Baofeng UV-5RA vs Baofeng UV-9R Plus - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-5RA 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-5RA | Baofeng UV-9R Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-5RA | Baofeng UV-9R Plus |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 5/2 | 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 | 245 mm | 275 mm |
| Width | 59 mm | 64 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 45 mm | 45 mm |
| Weight | 215 g | 272 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $25 | $23 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | C | B |
| Rating Overall | C | A |
| Rating Ergonomics | - | A |
| Conclusions | The Baofeng UV-5RA is literally a UV-5R in slightly new clothes, nothing more. If you prefer the looks (I don’t like the shiny face), then buy this one. If you want something less shiny, get the UV-5R. Either way, excellent radio for the price. | 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. |