Baofeng UV-K5 vs Baofeng UV-21 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-K5 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-K5 | Baofeng UV-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-K5 | Baofeng UV-21 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 6/5 | 3.4/2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 8.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2500 mAh | mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1780 mAh | 1460 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 328 mm | 327 mm |
| Width | 62 mm | 63 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 53 mm | 54 mm |
| Weight | 315 g | 300 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $24 | $25 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Value Score | F | A |
| Performance Score | F | A |
| Ergonomics Score | C | A |
| Conclusions | The Baofeng UV-K5 Plus is a well-rounded beginner radio with some nice accessories and reasonable performance. Where it really falls short is in its spurious emissions. This is the single worst radio I have ever seen. It is so bad that it single-handedly lowers the average of all Baofeng radios 61% (so I omit it as an outlier). So would I recommend the K5Plus? LOL! There are a ton of better radios out there, pick anything but this. The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is a better radio and a better value. Just stay away from this horrible piece of.....equipment. | 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. |