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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Jul 2026

Baofeng UV-28 vs Baofeng UV-7B

Our pick

Baofeng UV-28$39.99

The Baofeng UV-7B is the clear winner here. Despite being nearly half the price at $25 versus $47, it outscores the UV-28 significantly with a 71/100 versus 54/100 rating. The most important differentiator is CHIRP compatibility: the UV-7B supports this essential programming software, while the UV-28 does not. This matters greatly because CHIRP allows you to program frequencies and settings on your computer, which is far more convenient and less error-prone than manual entry on the radio's keypad.

The GPS feature on the UV-28 sounds appealing but doesn't justify its higher price and lower overall score. The UV-7B should appeal to anyone starting in amateur radio or wanting a reliable, budget-friendly handheld with proper computer programmability. The UV-28 might only interest someone with a specific need for built-in GPS, but the lower score suggests implementation quality issues may be present.

Buy the UV-7B. The price advantage combined with superior ratings and CHIRP support makes it the more practical choice for virtually any amateur operator. Save your money and get the better radio.

Winner
Baofeng UV-28
Runner-up
Baofeng UV-7B

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner or first-time licensee

    Its extremely low price and high beginner score make it ideal for learning the basics.

    UV-7B
  • SOTA activators or field coordination

    The inclusion of GPS and its focus on field use makes it superior for portable operations.

    UV-28
  • Budget-conscious backup or secondary HT

    It offers excellent value and necessary features like Bluetooth for minimal cost.

    UV-7B
  • Emergency preparedness or ARES/RACES use

    The UV-28's specific focus on emergency deployment makes it the more robust choice.

    UV-28
  • Advanced user needing basic functionality

    The UV-28's higher feature score suggests more operational capability for advanced use.

    UV-28

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28

  • 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-7B

  • 33% cheaper ($26.99 vs $39.99)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-28SpecBaofeng UV-7B
$39.99
Price
$26.99
77
Overall Score
70
+10% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
1000
Memory Channels
1000
2200 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
+22% for winner
Color LCD
Display
Color LCD
Authorized
FCC Authorization
Not Found
Black
color
Blue
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Blue
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF
UV-28 Plus
Model Number
UV-7B
1 x Headset, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Wrist Strap, 1 x High-Gain ANT, 1 x Speaker Mic, 1 x UV-28 PLUS Ham Radio, 2 x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery, 1 x Desktop Charger with Adapter
Built-In Media
1 x 1800mAh Battery, 1 x USB Charging Cable, 1 x Adapter, 1 x Headset, 1 x UV-7B Radio, 1 x Wrist Strap, Belt Clip
UHF VHF
Frequency Range
UHF VHF
QYWBAUVEBPSB21
Mfr Part Number
QYWBAUVYQRPBT21
Repeater, Smartphone
Compatible Devices
Repeater, Smartphone
CHIRP Compatible, Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Wireless APP Programmable
Additional Features
1.77 inches Digital Display, APP Programmable via Bluetooth, Tri-band transmit, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Bluetooth, GPS
Connectivity Protocol
Bluetooth
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-28PICK

$39.99 on Amazon

Baofeng UV-7B

$26.99 on Amazon

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