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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-25 vs Yaesu FT-60R

Our pick

Baofeng UV-25$54.39

The Baofeng UV-25 is the clear winner here. This is a straightforward comparison where one radio outperforms the other across nearly every meaningful metric.

The single most important differentiator is value proposition. The UV-25 costs one-quarter the price while delivering double the transmit power, GPS functionality, and CHIRP programming support. The Yaesu's significantly lower overall score of 39 versus 76 reflects real performance gaps that don't justify its premium pricing.

The UV-25 is the obvious choice for budget-conscious operators and anyone wanting modern features like GPS and computer programmability. The FT-60R might appeal only to someone with a specific attachment to Yaesu's ecosystem or legacy radio collection, though even then the value proposition is questionable.

Buy the Baofeng UV-25. It delivers substantially more capability and features at a fraction of the cost, making it the superior option for virtually any amateur radio operator. Unless you have compelling reasons to stay within the Yaesu ecosystem, spending nearly four times as much for an objectively weaker radio is difficult to justify. The UV-25's higher score and feature set make this an easy recommendation.

Winner
Baofeng UV-25
Runner-up
Yaesu FT-60R

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious beginner needing modern features

    The Baofeng offers superior features and power for a much lower entry cost.

    UV-25
  • Experienced operator needing pure analog reliability

    The Yaesu's analog simplicity and reputation make it ideal for reliable repeater monitoring.

    FT-60R
  • Field operations requiring GPS and APRS tracking

    Its built-in GPS and APRS support make it superior for coordinate sharing in the field.

    UV-25
  • Operator prioritizing ultra-simple, robust backup radio

    The Yaesu's focus on analog simplicity provides a trustworthy fallback for critical comms.

    FT-60R
  • Intermediate user needing multi-band flexibility

    The Baofeng's multi-band capability and high channel count support diverse operations.

    UV-25

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-25

  • 74% cheaper ($54.39 vs $209.95)
  • 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
  • 271% more battery (5200 mAh vs 1400 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-60R

  • 0% more memory channels (1,000 vs 999)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-25SpecYaesu FT-60R
$54.39
Price
$209.95
76
Overall Score
39
+96% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
2.0× difference
999
Memory Channels
1000
5200 mAh
Battery
1400 mAh
3.7× difference
Color LCD
Display
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
Black
Black
Color
Black
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF, VHF
UV-25 Plus
Model Number
FT-60R
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
1400mA Battery, Charger, antenna, belt clip
UHF VHF 1.25M
Frequency Range
144 - 148 MHz
Repeater
Compatible Devices
MH-37A4B, MH-34B4B, E-DC-5B, EDC-6, CT-44, FBA-25A
2" Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Rechargable with USB-C Port, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
Weather Alert
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
3 Years
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-25PICK

$54.39 on Amazon

Yaesu FT-60R

$209.95 on Amazon

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