RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026APX-8000 vs Baofeng UV-28
The Baofeng UV-28 emerges as the clear winner here. For less than half the price of the APX-8000, you're getting a radio with a higher overall score and the practical advantage of GPS functionality—a feature increasingly valuable for emergency response and field operations.
The single most important differentiator is price-to-performance ratio. At $47, the UV-28 delivers better value than the $130 APX-8000, which costs nearly three times as much while scoring 12 points lower overall. The UV-28's GPS capability adds genuine utility that the APX-8000 lacks entirely.
The APX-8000 should appeal only to users who specifically need the higher 12W transmit power and have verified it meets their coverage requirements. The Baofeng UV-28 suits virtually everyone else—budget-conscious operators, field technicians, and anyone who values GPS location tracking.
Unless you have a documented need for the APX-8000's extra power output, the Baofeng UV-28 is the more intelligent purchase. You'll save money, gain GPS functionality, and receive a radio that testing shows actually performs better overall. Spend your savings on a quality antenna or spare battery instead.
By use case
Which should you buy?
SOTA activators and field coordination teams
GPS, Bluetooth, and a 1000-channel memory suit field coordination and summit logging.
UV-28Budget-conscious first-time licensee learning the hobby
Costs less and offers GPS, Bluetooth, and CHIRP programming for beginners learning the hobby.
UV-28Technician seeking long simplex range
Its 12W transmitter gives more output than the 10W Baofeng for simplex contacts.
APX-8000Daily carry user prioritizing a lighter handheld
A higher portability rating makes the APX-8000 easier to carry daily than the heavier 360g Baofeng.
APX-8000ARES/RACES emergency communications volunteers
Its 1000-channel memory and dual-band monitoring suit ARES/RACES emergency nets better than analog-only APX-8000.
UV-28
Reasons to choose APX-8000
- 20% more TX power (12W vs 10W)
- 300% more battery (8800 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28
- 8x more memory channels (1,000 vs 128)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
APX-8000
Search on AmazonBaofeng UV-28PICK
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