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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-25 vs Radioddity GD-168

Our pick

Baofeng UV-25$63.99

The UV-25 edges out the GD-168 as the better overall value. Both radios deliver effectively tied specifications for the money, scoring 73 and 72 respectively. The single most important differentiator is price: at $54 versus $130, the UV-25 costs less than half as much while delivering double the transmit power and GPS capability that the GD-168 lacks. The UV-25 also supports CHIRP programming, adding flexibility.

The GD-168 offers DMR and APRS digital modes plus a lighter weight of 220g versus the UV-25's substantial 408g. However, these features come at significant cost premium. Owner ratings are close and equally sparse as differentiators, with 89 Amazon reviews reporting 4.3 stars for the UV-25 and only 12 reviews at 4.2 stars for the GD-168.

Buy the UV-25 if you want power, GPS, and value for basic VHF/UHF work. Buy the GD-168 if you specifically need DMR and APRS digital capabilities and can justify the premium. For most amateur radio operators seeking a capable handheld without breaking the budget, the UV-25 delivers stronger listed specifications for significantly less money.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Beginner needing basic VHF/UHF coverage

    Its high channel count and simple analog modes are ideal for learning the basics.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Intermediate operator needing advanced features

    The UV-25 offers GPS and CHIRP, supporting more complex field operations.

    UV-25
  • Budget-conscious backup radio for field use

    It provides excellent feature density and multi-band capability at a lower price point.

    UV-25
  • Operator needing maximum channel capacity

    The GD-168 boasts a massive 4000 channel memory, useful for large repeaters.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Technician moving into APRS and coordinate sharing

    Its built-in GPS and APRS focus make it perfect for field coordinate work.

    UV-25

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-25

  • 51% cheaper ($63.99 vs $129.99)
  • 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
  • 189% more battery (5200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Radioddity GD-168

  • 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
  • 188g lighter (220g vs 408g)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • Has APRS support

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-25SpecRadioddity GD-168
$63.99
Price
$129.99
73
Overall Score
72
+1% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
2.0× difference
999
Memory Channels
4000
4.0× difference
408g
Weight
220g
+85% difference
5200 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
2.9× difference
Color LCD
Display
1.77in TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
2"
size
103.5×53.5×35.5mm (with battery pack)
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF
UV-25 Plus
Model Number
GD-168
5200mAh Li-ion Battery x 1, Type-C Charging Cable x 1, Adapter x 1, Gooseneck ANT x 1, High-Gain ANT x 1, Radio Pouch x 1, Belt Clip x 1, Wrist Strap x 1, Speaker Mic x 1, Headset x 1, UV-25 Plus Radio x 1
Built-In Media
1 x 1800mAh Battery, 1 x 2600mAh Battery, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Adaptor, 1 x Desktop Charger Base, 1 x Type-C Cable (for programming & charging), 1 x GD-168 DMR Radio, 1 x Standard ANT, 1 x 15’’ Long ANT
UHF VHF 1.25M
Frequency Range
UHF, VHF
Repeater
Compatible Devices
DMR devices, FM radios, compatible accessories
2" Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Rechargable with USB-C Port, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
Digital Display, Long Range, Noise Reduction, USB-C Rechargeable & Programmable, Voice Operated Transmission
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
18 month warranty
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
5.91"D x 1.97"W x 2.76"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
4.07"D x 2.11"W x 2.11"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-25PICK

$63.99 on Amazon

Radioddity GD-168

$129.99 on Amazon

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