Baofeng UV-17R vs Baofeng UV-21 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-17R 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-17R | Baofeng UV-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-17R | Baofeng UV-21 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3/3.1 | 3.4/2 |
| Battery Type | Li | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 8.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1800 mAh | mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1410 mAh | 1460 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 323 mm | 327 mm |
| Width | 59 mm | 63 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 52 mm | 54 mm |
| Weight | 305 g | 300 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | Yes |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $24 | $25 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm | 131/129 | - |
| Value Score | A | A |
| Performance Score | D | A |
| Ergonomics Score | B | A |
| Conclusions | Would I recommend the Baofeng UV-17R? No. It doesn’t feel too bad, and the screen is pretty nice, and I do like the buttons on the front. The problem is the screwed-in battery is inconvenient, the PTT button is too low, and the spurious emissions massively reduce and already mediocre power output. Even the original UV-5R is, in my opinion, a superior beginner radio. | 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. |