Baofeng BF-88ST vs Baofeng BF-X3 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng BF-88ST 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-88ST | Baofeng BF-X3 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng BF-88ST | Baofeng BF-X3 |
| Bands | FRS | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | - | 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 |
| Height w/ant | 163 mm | 254 mm |
| Width | 55 mm | 60 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 32 mm | 50 mm |
| Weight | 147 g | 260 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $23 | $45 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | D | C |
| Rating Overall | F | D |
| 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. | 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. |