RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng UV-21R vs Yaesu FT-5DR
Our pick
Yaesu FT-5DR$489.95
The Baofeng UV-21R is the clear winner for most users.
The single most important differentiator is price. The UV-21R costs $27 while the FT-5DR costs $480, yet delivers superior TX power at 6W versus 5W. The FT-5DR adds features like APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, and C4FM capability, plus better weather protection with an IPX7 rating. However, these advanced features don't justify the 17-fold price premium for casual operators or budget-conscious buyers.
The UV-21R has a substantial owner track record: 4.5 stars from 775 Amazon reviews reporting their actual experience. The FT-5DR has no owner ratings yet, so we cannot assess how customers perceive it in practice. Both radios are light and compact; the FT-5DR is slightly lighter at 282g.
The UV-21R is ideal for anyone entering amateur radio or needing a backup radio without spending significant money. The FT-5DR suits operators who specifically need digital modes like C4FM, GPS tracking, or APRS integration and can afford the premium price.
Buy the Baofeng UV-21R unless you need the FT-5DR's specific digital features.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time licensee learning on local FM repeaters
Simple FM controls and a much lower cost make it a practical first radio for new licensees.
UV-21R 6W Tri-BandBudget-constrained buyer wanting a spare handheld
Costs far less than the alternative while covering VHF and UHF with 6W output.
UV-21R 6W Tri-BandARES or emergency net volunteer on a tight budget
Low cost and 999 memory channels let volunteers program many local simplex and repeater frequencies affordably.
UV-21R 6W Tri-BandOperator using C4FM or WiRES-X repeaters
Built-in C4FM and WiRES-X support let you use Fusion repeaters and linked nodes directly.
FT-5DRField operator working in wet conditions
IPX7 rating and built-in GPS and APRS suit field operators working in wet conditions.
FT-5DRExperienced operator wanting advanced features
Dual independent receivers and a higher feature score make it the stronger choice for experienced operators.
FT-5DR
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-21R
- 20% more TX power (6W vs 5W)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-5DR
- 20% more memory channels (1,200 vs 999)
- 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- 18g lighter (282g vs 300g)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has C4FM/System Fusion
- IPX7 water resistance
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-21R
Search on AmazonYaesu FT-5DRPICK
$489.95 on AmazonKeep researching
Related Buying Guides
More head-to-heads