Kenwood TH-K20a vs Baofeng UV-21 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Kenwood TH-K20a and Baofeng UV-21? 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 | Kenwood TH-K20a | Baofeng UV-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Kenwood TH-K20a | Baofeng UV-21 |
| Bands | 2m | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 4/0 | 3.4/2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 8.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1130 mAh | mAh |
| Tested mAh | mAh | 1460 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | F-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 222 mm | 327 mm |
| Width | 55 mm | 63 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 48 mm | 54 mm |
| Weight | 249 g | 300 g |
| Color Screen | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | Yes |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $199 | $25 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | No | Yes |
| Rating by Price | A | A |
| Rating Overall | A | A |
| Rating Ergonomics | - | A |
| Conclusions | So if you think I am a fanboy on this radio, you are right. It doesn’t have wideband coverage, GPS, wireless cloning, app programming from your phone, USB-C charging, or a huge full color screen. What it does have is amazing output, a great receiver, a manual that is actually a manual, and a great display. No, it doesn’t do fifty things at once. It does one thing, and it does it better than any other radio, period. | Do I recommend this radio? Sure. It provides a good, solid performing set of electronics housed in a comfortable exterior shell. It even comes with an antenna that isn’t complete trash. Would I recommend the Baofeng UV-21, UV-21R or UV-21 Pro? It’s a toss-up between the 21 and 21r as I am just not seeing a real difference, and I would stay away from the extra cost of the 21 Pro unless I really needed GPS in my car, in my phone, and in my radio. |