The Baofeng BL-5 is the standard lithium-ion battery pack for the Baofeng UV-5R series of dual-band handheld radios. It is a slim, flush-fitting unit that clips onto the back of the radio and recharges using the CH-5 desktop charger cradle. Extended “BL-5L” or high-capacity BL-5 battery packs use the same connection and latching mechanism, but are longer and heavier. Some models also add a USB-C charging port, allowing you to top up the battery without needing a cradle.
Typical Specifications (Standard BL-5)
- Nominal voltage: 7.4 V
- Typical capacity: 1800 mAh
- Energy rating: approx. 13.3 Wh at 1800 mAh
- Charging method: CH-5 drop-in charger cradle, with many third-party packs also featuring a USB-C port
Compatible Radios Using the BL-5 Battery (Identical Fitting)
The BL-5 battery is designed for radios built around the classic UV-5R chassis, including:
- Baofeng UV-5R (standard colours and editions)
- UV-5RA, UV-5RB, UV-5RC, UV-5RD, UV-5RE, UV-5RE Plus
- UV-5R Plus / UV-5R+
- UV-5RTP, UV-5R V2+
- UV-5RX3 / UV-5X3 (various models)
- BF-F8, BF-F8+, BF-F8HP
- BF-F9 and related F8/F9 variants
- DM-5R / RD-5R
- Selected UV-5G / GT-5R models
- Common “MK2 / MK3 / MK4 / MK5” UV-5R clones using the same battery latch
Incompatible Models
This battery is not suitable for the UV-82 series (which uses BL-8 / BL-8L batteries), the UV-9R style body, or many of the newer “PRO” / BL-5RH platform radios. Always check that the battery latch and contacts match your radio model before purchasing.
In short, the BL-5 is the go-to battery for the massive UV-5R / BF-F8HP ecosystem. Simply check if your radio uses a UV-5R style chassis, then choose the standard capacity for a more compact profile, or opt for a higher-capacity BL-5 / BL-5L pack for extended runtime in the field.