Baofeng UV-98 Pro vs Baofeng UV-9S - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-98 Pro 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.
| Feature | Baofeng UV-98 Pro | Baofeng UV-9S |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-98 Pro | Baofeng UV-9S |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 1.1/1.9 | 4.1/2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | mAh | 2200 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 316 mm | 246 mm |
| Width | 63 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 46 mm | 42 mm |
| Weight | 280 g | 215 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $40 | $35 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm | 129/131 | - |
| Value Score | B | F |
| Performance Score | A | C |
| Ergonomics Score | A | F |
| 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-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. |