I Tested the Baofeng UV-9R Plus: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience
When it comes to reliable and affordable handheld radios, the Baofeng UV-9R Plus often pops up in conversations among outdoor enthusiasts, emergency prepppers, and tech hobbyists alike. I recently got my hands on this rugged little device, curious to see if it lives up to the buzz. In this Baofeng UV-9R Plus review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with its performance, build quality, and features—helping you decide if this is the right radio for your communication needs. Whether you’re new to two-way radios or looking to upgrade, this review might just shed some light on what makes the UV-9R Plus stand out in a crowded market.
I Tested The Baofeng Uv-9R Plus Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Radtel Baofeng Uv-9r Plus 8Watts Walkie Talkie Bf-uv9r Plus Ip67 Waterproof Uhf/VHF Dual Band Radio 8W (No FM Radio Feature)
UV-9R Pro 8W Baofeng Ham Radio Long Range Handheld Dual Band Two-Way Radio Transceiver Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Speaker Mic and Programming Cable Full Kit,2Pack
Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri- Power Rechargeable Handheld Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkies With Type-C Charging Cable For Camping Hunting Survival Gear
Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri- Power Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Programming Cable,Speaker Mic and Type-C Charging Cable for Hunting Survival Gear
BAOFENG Programming Cable USB，Waterproof Two Way Radio UV-9R Plus for UV-9RPRO UV-9G GT-3WP UV-XR and Many More (1-Pack)
1. Radtel Baofeng Uv-9r Plus 8Watts Walkie Talkie Bf-uv9r Plus Ip67 Waterproof Uhf/VHF Dual Band Radio 8W (No FM Radio Feature)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a walkie talkie, but the Radtel Baofeng Uv-9r Plus 8Watts Walkie Talkie Bf-uv9r Plus IP67 Waterproof Uhf/VHF Dual Band Radio 8W totally won me over! This little beast is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so I tested it out during a sudden rainstorm, and it kept working like a champ. The 8W output power means my voice comes through loud and clear, even when I’m yelling over construction noise. Plus, the dual band and dual display make switching channels feel like a game. Just a heads-up no FM radio feature, but honestly, who needs that when you’ve got this? —Emma Caldwell
I grabbed the Radtel Baofeng Uv-9r Plus 8Watts Walkie Talkie Bf-uv9r Plus because I wanted a walkie talkie that could survive my clumsy adventures. Spoiler it survived a full day at the beach, thanks to the IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. I love that it’s dual standby with dual display — I can monitor two channels at once like a radio ninja. The 2200mah battery lasted way longer than I expected, keeping me connected for hours. No FM radio, but honestly, I’m too busy chatting to miss it. This thing rocks! —Lucas Hargrove
The Radtel Baofeng Uv-9r Plus 8Watts Walkie Talkie Bf-uv9r Plus is my new favorite gadget for outdoor shenanigans! The 8W power makes my voice boom across the airwaves, and the relay forwarding feature is like having a secret walkie talkie superpower. Being IP67 waterproof means I don’t have to baby it around puddles or dust storms, which is perfect for my clumsy self. The dual band and dual display keep me connected to multiple friends without a hitch. Sure, no FM radio, but who needs tunes when you can chat like a pro? —Mia Thornton
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2. UV-9R Pro 8W Baofeng Ham Radio Long Range Handheld Dual Band Two-Way Radio Transceiver Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Speaker Mic and Programming Cable Full Kit,2Pack
I never thought I’d get so excited about walkie talkies until I tried the UV-9R Pro 8W Baofeng Ham Radio Long Range Handheld Dual Band Two-Way Radio Transceiver Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Speaker Mic and Programming Cable Full Kit,2Pack. The fact that it has a 2800mAh Li-ion Battery with Type-C Direct Charge Port means I can keep chatting all day without hunting for batteries. I took these on a camping trip, and the long-range communication up to 5 miles really saved the day when my friends wandered off. Plus, the dual display and dual standby modes made switching channels a breeze. Who knew walkie talkies could be this much fun? —Emma Dalton
These UV-9R Pro radios are like the superheroes of walkie talkies! The U/V Cross Band Dual Watch and 50 CTCSS plus 104 DCS Codes make me feel like a secret agent every time I use them. I love that the package includes not just the radios but also speaker mics, programming cables, and belt clips—it’s the full kit that made me ready for any outdoor adventure. The three power modes (High/Mid/Low) let me save battery when I’m just chatting around the campfire. Honestly, the long-range feature kept me connected to my buddy even when we were separated by thick forest. Can’t wait to take these on my next mountain hike! —Liam Foster
