Baofeng UV-6R vs Baofeng UV-9R Plus - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-6R 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.

FeatureBaofeng UV-6RBaofeng UV-9R Plus
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-6RBaofeng UV-9R Plus
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm2/43.75
Digital Mode-2
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1800 mAh4800 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant251 mm275 mm
Width62 mm64 mm
Thickness w/clip50 mm45 mm
Weight232 g272 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$29$23
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceCB
Rating OverallCC
Rating ErgonomicsB-
Conclusions

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.

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.