RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng UV-7B vs Y23UV-98PLUS
Our pick
Y23UV-98PLUS$78.28
The Y23UV-98PLUS is the stronger choice for most users.
The key differentiator is feature set. The Y23UV-98PLUS adds APRS and GPS, both valuable for mobile operation and emergency response, while the UV-7B offers only Bluetooth. The Y23UV-98PLUS also delivers a specified 10W of transmit power, whereas the UV-7B's TX power is unknown. Both radios lack CHIRP support and published IP ratings. Owners of the UV-7B report slightly higher satisfaction at 4.4/5 from 98 reviews, but the Y23UV-98PLUS still earns a solid 4.0/5 from a smaller sample of 16 reviewers, so no reliability concerns emerge from the owner data.
The UV-7B targets budget-conscious newcomers who want an entry radio and don't need mapping or positioning features, accepting unknown power output as a trade-off for the lowest price. The Y23UV-98PLUS suits anyone doing mobile work, outdoor activities, or emergency preparedness, where GPS and APRS justify the higher cost and offer genuinely useful capabilities.
Buy the Y23UV-98PLUS unless your sole constraint is the $25 price point.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee on a tight start-up spend
It costs much less than the alternative while covering both VHF and UHF for learning on local repeaters.
UV-7BNewly licensed technician wanting basic VHF and UHF practice
Its simple layout and 1000 memory channels suit someone learning to program and operate a handheld.
UV-7BClub loaner or exam prep radio
A low purchase cost makes it easy for a club to keep several units on hand for members to borrow.
UV-7BOperator wanting APRS position tracking on the go
Built-in APRS and GPS let it report position, which the alternative lacks entirely.
Y23UV-98PLUSCamper or hiker needing a portable field radio with location features
Its GPS, APRS, and 10W transmit power give it a stronger field toolkit than the lighter alternative.
Y23UV-98PLUSFeature-focused buyer wanting the most capability per dollar
It offers a higher feature score and 1024 channels, justifying its higher price for those who use them.
Y23UV-98PLUS
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-7B
- Has Bluetooth
Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS
- 2% more memory channels (1,024 vs 1,000)
- 33% more battery (2400 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-7B
Search on AmazonY23UV-98PLUSPICK
$78.28 on AmazonMore head-to-heads