Best Ham Radio For Long Distance to Buy in 2026: 5 Great Choices

Introducing the Baofeng UV-5R Dual‑Band Handheld Radio—an essential companion for adventurers, professionals, and emergency responders alike. With VFO capability, dual displays, and auto‑keypad lock, this two‑way walkie‑talkie delivers reliable VHF/UHF communication across a vast range. Packaged as a two‑pack with rechargeable Li‑ion batteries, chargers, earpieces, and accessories, it’s ready for outdoor expeditions, workplace coordination, or critical incident response.

The BAOFENG BF‑F8HP PRO 10 W Tri‑Band Two‑Way Radio elevates amateur radio operations with its expansive tri‑band capability. Seamlessly switch across VHF, UHF, and the 1.25 m band, and benefit from a peak power of 10 W, with a solid average output of 8 W on VHF/UHF and 5 W on 1.25 m. Built‑in NOAA weather mode and GPS location sharing keep you prepared for emergencies and outdoor adventures alike. The radio’s zone‑management system lets you organize up to 1,000 channels across multiple zones, and the dual‑zone control allows simultaneous monitoring of two zones. For aviation enthusiasts, the BF‑F8HP PRO offers 108‑136 MHz band monitoring with AM modulation and 8.33 kHz spacing, making it a versatile tool for both hobbyists and professionals.

Discover the next evolution in portable radio communication with the BAOFENG BF‑F8HP (UV‑5R 3rd Gen). Engineered to surpass its predecessors, this dual‑band handheld offers an impressive 8‑watt output, a reinforced chassis, a 30% larger battery, and a high‑gain V‑85 antenna that doubles your reach. Designed for both amateur radio enthusiasts and professional field teams, the BF‑F8HP delivers reliable VHF (136‑174 MHz) and UHF (400‑520 MHz) coverage, all packed into a full kit that includes a charger, adapter, earpiece, and more. With in‑depth user guides and dedicated U.S. support, you can trust this device for both everyday use and critical missions.

The Ham Radio Baofeng 5RM is a **10W** long‑range handheld that delivers reliable two‑way communication over 3‑5 miles. Built with a rugged, drop‑resistant chassis, it’s engineered for the toughest outdoor conditions while maintaining a lightweight profile. The unit features a built‑in NOAA weather receiver, a 999CH DTMF copy function, and a high‑gain 21 cm antenna that significantly boosts signal reach. With a Type‑C rechargeable port on the back of the battery, you can power the radio on the go—using a car charger, power bank, laptop, or any USB‑compatible device—ensuring you never run out of battery during critical missions. The 5RM also supports Chirp programming, making configuration quick and user‑friendly. For hands‑free operation, the VOX feature lets you transmit with simple voice prompts, while the integrated FM function provides a convenient way to relax by listening to local broadcasts. Certified under FCC ID: 2AJGM‑5RM, this radio is ready for both amateur and emergency use.

The BAOFENG UV-5R handheld radio delivers a max output of 8W, giving you reliable long‑range communication across both VHF and UHF bands. With 128 preset channels, dual‑band operation, a dual display, and dual standby, this unit offers a versatile platform for both hobbyists and professionals. Its robust 3800mAh battery supplies more than twice the standby time of many standard models, and the included USB charger allows you to power up while on the move. The package comes as a two‑pack set, featuring a tactical antenna for enhanced signal reach and a K‑Port earpiece with a comfortable G‑shaped design and 360° rotation for clear audio. A dedicated programming cable lets you tailor the radio via CHIRP software or manual setup, making it a perfect companion for field work, survival drills, or outdoor exploration.