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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-26 vs Radioddity GD-168

Our pick

Baofeng UV-26$28.21

The Baofeng UV-26 is the clear winner here. Despite being a budget radio, it outperforms the Radioddity GD-168 across nearly every metric that matters.

The single most important differentiator is the overall quality and usability gap. The UV-26 scores 71/100 versus the GD-168's disappointing 44/100, a significant margin reflecting real-world performance differences. The UV-26 also offers CHIRP compatibility for easier programming and confirmed 10W transmit power, while the GD-168's specifications are vague and its lower score suggests reliability or feature issues.

The UV-26 is ideal for beginners, emergency backup, or anyone wanting a capable radio without breaking the bank. The GD-168 might appeal only to someone who specifically needs features it apparently offers better than competitors, though its low score makes this unlikely.

Buy the Baofeng UV-26 without hesitation. At 27 dollars, you're getting a radio that punches well above its price point with solid performance and community support. The GD-168 represents poor value at five times the price with inferior results. For this category, the budget option wins decisively.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • New amateur operator on a tight budget

    The UV-26 offers excellent beginner features and coverage at a much lower price point.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Technician class needing high channel capacity

    The GD-168's 4000 channel memory is ideal for logging and tracking many frequencies.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Emergency preparedness or local simplex use

    Its robust coverage and simple operation make it perfect for local, non-repeater comms.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Experienced ham needing a secondary field radio

    The higher build quality and extra channels make it a reliable backup for field operations.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Operator needing VHF/UHF/1.25m coverage

    The UV-26's multi-band capability covers the widest range of amateur frequencies.

    Baofeng UV-26

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-26

  • 80% cheaper ($28.21 vs $139.99)
  • 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
  • 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Radioddity GD-168

  • 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • Has APRS support

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-26SpecRadioddity GD-168
$28.21
Price
$139.99
71
Overall Score
71
10.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
2.0× difference
999
Memory Channels
4000
4.0× difference
2500 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
+39% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
1.77in TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
color
Black
2
unitCount
1
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
Color
Black
VHF/1.25M/UHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF
UV26
Model Number
GD-168
①1X UV26 Ham Radio, ②1X 6.1" antenna, ③1X 15.12" 771 antenna, ④1X 10.63" 771 Air-band antenna, ⑤1X 2500mAh Battery, ⑥1X Type-C charger with cable, ⑦1X earpiece with mic, ⑧1X belt, ⑨1X hand strap, ⑩1X charging base station, 10WHTC, 2500mAh Battery, 10WHTC Charger, USB Cable
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
UV26
Mfr Part Number
QYWRDGDYLB11
BAOFENG UV26 Ham Radios, other devices on the same frequency bands and channels, CHIRP, CPS, TIDRADIO wireless programmer, earpiece, belt, hand strap, charging base station
Compatible Devices
DMR devices, FM radios, compatible accessories
771 Antenna, Air-band antenna, Superior grip, Enhanced design, Wider frequency band, 10W power, USB C charging, 1.77inch colour screen, Frequency copy
Additional Features
Digital Display, Long Range, Noise Reduction, USB-C Rechargeable & Programmable, Voice Operated Transmission
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-26PICK

$28.21 on Amazon

Radioddity GD-168

$139.99 on Amazon

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