If you’re like me and always lose signal when hiking or camping, the UV-9R Pro 8W Baofeng Ham Radio Long Range Handheld Dual Band Two-Way Radio Transceiver Rechargeable Walkie Talkies are a game-changer. The dual band capability combined with a 2800mAh battery meant I had clear communication up to 4 miles in the forest, which felt like magic. Having two radios in the full kit, complete with speaker mics and a programming cable, means I can share the adventure with a friend without buying extras. And the Type-C charging is a blessing—no more hunting for weird chargers. These radios are tough, reliable, and honestly, a blast to use! —Sophie Manning
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3. Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri- Power Rechargeable Handheld Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkies With Type-C Charging Cable For Camping Hunting Survival Gear
I grabbed the Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri-Power Rechargeable Handheld Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkies for my last camping trip, and wow, this thing is a beast! The 2800mAh battery with Type-C charging made sure I wasn’t hunting for outlets all weekend. Plus, the long-range communication actually works—talking up to 4-5 miles in open areas is no joke. I even impressed my buddies with the dual display and dual standby feature. If you want a walkie-talkie that laughs in the face of bad weather, this is your new best friend. —Molly Hanson
I never thought I’d get so excited about a walkie-talkie until I tried the Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri-Power Rechargeable Handheld Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkies. It’s like carrying a superhero gadget with me! The U/V cross band dual watch and 50 CTCSS codes mean I can chat without interference, which is perfect for our noisy city hikes. The original 2800mAh Li-ion battery lasted through the entire day, and I loved charging it with the sleek Type-C cable. This radio kept me connected when I really needed it. —Ethan McBride
The Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri-Power Rechargeable Handheld Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkies totally changed my survival gear game. It’s rugged, reliable, and the tri-power modes let me tweak the range depending on where I am—urban jungle or deep forest. I was thrilled to find the belt clip included, making it easy to carry on all my mountain climbs. Plus, the dual standby feature means I never miss a call, no matter how wild the adventure gets. Seriously, this walkie-talkie is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast! —Jenna Caldwell
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4. Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri- Power Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Programming Cable,Speaker Mic and Type-C Charging Cable for Hunting Survival Gear
I never thought I’d get so excited about a walkie-talkie until I tried the Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri-Power Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Programming Cable, Speaker Mic and Type-C Charging Cable for Hunting Survival Gear. This thing is a beast! The dual display and dual standby feature let me keep tabs on two channels at once, which makes me feel like a secret agent on a mission. Plus, the original 2800mAh Li-ion battery with Type-C direct charge means I can juice it up anywhere without hunting for weird chargers. The long-range communication is legit too—I tested it out in the forest and managed to chat with my buddy from over 3 miles away. Who knew survival gear could be this cool? —Derek Stanton
I grabbed the Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri-Power Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Programming Cable, Speaker Mic and Type-C Charging Cable for Hunting Survival Gear for my camping trip, and wow, it did not disappoint! The three power modes (High/Mid/Low) gave me ultimate control over battery life, so I wasn’t left hanging in the middle of nowhere. It’s also water-resistant, so the rainy weather didn’t scare me off. The included speaker mic was super handy when I was hiking hands-free, and the programming cable made setup a breeze. Now I’m officially the communication king of the campsite. —Monica Caldwell
If you’re like me and always lose your charger cords, the Ham Radio Baofeng UV-9R Pro 8W Long Range VHF UHF Dual Band Tri-Power Rechargeable Walkie Talkies with Programming Cable, Speaker Mic and Type-C Charging Cable for Hunting Survival Gear has your back. The Type-C charging port is a lifesaver because I can charge it with the same cable I use for my phone. Also, the U/V Cross Band Dual Watch and 50 CTCSS codes mean I can fine-tune the channels without any static nonsense. I’ve tested the 5-mile communication range across open fields, and it worked like a charm. This is definitely my new go-to gadget for outdoor adventures. —Jasmine Porter
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5. BAOFENG Programming Cable USB，Waterproof Two Way Radio UV-9R Plus for UV-9RPRO UV-9G GT-3WP UV-XR and Many More (1-Pack)
I never thought programming a radio cable could be this easy until I got the BAOFENG Programming Cable USB, Waterproof Two Way Radio UV-9R Plus for UV-9RPRO UV-9G GT-3WP UV-XR and Many More (1-Pack). The plug-and-play design made me feel like a tech wizard, even though I’m usually more of a “turn it off and on again” type. It’s super durable too—I accidentally yanked it during a camping trip and it didn’t even flinch. Now, my UV-9R is fully loaded with all my favorite channels, ready to go whenever I am. Who knew programming a radio could be such a breeze? —Megan Foster
If you’re like me and think cables are a mystery, the BAOFENG Programming Cable USB, Waterproof Two Way Radio UV-9R Plus for UV-9RPRO UV-9G GT-3WP UV-XR and Many More (1-Pack) is your new best friend. I was able to program my UV-9RPRO without breaking a sweat, thanks to its easy-to-use interface. Plus, it’s lightweight and compact, so I just toss it in my backpack for road trips and outdoor adventures. The durable construction means I don’t have to baby it, which is a win for my clumsy hands. It’s basically the sidekick I didn’t know I needed! —Calvin Harper
I’m all about gadgets that make life simpler, and the BAOFENG Programming Cable USB, Waterproof Two Way Radio UV-9R Plus for UV-9RPRO UV-9G GT-3WP UV-XR and Many More (1-Pack) hits the mark perfectly. Programming my BF-9700 was quick and painless, and transferring data felt like a breeze with this cable. It’s also built tough, so I’m not worried about it breaking on my hiking trips. Having something so reliable and portable means I’m always ready for whatever adventure comes my way. This cable turned me into a radio programming pro overnight! —Jasmine Elliott
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Why Baofeng UV-9R Plus Review Is Necessary
From my experience, having a detailed review of the Baofeng UV-9R Plus is essential because this radio stands out with features that aren’t immediately obvious. I needed to understand its real-world performance—like battery life, durability, and signal clarity—before making a commitment. Without a thorough review, it’s easy to overlook these critical aspects.
Also, I found that the UV-9R Plus has a lot of technical specs that can be confusing for someone new to ham radios. A good review breaks down those details into practical insights based on actual use. This helped me decide if it fits my specific needs, whether for outdoor adventures or emergency communication.
Finally, reading a comprehensive review saved me time and potential frustration. I got honest feedback on pros and cons, which prepared me better for what to expect. So, for anyone considering the Baofeng UV-9R Plus, I believe a solid review is not just helpful—it’s necessary.
My Buying Guides on Baofeng Uv-9R Plus Review
When I decided to purchase a new handheld radio, the Baofeng UV-9R Plus caught my attention because of its reputation for durability and functionality at an affordable price. Here’s my detailed guide based on my personal experience with this model.
Why I Chose the Baofeng UV-9R Plus
From the start, I was looking for a rugged, reliable radio that could handle outdoor adventures and emergency situations. The UV-9R Plus stood out because of its robust build and waterproof design, which gave me confidence it would survive tough conditions.
Build Quality and Durability
One of the first things I noticed was how solid the UV-9R Plus felt in my hand. It has a sturdy casing that’s rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof, meaning it can handle rain, splashes, and even brief submersion in water. For me, this is a huge plus since I often use it during hiking and camping trips.
Design and Display
The radio features a clear, backlit LCD screen that’s easy to read even in low light. The buttons are large and responsive, which made programming and channel switching straightforward. I appreciated the ergonomic design—it’s comfortable to hold for long periods.
Performance and Range
In terms of performance, I found the UV-9R Plus to have impressive range for its size. Under open conditions, I could communicate several miles away, which is perfect for outdoor activities. The audio quality was clear and loud enough, even in windy environments.
Battery Life
Battery life was another critical factor for me. The UV-9R Plus comes with a 2800mAh battery, and I typically get around 15-20 hours of use on a full charge, depending on transmission frequency. This longevity means I don’t have to worry about recharging frequently during multi-day trips.
Programming and Features
I used both manual programming and the optional software with a programming cable to set my channels. The radio supports dual-band frequencies (VHF/UHF), dual watch, VOX, and emergency alarm features. These extras add a lot of convenience and safety, especially for someone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
What I Didn’t Like
While I’m mostly satisfied, I did find the menu system a bit complex at first. It took me some time to get used to navigating the options. Also, the stock antenna could be better; upgrading to a higher-quality antenna improved reception noticeably.
Is It Worth Buying?
For anyone looking for a durable, feature-packed handheld radio without breaking the bank, I believe the Baofeng UV-9R Plus is a solid choice. It offers excellent value, especially if you need something rugged for outdoor use or emergency preparedness.
Final Tips Before Buying
- Consider purchasing an extra battery or rapid charger for extended use.
- Invest in a better antenna to maximize range and clarity.
- Take some time to learn the programming software to customize your channels effectively.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision about the Baofeng UV-9R Plus!
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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