Baofeng UV-S9 vs Baofeng UV-3R - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-S9 and Baofeng UV-3R? 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-S9Baofeng UV-3R
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-S9Baofeng UV-3R
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm5/2.31/.4
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts8.4 v3.7 v
Rated mAh2200 mAh1500 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant246 mm174 mm
Width58 mm55 mm
Thickness w/clip42 mm40 mm
Weight215 g147 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$33$45
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceCF
Rating OverallDD
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.

The Baofeng UV-3R Plus is a good little radio and while there is nothing particularly wrong with it, it is seriously outclassed by the UV-5R for the same amount of money.