Baofeng UV-21R vs Baofeng UV-5R Mini

The Baofeng UV-21R is the clear winner here. For the modest price difference of just eight dollars, you get a radio that's significantly more powerful and scores notably higher overall.

The single most important differentiator is transmit power. The UV-21R delivers 6 watts compared to the UV-5R Mini's 2 watts, giving you three times the output. This directly translates to better range and more reliable communications in real-world conditions, which is fundamental to any handheld radio's purpose.

Both radios share identical feature sets otherwise, lacking DMR, APRS, and GPS capabilities, while both support CHIRP programming. Neither weight is specified, so that factor is a wash. The UV-21R's higher overall score of 57 versus 50 reflects its superior performance across testing.

The UV-21R suits operators who prioritize practical performance and range without spending significantly more. The UV-5R Mini only makes sense if you specifically need a smaller, lighter package and can accept substantially reduced power output.

We recommend the Baofeng UV-21R for virtually anyone entering the hobby or seeking a budget handheld. The power advantage justifies its position as the better value, and the minimal cost difference makes choosing the weaker radio difficult to rationalize.