Baofeng NA-K61 vs Baofeng UV-5R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng NA-K61 and Baofeng UV-5R? 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 NA-K61 | Baofeng UV-5R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng NA-K61 | Baofeng UV-5R |
| Bands | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm | 2m/70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 4.8/2 | 3/1.4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2400 mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 2080 mAh | 1210 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 320 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 62 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 55 mm | 44 mm |
| Weight | 315 g | 209 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $19 | $18 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm | 132/131 | - |
| Value Score | A | A |
| Performance Score | C | A |
| Ergonomics Score | C | B |
| Conclusions | So it’s time for that question, would I recommend it? Like all radios, the answer to that is both yes and no. It does not fit my hand very well at all, so if you have large hands, you might want to try one before you buy it. This radio is absolutely an improvement over the standard UV-5R as far as the screen, charging capabilities, and battery life are concerned. Where it comes up short is price versus performance, but only if you look at the Baofeng NA-K61 from just a dual-band perspective. A UV-5R has almost the same power output with substantially less spurious emissions. It also cost a bit less. Since you can add a USB-C chargeable battery to a UV-5R for very little money, it might make more sense for someone on a very tight budget who only needs standard dual-band functionality. Where this radio shines is that it adds 1.25m TX/RX, and several other receive bands, for just a few dollars more than a UV-5R, which makes the Baofeng NA-K61 a pretty good deal. | The Baofeng UV-5R is a fantastic little radio for the price. Is it as good as a Yaesu FT-60R or Kenwood TH-D74, sorry, it’s not even in the same universe. The great news is that most people don’t really want or need the $200-$500 radio. Sure, they are nice and superior in every possible way, but that isn’t the point. Think of the Baofeng UV-5R in terms of cars, no one who has owned a BMW, a Mercedes, and a Kia will tell you that the Kia is just as good, but if they are being honest, they will tell you all three will get you to Walmart and back with your groceries just as well. The same holds true here. The Baofeng UV-5R will let you communicate with anyone on 2m or 70cm analog using simplex and repeaters in your local area 90% as well as the big boys, for a tenth or less money. That is hard to pass up and might be the best Baofeng radio for you. I own two, go ahead and get your own Beofeng UV-5R. |