Baofeng UV-K5 vs Baofeng UV-9S - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-K5 and Baofeng UV-9S? 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-9S |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-K5 | Baofeng UV-9S |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 6/5 | 4.1/2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2500 mAh | 2200 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1780 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 328 mm | 246 mm |
| Width | 62 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 53 mm | 42 mm |
| Weight | 315 g | 215 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $24 | $35 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Value Score | F | F |
| Performance Score | F | C |
| Ergonomics Score | C | F |
| 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. | 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. |