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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

Our pick

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro$59.99

The Baofeng UV-5RM Pro is the clear winner here. It outperforms the Wouxun across nearly every meaningful metric while costing a third of the price.

The most important differentiator is transmission power. The UV-5RM Pro delivers 10W compared to the Wouxun's 5W, giving you twice the effective range for the same frequency. Add in GPS and APRS capability on the Baofeng versus neither on the Wouxun, and there's simply no contest. The UV-5RM Pro also scores significantly higher overall at 77 versus 35, and it's substantially lighter at 301g.

The only scenario where the Wouxun might appeal is if you specifically need its particular form factor or ergonomics, but even then the specs don't justify the $120 premium. The Baofeng is the obvious choice for any new or budget-conscious operator seeking practical features and real-world performance.

Buy the Baofeng UV-5RM Pro if you want a capable, affordable handheld with GPS and decent power. Skip the Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus entirely given its higher price, lower power, and feature deficiency.

Go with the Baofeng UV-5RM Pro without hesitation.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Beginner needing digital features and power

    The UV-5RM Pro offers essential digital modes and higher transmit power for new operators.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Experienced user needing simple analog reliability

    The KG-UV9D Plus provides rock-solid, simple analog communication perfect for monitoring.

    KG-UV9D Plus
  • Budget-conscious field communication and scouting

    The UV-5RM Pro is significantly cheaper while still offering advanced features like APRS.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Monitoring airband and broadcast frequencies

    Its analog-only design and high channel count make it ideal for pure monitoring tasks.

    KG-UV9D Plus
  • Portable SOTA/POTA activations

    The combination of GPS, APRS, and decent power makes it excellent for outdoor activations.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

  • 67% cheaper ($59.99 vs $179.99)
  • 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

  • 56% more memory channels (999 vs 640)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM ProSpecWouxun KG-UV9D Plus
$59.99
Price
$179.99
77
Overall Score
35
2.2× difference
10.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
2.0× difference
640
Memory Channels
999
+56% for winner
301g
Weight
2500 mAh
Battery
Color LCD
Display
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
On file, scope unconfirmed
Black-2
color
Black
Black-2
Color
Black
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7 Volts
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
UHF
UV-5RM
Model Number
KG UV9D Plus
Hand Microphone, Original Headphones, High Gain Antennas (BF-771), Original Antennas, Other Two-Way Radios using the same frequency bands and channels
Compatible Devices
RM
Battery Saver Mode
Additional Features
Dual Receiving, Duplex Work on A&B Areas (TX on one area while RX on the other area simultaneously), Output Power VHF H:5W,M:2W,L:1W UHF H:4W,M:2W,L:1W, RX on the same/different bands of A&B areas simultaneously, UHF/VHF or VHF/UHF Cross-Band Repeater
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5RM ProPICK

$59.99 on Amazon

Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

$179.99 on Amazon

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