Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng GT-5R vs Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

Our pick

Baofeng GT-5R$19.99

The Baofeng GT-5R is the clear winner here. Despite being a budget radio, it delivers better overall performance at a fraction of the cost.

The most important differentiator is value for money. The GT-5R costs just 18 dollars with a respectable 69/100 score, while the Wouxun costs 180 dollars but scores only 33/100. This isn't a close call. The GT-5R offers superior transmit power at 6 watts versus the Wouxun's 5 watts, plus CHIRP compatibility for easier programming. The Wouxun's only potential advantage is build quality, but that doesn't justify a ten-fold price increase when performance metrics tell a different story.

The GT-5R suits anyone entering amateur radio or seeking an affordable backup radio. The Wouxun might appeal only to users who specifically need its unique features or have had prior positive experiences with the brand, though this review suggests neither advantage exists here.

Buy the Baofeng GT-5R without hesitation. It's an exceptional value that outperforms a radio costing nine times more. Unless you have specific requirements the GT-5R doesn't meet, spending 180 dollars on the Wouxun makes no practical sense.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time hams testing the waters

    Its low cost and beginner-friendly features make it an ideal entry point.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • Monitoring airbands and broadcast frequencies

    The massive channel memory and analog focus are perfect for monitoring.

    KG-UV9D Plus
  • Budget-conscious backup or loaner radio

    The extremely low price point makes it unbeatable for secondary use.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band
  • Technician needing reliable analog communication

    It offers robust analog performance and high channel capacity for basic needs.

    KG-UV9D Plus
  • Portable operations requiring basic VHF/UHF

    Its high portability score and low weight make it excellent for field use.

    GT-5R 5W Dual Band

Reasons to choose Baofeng GT-5R

  • 89% cheaper ($19.99 vs $179.99)
  • 20% more TX power (6W vs 5W)
  • 23g lighter (227g vs 250g)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

  • 8x more memory channels (999 vs 128)
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng GT-5RSpecWouxun KG-UV9D Plus
$19.99
Price
$179.99
69
Overall Score
35
+96% for winner
6.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
+20% for winner
128
Memory Channels
999
7.7× difference
227g
Weight
250g
+10% difference
3800 mAh
Battery
LCD
Display
No grant found
FCC Authorization
On file, scope unconfirmed
Black
color
Black
Black
Color
Black
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
UHF
GT 5R
Model Number
KG UV9D Plus
144 - 148 MHz
Frequency Range
136 - 174 MHz, 350 - 400 MHz, 700 - 985 MHz, 76 - 108 MHz
Baofeng UV-5R series accessories
Compatible Devices
RM
Dual Band, Lightweight, Long Range, Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
Dual Receiving, Duplex Work on A&B Areas (TX on one area while RX on the other area simultaneously), Output Power VHF H:5W,M:2W,L:1W UHF H:4W,M:2W,L:1W, RX on the same/different bands of A&B areas simultaneously, UHF/VHF or VHF/UHF Cross-Band Repeater
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof
3.78"D x 4.29"W x 7.17"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.97"D x 3.94"W x 5.12"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng GT-5RPICK

$19.99 on Amazon

Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

$179.99 on Amazon

Keep researching

Related Buying Guides

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons