Baofeng UV-28 vs Yaesu FT-70DR

The UV-28 is the clear winner for budget-conscious operators who want core features at a steep discount.

The single most important differentiator is price: the UV-28 costs $43 versus $300 for the FT-70DR. On specifications, the UV-28 also delivers higher transmit power (10W vs 5W) and includes GPS, which the Yaesu lacks. The FT-70DR is lighter and rated IP54 for weather resistance, but we have no IP rating data for the Baofeng. Both support CHIRP programming and neither includes DMR or APRS.

Owners report very high satisfaction with the FT-70DR at 4.8/5 from six reviews, though that's a small sample. The UV-28 shows strong owner feedback at 4.1/5 from 44 reviews, giving us broader evidence of what buyers actually experience. The UV-28 should appeal to newcomers, budget operators, or anyone running a second radio, while the FT-70DR suits those prioritizing weather sealing and a compact design who can justify the seven-fold price premium.

Buy the UV-28 unless you need the Yaesu's weather rating or specifically value its lighter weight enough to justify the cost difference.