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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

APX-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-28
  • Budget-conscious first-time licensee learning the hobby

    Costs less and offers GPS, Bluetooth, and CHIRP programming for beginners learning the hobby.

    UV-28
  • Technician seeking long simplex range

    Its 12W transmitter gives more output than the 10W Baofeng for simplex contacts.

    APX-8000
  • Daily carry user prioritizing a lighter handheld

    A higher portability rating makes the APX-8000 easier to carry daily than the heavier 360g Baofeng.

    APX-8000
  • ARES/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

APX-8000SpecBaofeng UV-28
39
Overall Score
64
+64% for winner
12.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
+20% for winner
128
Memory Channels
1000
7.7× difference
—
Weight
360g
8800 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
4.0× difference
Color LCD
Display
Color LCD
No grant found
FCC Authorization
On file, scope unconfirmed
Green
color
Black
Green
Color
Black
APX-8000
Model Number
UV-28 Plus
Two-way radios operating on VHF (136.025-173.975 MHz) and UHF (406.125-469.125 MHz) frequencies, compatible headsets, earpieces, and external antennas
Compatible Devices
Repeater, Smartphone
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

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