Baofeng UV-21 vs Baofeng UV-5R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-21 and Baofeng UV-5R? 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-21 | Baofeng UV-5R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-21 | Baofeng UV-5R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m/70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.4/2 | 3/1.4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 8.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1460 mAh | 1210 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 327 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 63 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 54 mm | 44 mm |
| Weight | 300 g | 209 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $25 | $18 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | B | A |
| Rating Overall | C | C |
| Conclusions | 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. | The Baofeng UV-5R is a fantastic little radio for the price. Is it as good as a Yaesu FT-60R or Kenwood TH-D74, sorry, it’s not even in the same universe. The great news is that most people don’t really want or need the $200-$500 radio. Sure, they are nice and superior in every possible way, but that isn’t the point. Think of the Baofeng UV-5R in terms of cars, no one who has owned a BMW, a Mercedes, and a Kia will tell you that the Kia is just as good, but if they are being honest, they will tell you all three will get you to Walmart and back with your groceries just as well. The same holds true here. The Baofeng UV-5R will let you communicate with anyone on 2m or 70cm analog using simplex and repeaters in your local area 90% as well as the big boys, for a tenth or less money. That is hard to pass up and might be the best Baofeng radio for you. I own two, go ahead and get your own Beofeng UV-5R. |