Baofeng UV-9S vs Baofeng UV-21 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-9S 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.
| Feature | Baofeng UV-9S | Baofeng UV-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-9S | Baofeng UV-21 |
| Bands | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 4.1/2 | 3.4/2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 8.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | mAh |
| Tested mAh | mAh | 1460 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 246 mm | 327 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 63 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 42 mm | 54 mm |
| Weight | 215 g | 300 g |
| Color Screen | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | Yes |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | - |
| Price | $35 | $25 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | F | A |
| Rating Overall | C | A |
| Rating Ergonomics | F | A |
| Conclusions | 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. | 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. |