Baofeng UV-9R Plus vs Baofeng UV-21 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-9R Plus and Baofeng UV-21? 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-9R PlusBaofeng UV-21
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-9R PlusBaofeng UV-21
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3.753.4/2
Digital Mode2-
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v8.4 v
Rated mAh4800 mAh mAh
Tested mAh mAh1460 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant275 mm327 mm
Width64 mm63 mm
Thickness w/clip45 mm54 mm
Weight272 g300 g
Color ScreenNoYes
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoYes
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINK-
Price$23$25
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceBA
Rating OverallAA
Rating ErgonomicsAA
Conclusions

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.

Do I recommend this radio? Sure. It provides a good, solid performing set of electronics housed in a comfortable exterior shell. It even comes with an antenna that isn’t complete trash. Would I recommend the Baofeng UV-21, UV-21R or UV-21 Pro? It’s a toss-up between the 21 and 21r as I am just not seeing a real difference, and I would stay away from the extra cost of the 21 Pro unless I really needed GPS in my car, in my phone, and in my radio.