RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Baofeng UV-28 vs Baofeng UV-7B
Our pick
Baofeng UV-28$47.19
The UV-7B is the better choice for most users.
The single most important differentiator is price. The UV-7B costs $25 versus $45 for the UV-28, a 44 percent savings. The UV-28 offers GPS and CHIRP support, which matter for specific use cases, but the UV-7B's owner rating of 4.4 out of 5 across 98 reviews actually exceeds the UV-28's 4.1 out of 5 from 44 reviews. This suggests owners are satisfied with what the UV-7B delivers. We do not have the UV-7B's transmit power specification, so direct power comparison is not possible. The UV-28 is lighter at 360 grams versus 260 grams, though both are reasonably portable for handheld use.
The UV-7B makes sense as a primary radio or entry point given the price advantage and solid owner feedback. The UV-28 suits operators who specifically need GPS capability or prefer CHIRP programming over manual frequency entry, and who value those features enough to justify the higher cost.
Choose the UV-7B unless you need GPS or CHIRP support. Choose the UV-28 if those features fit your operating plan and the price difference is acceptable.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee on a tight budget
It costs less and its simple controls suit a newly licensed operator learning the basics.
UV-7BSOTA or POTA activator needing GPS and extra power
Its GPS and 10W transmit power help activators log positions and reach distant stations from the field.
UV-28Emergency communications volunteer for ARES or RACES
Its higher transmit power and larger memory bank suit coordinated emergency deployments and varied frequency lists.
UV-28Club loaner or exam practice radio
Its lower cost and lighter weight make it easier to lend out and replace if damaged.
UV-7BOperator wanting a light, pocketable backup handheld
At 260 grams it is noticeably lighter than the alternative and works well as a secondary unit.
UV-7BExperienced user wanting feature-rich dual-band monitoring
It offers a higher feature score and more capability for monitoring and customizing a busy operating setup.
UV-28
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28
- 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-7B
- 46% cheaper ($25.49 vs $47.19)
- 100g lighter (260g vs 360g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-28PICK
$47.19 on AmazonBaofeng UV-7B
$25.49 on AmazonMore head-to-heads