Baofeng UV-17R vs Baofeng UV-28 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-17R and Baofeng UV-28? 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.

FeatureBaofeng UV-17RBaofeng UV-28
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-17RBaofeng UV-28
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3/3.17/3
Battery TypeLiLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1800 mAh2500 mAh
Tested mAh1410 mAh1820 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant323 mm350 mm
Width59 mm51 mm
Thickness w/clip52 mm63 mm
Weight305 g380 g
Color ScreenYesYes
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoYes
Review LinkLINKLINK
Price$24$49
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm131/129130.5dBm / 131dBm
Value ScoreAF
Performance ScoreDF
Ergonomics ScoreBB
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.

I really like the idea of this radio, I mean who wouldn’t like a radio that fits in your hand really well, has good power output, really nice feeling buttons, and a large battery? Unfortunately, with some of the worst spurious emissions I have seen in tests yet, I think I might look elsewhere.

A bunch of spurious emissions in a $15 UV-5R is one thing, in a $45 Baofeng UV-28 which is supposed to be a new and improved model is an entirely different story. I think there is better out there for your money.