Baofeng BF-88ST vs Baofeng BF-T1 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng BF-88ST and Baofeng BF-T1? 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.

FeatureBaofeng BF-88STBaofeng BF-T1
Image
Radio NameBaofeng BF-88STBaofeng BF-T1
BandsFRS70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm-0/1
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts3.7 v3.7 v
Rated mAh1500 mAh1500 mAh
Height w/ant163 mm105 mm
Width55 mm56 mm
Thickness w/clip32 mm31 mm
Weight147 g102 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$23$23
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceDC
Rating OverallFC
Conclusions

Would I buy these Baofeng BF-88ST radios instead of something like the Motorola T100? Nope.

I know, you expected me to say that they would be good if you were an amateur radio operator and wanted something that could do both amateur radio and FRS, right? Not even.

The Motorola radios are far superior in the transmitted signal, the audio quality is superior, better features right out of the box, they have an LCD screen, and use standard batteries. The only place the Baofeng BF-88ST has the upper hand, aside from being $5 cheaper per pair, is that you can buy a programming cable (there goes your savings, and then some) and add features that the Motorola radios just can’t do.

If I wanted something for amateur radio and wanted to be cheap, I would just get the BF-888s instead of the Baofeng BF-88ST because I could put a much better antenna on them to give them a little more range.

The Baofeng BF-T1 is a nice pocket-sized radio which is perfectly usable for the amateur radio operator who wants something like a bubble-pack radio that can be programmed for ham frequencies. If this sounds like you, this might be the best walkie-talkie for you, much better than the non-programmable Motorola walkie-talkie amazon may carry.