RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng BF-F8HP vs Y23UV-98PLUS
Our pick
Y23UV-98PLUS$78.28
The Baofeng BF-F8HP is the clear winner for most users.
The single most important differentiator is the owner feedback: the BF-F8HP has 4.5 stars from over 15,000 Amazon reviews versus 4.0 stars from just 16 reviews for the Y23UV-98PLUS. This massive difference in review volume gives us real confidence in what owners actually experience with the Baofeng.
Both radios offer comparable listed specifications. The Y23UV adds APRS and GPS while the Baofeng offers slightly lower price and CHIRP compatibility. However, these spec differences are modest and the Y23UV's weight is unknown, making full comparison difficult.
The Baofeng costs $33 less and comes with substantially more owner data supporting its performance. The Y23UV's limited review count makes it impossible to assess whether its extra features justify the price premium or how it holds up in real use.
Buy the Baofeng BF-F8HP if you want proven reliability at the best price. Buy the Y23UV-98PLUS only if APRS and GPS are essential to your operations and you're willing to bet on minimal owner feedback.
Get the Baofeng.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-focused first-time licensee
Costs less and scores higher for beginners, making it the easier entry point.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-CTrail hikers wanting APRS position tracking
Built-in APRS and GPS let you send your position while moving through the backcountry.
Y23UV-98PLUSEmergency kit buyer on a tight budget
Costs less while still covering VHF and UHF for a basic field backup radio.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-COperators with large repeater channel lists
Holds 1024 memory channels, far more room for dense repeater lists and simplex channels.
Y23UV-98PLUSHams who program radios with CHIRP software
CHIRP compatibility makes custom channel setup and bulk editing simple on a computer.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-CField operators wanting more transmit power
Transmits at 10 watts versus 8 watts, giving a modest range advantage on repeaters.
Y23UV-98PLUS
Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-F8HP
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS
- 8% cheaper ($78.28 vs $84.89)
- 25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
- 8x more memory channels (1,024 vs 128)
- 20% more battery (2400 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng BF-F8HP
$84.89 on AmazonY23UV-98PLUSPICK
$78.28 on AmazonKeep researching
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