Baofeng
Baofeng UV-21R (Orange)
The UV-21R is a highly capable budget HT offering key modern features like USB-C charging and IP54 protection. It provides solid performance for new operators without breaking the bank.
★★★★⯪4.4(226 reviews)
Amazon's Choice
VHF220MHzUHFCHIRP
$30–$30
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Budget-conscious new hams
- ✓Club loaner or backup unit
- ✓Operators needing IP protection
- ✓Users upgrading from older Baofeng models
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Advanced operators needing high power
- ✕Users prioritizing simple setup experience
- ✕Operators needing advanced features
The good and the bad
What we like
- USB-C charging eliminates proprietary cables
- IP54 rating handles rain and dust
- 999 channel memory capacity
- Improved ergonomics and display size
- Supports 1.25M airband operation
What we don't
- Programming remains complex for beginners
- Software reliance can be difficult
- TX power is not explicitly listed
- Default screen timeout can be distracting
Proprietary RR Score
How we scored it
72
GoodValue
95
Features
32
Beginner
93
Portability
47
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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6.00W
TX Power
1800mAh
Battery
999
Channels
300g
Weight
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Programming Difficulty
Users report the programming process is challenging and non-intuitive.
2.5
Build Quality
The radio is frequently praised for its solid, durable build.
4.5
Modern Features
USB-C charging and IP54 rating are noted improvements.
4.3
Performance Value
It offers strong performance relative to its low cost.
4.0
★★★★⯪4.4(226 Amazon reviews)
5 star
73%
4 star
15%
3 star
5%
2 star
1%
1 star
6%
Overview
The UV-21R is aimed squarely at newly licensed Technicians and budget-conscious operators who need a functional dual-band HT without committing serious money to the hobby. It also makes a reasonable case as a loaner radio for club events or a backup unit when your primary rig is out of service.
CHIRP compatibility is the headline practical feature here, letting you program the radio's 999 memory channels without wrestling with the front panel. The IP54 rating means it can handle rain and dust in the field, which is a genuine differentiator at this price point. Type-C charging is a small but welcome detail that eliminates the proprietary cable problem common to Baofeng's older lineup.
On features, this radio scores weak compared to mid-tier HTs, and the missing TX power spec data is a frustration for anyone trying to evaluate it rigorously. That said, on value it scores exceptionally well, and for a first radio or a throwaway grab-and-go unit, it delivers what matters most. Operators expecting DMR, APRS, or serious RF performance should look elsewhere.
Specifications
| Price | $29.99 |
| TX Power (High) | 6.00W |
| TX Power (Low) | 1.00W |
| Memory Channels | 999 |
| Weight | 300g |
| Dimensions | 135 x 61 x 39 mm |
| Battery | 1800 mAh Li-ion |
| Display | 1.77in TFT Color |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| RX Range | 65.0000–520.0000 MHz |
| TX Range | 136.0000–480.0000 MHz |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-UV21R |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 11 |
| FCC Grant Date | 2023-10-17 |
| color | Orange |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Orange |
| Voltage | 3.6 Volts |
| Tuner Type | UHF VHF |
| Model Number | UV-21R |
| Built-In Media | 1XRadio Body, 1xBattery&1XHeadset, 1xBelt Clip&1XType-C Charging Cable&1XUS Plug, 1xHigh Gain Antenna&1X771 Orange Antenna, 1xLanyard&1XManual&1xScrewdriver |
| Mfr Part Number | FBA-UV-21R-Orange-771-DZ Type-C |
| Waterproof Rating | IP54 |
| Compatible Devices | USB devices, PCs, earpieces, ham radios |
| Additional Features | Emergency Alarm, Long Range |
| Warranty Description | NO |
| Connectivity Protocol | FM |
Key Features
- Dual-band VHF/UHF coverage; standard for local repeater and simplex operation
- 999 memory channels programmable via CHIRP (UV-17Pro profile compatible)
- IP54 rated; splash and dust resistant, not submersible
- Type-C charging port integrated into the battery pack
- FCC certified (ID: 2AJGM-UV21)
- Ships with two antennas including a higher-gain alternative
- No manufacturer warranty included
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What Customers Say
★★★★★Programming this device is incredibly challenging, to say the least!!
The Baofeng UV-5R has long been a popular choice among amateur radio fans who want to save money. That being said, this "so called Baofeng" basic ham radio is a whole different story. It doesn't have the programming ease of CHIRP and P15UV-CPS as I tried for three hours. Its low price may be the onl...
Todd L.·Oct 4, 2023·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Best Baofeng I’ve seen so far
I’m an experienced Radio user having retired from Public Safety, as well as Ham and GMRS licensed user. I was looking for a cheap radio to use at times my expensive HT might get soiled or damaged but the screen needed to be large and have Alpha characters to see without reading glasses.This UV21R f...
LP·Aug 31, 2023·Verified Purchase
★★★★☆Good Radio
Delivered on time and works great. Clip is a little weak but other that it's great.
Scotty·Feb 22, 2026·Verified Purchase