Baofeng UV-98 Pro vs Baofeng UV-9R Plus - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-98 Pro 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-98 Pro | Baofeng UV-9R Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-98 Pro | Baofeng UV-9R Plus |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 1.1/1.9 | 3.75 |
| Digital Mode | - | 2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | mAh | 4800 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 316 mm | 275 mm |
| Width | 63 mm | 64 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 46 mm | 45 mm |
| Weight | 280 g | 272 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $40 | $23 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm | 129/131 | - |
| Value Score | B | B |
| Performance Score | A | A |
| Ergonomics Score | A | A |
| 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-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. |