Baofeng UV-17R vs Baofeng UV-28 - Which One is Better in 2026?
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.
| Feature | Baofeng UV-17R | Baofeng UV-28 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-17R | Baofeng UV-28 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3/3.1 | 7/3 |
| Battery Type | Li | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1800 mAh | 2500 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1410 mAh | 1820 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 323 mm | 350 mm |
| Width | 59 mm | 51 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 52 mm | 63 mm |
| Weight | 305 g | 380 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | Yes |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $24 | $49 |
| Rating by Price | A of 5 | F of 5 |
| Rating Overall | D of 5 | F of 5 |
| EMPTY | Yes | Yes |
| EMPTY | 131/129 | 130.5dBm / 131dBm |
| 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. |
| Rating Ergonomics | B | B |