Baofeng UV-21 vs Baofeng UV-6R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-21 and Baofeng UV-6R? 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-6R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-21 | Baofeng UV-6R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.4/2 | 2/4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 8.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1460 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 327 mm | 251 mm |
| Width | 63 mm | 62 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 54 mm | 50 mm |
| Weight | 300 g | 232 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $25 | $29 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | A | C |
| Rating Overall | A | C |
| Rating Ergonomics | A | B |
| 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. | I am not a huge fan of the Baofeng UV-6R, but also don’t deny that it is actually a good radio. If you are not a heavy user of a handheld radio, want something slicker than a box with a stick on it, and value good audio, then this might be an excellent radio for you. Its actual performance is pretty good and the price is absolutely right. Overall, this is a good, inexpensive radio. |