas, speaker microphones, batteries, programming cables, and headsets, remain compatible, allowing current Baofeng owners to continue using their existing equipment.

Is the Baofeng UV-5R 25th Anniversary Edition Worth Buying?

If you are looking for an affordable handheld ham radio with modern features, the Baofeng UV-5R 25th Anniversary Edition is an excellent option. While the radio performs similarly to the standard UV-5R, the addition of USB-C charging, the transparent collector’s design, premium accessories, and anniversary branding make it an attractive upgrade. Whether you are a beginner studying for your amateur radio licence or an experienced operator wanting a unique addition to your radio collection, the Baofeng UV-5R 25th Anniversary Edition offers excellent value for money.

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Interference

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Interference in Amateur Radio refers to unwanted signals that disrupt radio communication. This interference can reduce signal clarity, make contacts difficult, or completely block communication between amateur radio operators.

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is one of the most common problems in amateur radio. It often comes from man-made electronic devices such as phone chargers, computers, LED lights, televisions, and power supplies. These devices can produce continuous noise or buzzing sounds across radio bands.

Natural Interference also affects amateur radio operations. Lightning causes static noise, while solar activity can disrupt or enhance signals, especially on HF bands. Atmospheric conditions play a major role in how radio waves travel and how much noise is present.

Adjacent Channel Interference and Harmonics occur when signals spill over into nearby frequencies or when transmitters emit unwanted signals outside their assigned band. This is usually caused by poor filtering, excessive power, or improperly adjusted equipment.

Managing and Reducing Interference is an important responsibility for amateur radio operators. Techniques include proper grounding, using quality cables, installing filters, adding ferrite chokes, and ensuring transmitters produce clean signals.

Rules and Responsibilities in Amateur Radio require operators to avoid causing harmful interference, accept interference from other legal users, and correct any problems their station may cause. Cooperation among amateur radio operators helps identify and resolve interference issues effectively.

Options

Amateur radio interference can be reduced by controlling unwanted radio-frequency (RF) energy and improving how equipment handles it. One of the most effective methods is using ferrite chokes on coaxial cables, power leads, and the cables of affected devices. These chokes block RF from traveling along cables and significantly reduce interference.

Good grounding and bonding are also essential. The radio, power supply, and antenna system should be properly grounded, with metal parts bonded together using short, thick wires. A single, well-designed ground point helps prevent RF from spreading into household wiring and electronics.

The antenna system plays a major role in interference. A properly tuned antenna with low SWR reduces stray RF, and placing the antenna farther from buildings and electronics helps limit interference. Using baluns or common-mode chokes at the antenna feed point can further prevent RF from flowing back along the coax.

Interference can also be reduced by lowering transmit power to only what is necessary and by using filters such as low-pass or band-pass filters. Replacing or relocating noisy household electronics—like cheap power adapters or LED lights—can improve reception. Finally, using shielded cables, keeping wiring short, and changing frequency or band when needed can help minimize interference even further.

What about you?

I would love to hear what you have experienced and done about radio interference. Did you cause it? Did you experience it? What helped?

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