You can also replace the www with smile in your amazon links, like https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RRPC8VQ/ - the price remains the same but Amazon will donate .5% of the sale to charity. Not much, but it's somethin'

Only difference is the link on top does 8 watts I think and the one on the bottom is most popular and does 5 watts. Those 3 watts won't actually make much difference. Now, get a good antenna. The rubber duck stock antenna is horrible especially when transmitting. Get either a SignalStuff SignalStick Super Elastic (it bends for easy storage and bends back straight!) All the money from buying a super elastic goes towards HamStudy.org to keep it free. https://signalstuff.com/product/super-elastic-signal-stick-sma-female/

Another great choice is the ABBREE foldable antenna. You can buy one that goes up to 45 inches when un folded. Make sure it is genuine (link below is to the genuine seller.) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RRPC8VQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=leahnass0b-20&linkId=26d46fc1a3f48bb7395bddfd95ca5084&language=en_US&th=1

Make sure you select the SMA-F or SMA-Female option or it will not fit. These antennas (mostly the ABBREE) will make your radio top heavy. And don't put too much strain on the antenna connector or it will snap.

MAKE SURE that the antenna you get is for the VHF/UHF (2 meters/70 centimeter) frequencies.

For easy programming and so you can set frequencies as actual names get a GENUINE programming cable and download the CHIRP software on your computer. If the cable is not genuine and correct drivers are not installed then you may break your radio.

Another thing: so during the disasters that may happen you can legally transmit and maybe even know what you are doing I suggest studying for your ham radio license! The test is free and is administered by Volunteer Examiners and the VEs may charge up to $15 to help fund the amateur radio club they are in. Getting your Technician class license is super easy. All you need to know is basic ham radio rules and a super small bit on Ohm's law and a few other things. There are free apps to help you and tons of YouTube videos and courses. (Part about getting your license is for the US.)

Please use clean amazon links to prevent reddit from flagging your post as spam. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RRPC8VQ/