RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female) vs Baofeng Dual-Band Whip (SMA-Female)
Our pick
Baofeng Dual-Band Whip (SMA-Female)$6.99
The Baofeng Dual-Band Whip is the clear winner at 87/100 versus the AR-805S at 49/100, and the difference matters in real-world use.
The critical differentiator is electrical length. The AR-805S is dangerously short at just 0.02 wavelengths on VHF, delivering a realistic minus 9.0 dBi instead of its claimed 3 dBi gain, an overstatement of nearly 8 dB. On UHF it fares better at 0.07 wavelengths but still underperforms. The Baofeng, at 389 mm, reaches 0.19 wavelengths on VHF and an excellent 0.56 wavelengths (nearly 5/8 wave) on UHF where it achieves realistic 2.9 dBi gain. Its claimed 2.15 dBi is honest and supported by its physical length.
Both cost roughly $7 and share the same connector type. The real-world difference is that the AR-805S will frustrate you with terrible performance on both bands, while the Baofeng delivers usable performance, especially on UHF. The Baofeng is suitable for anyone wanting a functional rubber duck antenna. The AR-805S has no practical application for amateur radio communication; it's overspecced in claims and underspecced in design. Buy the Baofeng.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Everyday carry where pocket size matters most
The 50mm stubby stays out of the way in a pocket or bag, though its reach falls well short of the longer whip.
AR-805SBudget buyer for close-range simplex chat
It costs less than the alternative and covers short local contacts adequately for casual everyday use.
AR-805SOperator working a repeater at the edge of coverage
Its longer element is far less electrically short on both bands, which helps most when the signal is weak.
Baofeng Dual-Band Whip (SMA-Female)70cm-first operator wanting better UHF performance
Its near five-eighths wave element on UHF radiates far more effectively than the stubby's very short length allows.
Baofeng Dual-Band Whip (SMA-Female)2m-focused operator wanting more VHF reach
Even on 2m, the longer whip is much less electrically short than the stubby, so it radiates noticeably more.
Baofeng Dual-Band Whip (SMA-Female)
Reasons to choose ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
- 0% cheaper ($6.98 vs $6.99)
- 13.3 in shorter to carry (50 mm vs 389 mm)
Reasons to choose Baofeng Dual-Band Whip (SMA-Female)
- Stronger on VHF (-1.1 dBi vs -9.0 dBi at 146 MHz)
- Stronger on UHF (2.9 dBi vs -4.9 dBi at 435 MHz)
- Gain claim its length supports (the other overstates by about 7.9 dB)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
$6.98 on AmazonBaofeng Dual-Band Whip (SMA-Female)PICK
$6.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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