Baofeng UV-K5 vs Baofeng UV-S9 - Which One is Better in 2026?

Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-K5 and Baofeng UV-S9? 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-S9
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-K5Baofeng UV-S9
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm6/55/2.3
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v8.4 v
Rated mAh2500 mAh2200 mAh
Tested mAh1780 mAh mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant328 mm246 mm
Width62 mm58 mm
Thickness w/clip53 mm42 mm
Weight315 g215 g
Color ScreenYesNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingYesNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book Link-LINK
Price$24$33
Rating by PriceF of 5C of 5
Rating OverallF of 5D of 5
EMPTYYesYes
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.

I am sorry, but I can not think of a single reason to buy the Baofeng UV-S9 Plus. It might be just a slight bit better than the UV-9S, but it is lacking one of its primary features.

'It isn’t like anyone really uses the 220MHz band, that isn’t the point. The Baofeng UV-S9 Plus is supposed to be tri-band, it is not, and everything else about the radio is fair at best.

Save your pennies for a few more weeks and buy something like the Baofeng UV-9R that is built very well and waterproof to boot. You will get a lot more enjoyment out of it than you will this Baofeng UV-S9 Plus.

Rating ErgonomicsC-