Baofeng UV-5R Plus Police Scanner – Black or Blue, Programmed to Your Zip Code

The UV5R Plus, in black or blue, programmed by hand to your zip code before it ships. No computer, no programming cable, no CHIRP software, no frequency research. Turn it on and press scan.

This is the radio we recommend to two kinds of buyer: the person who has never owned a scanner and doesn't want to learn programming to use one, and the person putting a radio in a go-bag that has to work the day the power goes out. It's the same hardware for both — the reason it suits either is that we do the setup before it leaves us.

Why this one

• Zero setup. Programming is the single biggest reason people give up on scanners. We do that part for you, by hand, for your zip code.
• Your actual area, not a generic preset. Local police, fire, EMS and NOAA weather channels for where it's shipping.
• Works when the grid doesn't. Battery powered, receives over the air. No internet, no cell service, no app.
• No license needed to listen. Monitoring unencrypted public safety traffic requires no FCC license and no technical background.
• Simple controls. If you can use a flashlight, you can use this. There's one built into it, too.

Specifications

• Frequency range: VHF 136-174 MHz, UHF 400-520 MHz
• 128 channels, 50 CTCSS and 104 DCS codes
• Dual-band display, dual-standby, A/B band independent operation
• High/Low power selectable, busy channel lock-out (BCLO)
• Channel step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5 KHz
• Tri-color backlight, adjustable VOX, large LCD display
• Emergency alert (25/12.5 KHz switchable), built-in LED flashlight
• Available in black or blue — identical hardware, pick the one you like

Please read: this is a two-way radio

The UV-5R Plus is a transceiver, not a receive-only scanner. We sell it, and program it, for listening. Listening needs no license. Transmitting is a different matter — sending on public safety, business or amateur frequencies without the appropriate FCC license is illegal, and the channels we load are for monitoring only. If you want to transmit legally, look into an amateur radio license first.

IMPORTANT: Your scanner is programmed to the zip code you have it shipped to. Ordering for a different location? Note it at checkout.

New to this? Read What Can You Hear on a Police Scanner?, or send us your zip code and we'll tell you honestly what's receivable in your area before you order.