Baofeng BF-888s vs Baofeng BF-X3

Trying to choose between Baofeng BF-888s and Baofeng BF-X3? Below you'll find a side-by-side comparison of key features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which handheld radio best fits your needs. Click the link below for a full review and detailed test results.

Feature	Baofeng BF-888s	Baofeng BF-X3
Image
Radio Name	Baofeng BF-888s	Baofeng BF-X3
Bands	70cm	2m, 1.25m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm	0/1.2	3/1.1
Battery Type	Li-Ion	Li-Ion
Battery Volts	3.7 v	8.4 v
Rated mAh	1500 mAh	9500 mAh
Antenna Connector	M-SMA	M-SMA
Height w/ant	212 mm	254 mm
Width	57 mm	60 mm
Thickness w/clip	47 mm	50 mm
Weight	158 g	260 g
Color Screen	No	No
GPS	No	No
USB-C Charging	No	No
Review Link	LINK	LINK
Book Link	LINK	LINK
Price	$20	$45
Purchase Link	LINK	LINK
CHIRP Program	Yes	Yes
Rating by Price	A	C
Rating Overall	A	D
Rating Ergonomics	C	-
Conclusions	The Baofeng BF-888s is a fantastic radio for what it is meant for which is a very cheap, disposable radio for two or more licensed amateur radio operators to use to keep in touch when you can not, or do not want to carry your real radios. I originally purchased a pair of these Baofeng BF-888s for my wife and me to carry at large outdoor events where it was entirely possible that a radio could get lost, stolen, or damaged. It was also nice that they weighed almost nothing, so I could carry it in a breast pocket or clipped to a collar. I would never want a Baofeng BF-888s to replace one of my main radios, not even a Baofeng UV-5R, but for what it is intended for, it is a nice little radio.	Unfortunately, the Baofeng BF-X3 plus looks like another attempt to juggle things around and sell yet another radio. There is nothing special here, your money is better spent on a Baofeng UV-9R plus. To recap, the UV-9R has a better clip, volume knob shield, appears much more waterproof, feels more rugged, has a multicolored keypad, includes a better antenna, and is cheaper. I could go on, but why.