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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

APX-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.

Runner-up
APX-8000
APX-8000

$129.99

Winner
Baofeng UV-28

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-8000
  • Budget-focused emergency field coordination

    The Baofeng offers superior value and GPS for field deployment and emergency use.

    UV-28
  • SOTA/POTA activators needing GPS and range

    Its GPS and dual-band capability make it ideal for portable field activations.

    UV-28
  • Technician needing reliable analog repeater access

    The APX-8000 is built for reliable analog operation and better range performance.

    APX-8000
  • Highly 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

APX-8000SpecBaofeng UV-28
$129.99
Price
$40.99
39
Overall Score
77
+96% for winner
12.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
+20% for winner
128
Memory Channels
1000
7.7× difference
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

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-28PICK

$40.99 on Amazon

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