Baofeng UV-13R vs Baofeng UV-21 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-13R 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 | Baofeng UV-13R | Baofeng UV-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-13R | Baofeng UV-21 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3/2 | 3.4/2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 8.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1500 mAh | mAh |
| Tested mAh | mAh | 1460 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 265 mm | 327 mm |
| Width | 57 mm | 63 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 43 mm | 54 mm |
| Weight | 249 g | 300 g |
| Color Screen | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | Yes |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | - |
| Price | $50 | $25 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | D | A |
| Rating Overall | D | A |
| Rating Ergonomics | - | A |
| Conclusions | 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. | 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. |