Baofeng UV-9S vs Baofeng UV-3R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-9S and Baofeng UV-3R? 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-3R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-9S | Baofeng UV-3R |
| Bands | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 4.1/2 | 1/.4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 3.7 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | 1500 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 246 mm | 174 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 55 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 42 mm | 40 mm |
| Weight | 215 g | 147 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $35 | $45 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | F | F |
| Rating Overall | C | D |
| Rating Ergonomics | F | - |
| 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. | The Baofeng UV-3R Plus is a good little radio and while there is nothing particularly wrong with it, it is seriously outclassed by the UV-5R for the same amount of money. |