Baofeng UV-S9 vs Baofeng UV-21 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-S9 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-S9 | Baofeng UV-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-S9 | Baofeng UV-21 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 5/2.3 | 3.4/2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 8.4 v | 8.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | mAh |
| Tested mAh | mAh | 1460 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 246 mm | 327 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 63 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 42 mm | 54 mm |
| Weight | 215 g | 300 g |
| Color Screen | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | Yes |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | - |
| Price | $33 | $25 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | C | A |
| Rating Overall | D | A |
| Rating Ergonomics | - | A |
| Conclusions | 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. | 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. |