For today’s review, I take a look a new Baofeng UV-7B %W Handheld Radio.
This is a newer model, so having owned so many handheld radios, I had to see what improvements there have been made technology-wise with this model.
BAOFENG, the company from China that has taken handheld radio by storm for many years because of its low prices and to the chagrin of handheld enthusiasts who dislike how popular this brand has become. And because they are so cheap, people collect them like characters on “Pokemon Go” because of the colors, the style, the features and of course, that absolutely low price, it’s easier to pick up more than one.
The thing is, not many people want to or can spend for the top Japanese brands ala Kenwood, Yaesu and ICOM or American brands such as Midland, Cobra, Motorola and others. It’s important to know that you are not going to get $300 quality with an under $30 handheld radio. But unless you are a hardcore handheld radio enthusiast, for many people, this is their first foray into the hobby, these handheld radios definitely offer way more than what your parents or grandparents had when they were into handheld radios and it’s great to have one as a survivalist and making sure you have a goto device, especially during emergencies.
So, as mentioned, this is a 2025 model and what makes this stand apart from other Baofeng Handheld radios?
This is a multi-band handheld radio that features VHF, UHF and 1.25m, while receiving across 7 bands including FM radio, aviation, NOAA weather, 1.25m and 350MHz.
You get a rechargeable (via USB-C) Li-ion battery, 1 antenna, 1 headset, 1 USB charging cable, 1 adapter, 1 belt clip, 1 wrist strap and 1 user manual.
NOTE: If you want to use CHIRP, I always recommend getting a programming cable.
Transmission Frequency:
136-174 MHz, 220-260 MHz, 400-480 MHz(Web)
Receiver Frequency: VHF 136-174 MHz, 220-260 MHz
UHF350-390 MHz, 400-520 MHz,
AM: 108-136 MHz, FM: 76-108 MHz
And yes, NOAA Weather, FM and AM are easy to access on the UV-7B.
And yes, it also comes with a flash light and alarm. It comes with the Easy Channel Sync, and you can also use the walk-talkie tool app (Android & IOS).
It’s important to note that this is a ham radio. A ham radio requires a license which you need to pass a test in order to transmit on it. But if you are using it just to receive and not transmit, that is fine. This is not a walkie-talkie, this handheld radio is a ham radio.
How to Add Frequencies via CHIRP
On the right side of the device is a flap which has a K-plug connector, this is where you plug in the data cable to connect your radio to your computer, a speaker (ie. walkie talkie like speaker) and ear buds.
With that being said, the radio supports CHIRP, CPS or keypad programming.
I always use CHIRP, it’s so easy. So, with this radio, you will need a data cable (make sure you buy one or at least it is offered by the manufacturer). But for testing, I use a different USB data cable (sold separately), specifically a Baofeng/Abbree data cable with a CH340 Chip. This allows me to connect the radio to my computer via Chirp. Not all data cables work the same but this cable has allowed me to connect to nearly most all of the radio I own. So, I like this cable a lot!
Once the data cable is inserted to the side of the Baofeng (make sure the cable is pushed all the way in), go ahead and click on radio on top and download, select Baofeng and for radio, select UV-21 Pro GPS (this allows the UV-7B to connect to CHIRP).
It comes with frequencies but you can delete or leave them there and add your own. I use websites such as RadioReference[dot]com to search for frequencies in nearby counties. From police, medical, airports, you name it. I search for those within 300-400 miles and I start inputting the ones I want onto CHIRP.
For scan mode, (when you have it scanning all frequencies), I select carrier mode, so it will find whoever is on and stay on it until no one speaks for a certain amount of time. So, there are a lot of settings that you can control.
But when you are done, save and upload the data back to your radio. And that is it! Very easy!
So, here are my key thoughts about this radio:
- The actual look and design is much different than previous Baofeng in terms of typeface size of font and a bit thicker and easier to read. The 1.77″ large color display really looks nice!
- The voice is now a male with a low voice, ditching the female voice when you turn on the radio.
- CHIRP settings are much different from previous BAOFENG with additional settings that I’ve not seen on other Baofeng radios I own.
- The BAOFENG UV-7B6 allows for 1000 memory channels which is a plus! But making it different from most models is that it breaks these channels to up to 10 zones. So, if you have several hundred frequencies loaded on CHIRP, you are going to have to select the zone that you listen to the most.
- I own numerous BAOFENG handheld radios, but this is probably the first time I used one that had lighter blue.
- With this being a multi-band radio, I would get a multi-band antenna. I replaced the original immediately.
So, why should you consider the BAOFENG UV-7B?
To be perfectly honest, this BAOFENG offers similar functions than other BAOFENG products. But there are a few key differences.
For one, you are getting a multi-band handheld radio. Usually, you get a double, but then fact it’s multi-band is a huge plus.
With this being newer, I like the fact that it adds the better 1.77″ color screen. I also recommend one that comes with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery and this one does and no more bulky cradle, you get a USB-C cable with an adapter. The use of a Bluetooth App is cool but CHIRP makes ones handheld radio life much easier. So, get yourself a programming cable and also consider getting a multi-frequency antenna.
But for the most part, I think those who are looking for something easier, may like this one considering it keeps frequencies via 100 per zone (10 zones total) and you can add many frequencies, channel names and more.
But as an emergency device, you really can’t go wrong with the BAOFENG UV-7B and the fact that it’s under $30 makes it worth considering.
