Baofeng BF-X3 vs Baofeng UV-13R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng BF-X3 and Baofeng UV-13R? 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-X3 | Baofeng UV-13R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng BF-X3 | Baofeng UV-13R |
| Bands | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3/1.1 | 3/2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 8.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 9500 mAh | 1500 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 254 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 60 mm | 57 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 50 mm | 43 mm |
| Weight | 260 g | 249 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $45 | $50 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | C | D |
| Rating Overall | D | D |
| Conclusions | 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. | I absolutely am not a fan of the Baofeng UV-13R series radios, which should be obvious by now. It is built fairly well and does its job fairly well, but beyond that, not much positive can be said. If you need a radio that can be charged directly via USB-C, then the Baofeng UV-13R might be a workable solution. I can not think of another reason to buy one of these, and even that is a stretch. |