RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng UV-25 vs Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus
Our pick
Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus$179.99
The UV-25 is the clear winner for most buyers.
The single most important differentiator is transmit power. The UV-25 delivers 10W compared to the Wouxun's 5W, giving you twice the output for better range and coverage. Both radios share the same core digital capabilities (no DMR, APRS, or D-STAR), so this power advantage matters significantly in the field.
The UV-25 is also heavier at 408g versus 250g. If weight is critical to your use case, the Wouxun wins on portability. Both radios support CHIRP programming and carry nearly identical owner ratings (4.3 vs 4.2 stars), though the UV-25 has more review data with 89 versus 42 reviews. We don't have pricing for the UV-25, which makes final comparison incomplete, but the Wouxun costs 180 dollars.
The UV-25 should appeal to users prioritizing range and transmission power who can accept the extra weight. The Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus suits operators who value lightweight portability over power output and have limited budgets.
Buy the UV-25 if you know its price is competitive with the Wouxun. If the UV-25 costs significantly more than 180 dollars, the weight and power tradeoff may not justify it.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee
Costs less while covering the analog VHF and UHF calling most new Technician operators need.
KG-UV9D PlusHikers prioritizing a light load
At 250 grams versus 408 grams, it adds far less weight to a pack on long days.
KG-UV9D PlusExperimenter exploring 1.25m and multi-band work
Coverage of the 1.25m band alongside VHF and UHF gives experimenters more frequencies to explore.
UV-25Emergency preparedness with higher transmit power
Its 10 watt output doubles the 5 watt transmit power of the alternative for reaching distant stations.
UV-25
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-25
- 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus
- 158g lighter (250g vs 408g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-25PICK
Check on AmazonWouxun KG-UV9D Plus
$179.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

