Baofeng BF-F9V2 vs Baofeng BF-888s - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng BF-F9V2 and Baofeng BF-888s? 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-F9V2Baofeng BF-888s
Image
Radio NameBaofeng BF-F9V2Baofeng BF-888s
Bands2m, 70cm70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm4.7/4.90/1.2
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v3.7 v
Rated mAh2100 mAh1500 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant243 mm212 mm
Width58 mm57 mm
Thickness w/clip44 mm47 mm
Weight221 g158 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$25$20
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceBA
Rating OverallCA
Rating Ergonomics-C
Conclusions

Overall, I really like this Baofeng BF-F9V2+ as a UV-5R replacement. It improves on the original in signal strength and a little in clarity, gives you a bigger battery, and removes the useless BAND button. The only problem they introduced in the process really was the addition of a gloss screen, which may or may not bother you.

For me, I might instead of the Baofeng BF-F9V2+ pick up a BF-F8+ for the better screen or stick with my overall favorite cheap Chinese radio, the Baofeng UV-9R+ because I like the waterproof radio along with the better belt clip and little shield for the knob, but that is just me.

The Baofeng BF-F9V2+ is clearly a good replacement or upgrade for the UV-5R, and certainly one to keep your eye on.

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.