Baofeng UV-98 Pro vs Baofeng UV-5R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-98 Pro and Baofeng UV-5R? 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-98 Pro | Baofeng UV-5R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-98 Pro | Baofeng UV-5R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m/70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 1.1/1.9 | 3/1.4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | mAh | 1210 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 316 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 63 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 46 mm | 44 mm |
| Weight | 280 g | 209 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $40 | $18 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm | 129/131 | - |
| Value Score | B | A |
| Performance Score | A | A |
| Ergonomics Score | A | B |
| Conclusions | Would I recommend the Baofeng UV-98 Pro? That depends. There is nothing really wrong with the radio, in fact it is a pretty good radio once you put a better antenna on it and if you don’t mind the lack of power. I really like the amount of choice in colors and accessories. The problem I have is that I think the UV-9R Plus is an objectively better radio for less money, and that is hard to overlook. Even if you add the price of a USB-C chargeable battery to the UV-9R Plus, it is still cheaper and still a better radio. And when you can swap that battery out in seconds without tools, I have a hard time wanting to carry the UV-98 Pro. If you really want a Baofeng UV-98 Pro, go for it, it works well, feels great in the hand, and so far, hasn’t let me down. If you are on the fence or want the best value for your buck in a waterproof radio that is ergonomically excellent, get the UV-9R instead. | 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. |