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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-7B vs Radioddity GD-168

Our pick

Radioddity GD-168$137.99

The GD-168 is the clear winner if you need digital modes; the UV-7B wins if budget is your only concern.

The single most important differentiator is digital mode support. The GD-168 offers DMR and APRS, making it suitable for digital networks and location sharing. The UV-7B has neither, limiting it to analog FM. We don't have the UV-7B's transmit power figure, so we cannot compare RF output directly. Both radios weigh similarly, and neither supports CHIRP programming.

Owners report 4.4 out of 5 stars for the UV-7B across 98 reviews, while GD-168 owners report 4.2 out of 5 across 12 reviews. The UV-7B has more user feedback, though both ratings suggest satisfied buyers.

The UV-7B suits operators who want an ultra-budget entry point and don't need digital modes. The GD-168 is for anyone who wants practical digital capabilities and can justify five times the cost.

If you're choosing between these two, buy the GD-168 unless your budget genuinely won't stretch to 140 dollars. Digital mode support is worth the price difference for nearly any serious ham radio use.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-constrained first-time licensee

    It costs far less than the alternative and covers VHF and UHF for a newly licensed operator learning the basics.

    UV-7B
  • Club loaner or exam radio

    Its low cost and simple operation make it easy to lend out or hand to students without worry.

    UV-7B
  • Backup or secondary handheld for emergency kit

    A cheap spare radio with 1000 channels and Bluetooth suits a backup role where replacement cost matters.

    UV-7B
  • DMR digital mode newcomer

    It supports DMR and APRS with 4000 channels, which the other radio cannot offer for digital operation.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Operator wanting APRS and a color screen

    It pairs APRS with a higher feature score and 5W transmit power for more capable everyday use.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Ultralight portable operator on foot

    At 220g it is lighter than the other radio and offers a stronger feature set for field work.

    Radioddity GD-168

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-7B

  • 82% cheaper ($25.49 vs $137.99)
  • Has Bluetooth

Reasons to choose Radioddity GD-168

  • 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 1,000)
  • 40g lighter (220g vs 260g)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • Has APRS support
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-7BSpecRadioddity GD-168
$25.49
Price
$137.99
64
Overall Score
72
+12% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
5.00W
1000
Memory Channels
4000
4.0× difference
260g
Weight
220g
+18% difference
1800 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
Color LCD
Display
1.77in TFT Color
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
Blue
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Blue
Color
Black
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF
UV-7B
Model Number
GD-168
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
Built-In Media
1 x 1800mAh Battery, 1 x 2600mAh Battery, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Adaptor, 1 x Desktop Charger Base, 1 x Type-C Cable (for programming & charging), 1 x GD-168 DMR Radio, 1 x Standard ANT, 1 x 15’’ Long ANT
UHF VHF
Frequency Range
UHF, VHF
QYWBAUVYQRPBT21
Mfr Part Number
QYWRDGDYLB11
Repeater, Smartphone
Compatible Devices
DMR devices, FM radios, compatible accessories
1.77 inches Digital Display, APP Programmable via Bluetooth, Tri-band transmit, USB-C Rechargable, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
Digital Display, Long Range, Noise Reduction, USB-C Rechargeable & Programmable, Voice Operated Transmission
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
18 month warranty
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-7B

$25.49 on Amazon

Radioddity GD-168PICK

$137.99 on Amazon

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