RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng UV-28 vs Baofeng UV-5R
The UV-5R is the clear winner for most users. While the UV-28 offers better listed specifications for the money, the UV-5R's commanding advantage in owner feedback makes it the safer choice.
The single most important differentiator is buyer experience. The UV-5R has 10,207 Amazon reviews with a 4.5/5 rating, while the UV-28 has only 44 reviews at 4.1/5. This massive difference in real-world feedback is significant evidence that owners are satisfied with the UV-5R's actual performance.
The UV-28 appeals to users who specifically need GPS capability and higher transmit power, and who value newer specifications enough to accept limited owner feedback. The UV-5R suits budget-conscious operators who want proven reliability and the confidence that comes from thousands of satisfied owners.
We recommend the UV-5R. At $16 with overwhelming user validation, it delivers genuine value despite lower power output and missing GPS. The UV-28's higher score reflects better specifications on paper, but paper doesn't reveal how a radio actually performs in the field. The UV-5R's extensive owner base speaks louder than spec sheets.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee
It costs far less while covering VHF and UHF, which suits a newcomer testing the hobby without a large outlay.
UV-5RLocal repeater monitoring and simple FM work
Its FM-only operation and 5W output handle routine local repeater use without extra features.
UV-5RSOTA and POTA portable activators
Its 10W output and GPS support make it better suited to coordinating and logging field activations.
UV-28ARES or RACES emergency volunteers
Its higher transmit power, larger channel memory, and Bluetooth give it more capability for deployment work.
UV-28Ultralight backpackers prioritizing weight
It weighs noticeably less, so it adds less load for hikers carrying gear over long distances.
UV-5ROperators wanting deeper features and customization
It offers a higher feature score, with more memory channels and additional functions for experienced users.
UV-28
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28
- 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
- 8x more memory channels (1,000 vs 128)
- 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R
- 110g lighter (250g vs 360g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
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