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

Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-6R and Baofeng UV-9S? 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-9S
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-6RBaofeng UV-9S
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 1.25m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm2/44.1/2
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1800 mAh2200 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant251 mm246 mm
Width62 mm58 mm
Thickness w/clip50 mm42 mm
Weight232 g215 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$29$35
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceCC
Rating OverallCD
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-9S is a hard sell for me. The transmit audio quality is nice, and the frequency accuracy is above average but the cheap feel, clunky addition of a third band, and horrible feel in my hand makes it a radio that never leaves its box. I just don’t want to carry it. I feel like it was a rushed makeover of their excellent UV-9R.

Overall I will just have to recommend people pass on the Baofeng UV-9S unless you just have to have a red radio that works on 1.25m. There are better radios for the same or less money like the UV-9R which is about the best Baofeng radio for the money out there.