Baofeng UV-S9 vs Baofeng UV-5R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-S9 and Baofeng UV-5R? 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-5R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-S9 | Baofeng UV-5R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m/70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 5/2.3 | 3/1.4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 8.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | mAh | 1210 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 246 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 42 mm | 44 mm |
| Weight | 215 g | 209 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $33 | $18 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | C | A |
| Rating Overall | D | A |
| Rating Ergonomics | - | B |
| 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-5R is a fantastic little radio for the price. Is it as good as a Yaesu FT-60R or Kenwood TH-D74, sorry, it’s not even in the same universe. The great news is that most people don’t really want or need the $200-$500 radio. Sure, they are nice and superior in every possible way, but that isn’t the point. Think of the Baofeng UV-5R in terms of cars, no one who has owned a BMW, a Mercedes, and a Kia will tell you that the Kia is just as good, but if they are being honest, they will tell you all three will get you to Walmart and back with your groceries just as well. The same holds true here. The Baofeng UV-5R will let you communicate with anyone on 2m or 70cm analog using simplex and repeaters in your local area 90% as well as the big boys, for a tenth or less money. That is hard to pass up and might be the best Baofeng radio for you. I own two, go ahead and get your own Beofeng UV-5R. |