Baofeng UV-5R vs KSUN HF123D
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The Baofeng UV-5R is the clear winner here. This isn't even close given the massive gap in overall scores and practical usability.
The single most important differentiator is the UV-5R's CHIRP compatibility combined with its dramatically higher overall score of 65 versus 20. The UV-5R is a proven workhorse in the amateur radio community with established firmware support and programming flexibility, while the KSUN HF123D appears to be a poorly-reviewed radio with fundamental issues that justify its abysmal score.
The Baofeng UV-5R should be purchased by budget-conscious operators who want a reliable dual-band handheld with genuine community support and the ability to program it beyond factory limitations. The KSUN HF123D has no compelling reason for purchase given its low score and lack of CHIRP support.
Buy the Baofeng UV-5R without hesitation. It costs less, performs significantly better, and offers the programming flexibility that serious users need. The UV-5R's 65/100 score reflects genuine utility despite its budget positioning, whereas the KSUN's 20/100 suggests basic functionality failures that make the eight dollar price difference irrelevant.
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5R
- 36% cheaper ($35.97 vs $55.80)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose KSUN HF123D
- No clear advantages in this comparison
$55.80 on Amazon
★ 3.0 (10 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng UV-5R | KSUN HF123D |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.97 | $55.80 |
| Overall Score | 65 | 17 |
| TX Power (High) | 5.00W | — |
| Memory Channels | 999 | — |
| Weight | — | — |
| Battery | — | — |
| Display | — | — |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Not Found |
| Color | gray | Black |
| Frequency Range | VHF UHF | CB, HF, SSB, AM |
| Special Feature | Copy Frequency, Long Range, Noaa Weather Receiver | Noise Reduction |
| Compatible Devices | Mobile devices (for programming), Headsets, Earpieces, NOAA weather alerts, Various antennas | Two-way radios (CB, HF, SSB, AM frequencies), Headsets, Earpieces |
| Included Components | 2 X 9CM Antenna& 21CM Gooseneck Antenna, 2 X Earpiece & 2 X Clip, 2 X Radio, 2X Type-c Cable, Battery | Antenna |
| Number of Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. (included) | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant | Not Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | VHF UHF | UHF |
| Model Number | UV-5R MINI | KSUN-HF123D |
| Built-In Media | 2 X 9CM Antenna& 21CM Gooseneck Antenna, 2 X Earpiece & 2 X Clip, 2 X Radio, 2X Type-c Cable, Battery | Antenna |
| Additional Features | Copy Frequency, Long Range, Noaa Weather Receiver | Noise Reduction |