RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026APX-8000 vs Baofeng UV-28
Our pick
Baofeng UV-28$40.99
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?
Beginner needing basic VHF/UHF coverage
The APX-8000 is designed for basic repeater coverage and VHF/UHF operation.
APX-8000Budget-focused emergency field coordination
The Baofeng offers superior value and GPS for field deployment and emergency use.
UV-28SOTA/POTA activators needing GPS and range
Its GPS and dual-band capability make it ideal for portable field activations.
UV-28Technician needing reliable analog repeater access
The APX-8000 is built for reliable analog operation and better range performance.
APX-8000Highly budget-constrained first-time licensee
The significantly lower price point makes the Baofeng an excellent entry-level choice.
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
- 68% cheaper ($40.99 vs $129.99)
- 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
$129.99 on AmazonBaofeng UV-28PICK
$40.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

