Baofeng UV-5R vs Baofeng UV-9R Plus - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-5R and Baofeng UV-9R Plus? 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-5R | Baofeng UV-9R Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-5R | Baofeng UV-9R Plus |
| Bands | 2m/70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3/1.4 | 3.75 |
| Digital Mode | - | 2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1800 mAh | 4800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1210 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 265 mm | 275 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 64 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 44 mm | 45 mm |
| Weight | 209 g | 272 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $18 | $23 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | A | B |
| Rating Overall | A | A |
| Rating Ergonomics | B | A |
| Conclusions | 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. | The Baofeng UV-9R Plus is a little trickier to use than a UV-5R, it requires different accessories and programming cable, transmits less power and is less frequency accurate, but I would rather carry it than the UV-5R every day of the week and twice on Sundays. It sounds better, fits in my hand better, has nicer buttons, is supposedly waterproof, has a bigger battery, and has a nicer belt clip. Sometimes, it is not about the charts and graphs, sometimes it is about what you want to carry. Odds are if you see me carrying a Baofeng, the Baofeng UV-9R Plus will be it. |