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.

FeatureBaofeng UV-K5Baofeng UV-21
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-K5Baofeng UV-21
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm6/53.4/2
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v8.4 v
Rated mAh2500 mAh mAh
Tested mAh1780 mAh1460 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant328 mm327 mm
Width62 mm63 mm
Thickness w/clip53 mm54 mm
Weight315 g300 g
Color ScreenYesYes
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingYesYes
Review LinkLINKLINK
Price$24$25
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceFA
Rating OverallFA
Rating ErgonomicsCA
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.