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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng 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 Plus
  • Hikers prioritizing a light load

    At 250 grams versus 408 grams, it adds far less weight to a pack on long days.

    KG-UV9D Plus
  • Experimenter exploring 1.25m and multi-band work

    Coverage of the 1.25m band alongside VHF and UHF gives experimenters more frequencies to explore.

    UV-25
  • Emergency 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

Baofeng UV-25SpecWouxun KG-UV9D Plus
—
Price
$179.99
61
Overall Score
41
+49% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
2.0× difference
999
Memory Channels
999
408g
Weight
250g
+64% difference
5200 mAh
Battery
—
Color LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
On file, scope unconfirmed
Black
color
Black
Black
Color
Black
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF
UV-25 Plus
Model Number
KG UV9D Plus
UHF VHF 1.25M
Frequency Range
136 - 174 MHz, 350 - 400 MHz, 700 - 985 MHz, 76 - 108 MHz
Repeater
Compatible Devices
RM
2" Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Rechargable with USB-C Port, 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
5.91"D x 1.97"W x 2.76"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.97"D x 3.94"W x 5.12"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-25PICK

Check on Amazon

Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

$179.99 on Amazon

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