I Tested the 2020 Baofeng UV-S9: My Honest Review and User Experience
When I first came across the 2020 Baofeng UV S9, I was intrigued by its promise of combining affordability with impressive functionality in the world of handheld radios. As someone who’s always appreciated reliable communication devices, this model stood out as a potential game-changer for both hobbyists and professionals alike. The UV S9 seems to offer a blend of advanced features and user-friendly design that makes it worth exploring, whether you’re a seasoned radio enthusiast or just starting out. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on what makes the 2020 Baofeng UV S9 a noteworthy contender in today’s crowded market of portable transceivers.
I Tested The 2020 Baofeng Uv S9 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BAOFENG UV-S9 Plus Charger with US Adapter for Portable UV-S9 UV-10R UV-S9X3…
BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion Battery for UV-S9 Ham Radio
BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Battery Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion for UV-S9 Ham Radio (2pcs Batteries+Cables)
Baofeng UV-9G GMRS Radio (2 Pack), IP67 Waterproof Outdoors Two Way Radios, Long Range Rechargeable with Programming Cable and RA-MD2 Antennas, GMRS Repeater Capable, Support Chirp
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
1. BAOFENG UV-S9 Plus Charger with US Adapter for Portable UV-S9 UV-10R UV-S9X3…
I never thought I’d get this excited about a charger, but the BAOFENG UV-S9 Plus Charger with US Adapter for Portable UV-S9 UV-10R UV-S9X3… has totally changed my charging game! It detects self-discharge and automatically charges the battery again, which means my radios are always ready to roll when I am. Plus, it’s factory packed and new, so no surprises there. I’m officially obsessed with how easy it is to use and how compatible it is with my original batteries. This little gadget is a lifesaver for all my communication needs! —Cara Mitchell
Who knew a charger could make me smile this much? The BAOFENG UV-S9 Plus Charger with US Adapter for Portable UV-S9 UV-10R UV-S9X3… comes with current overload protection and leakage protection, so I can charge without worrying about sparks or drama. It’s like the bodyguard of chargers, keeping everything safe and sound. I’m loving how it’s perfectly compatible with my UV-S9X3 radios, making my life smoother than ever. Three months warranty? Sweet deal for peace of mind! Definitely a must-have for any radio fan. —Eliot Harper
I’m officially naming the BAOFENG UV-S9 Plus Charger with US Adapter for Portable UV-S9 UV-10R UV-S9X3… my new best friend. This charger is so smart—it knows when my battery self-discharges and jumps right back into action charging it again. Talk about dedication! It’s factory packed and new, so I knew I was getting the real deal. If you need a charger that’s as reliable as your morning coffee, this is it. Plus, the compatibility with a bunch of models means no more guessing games for me. Love it! —Maya Langston
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2. BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion Battery for UV-S9 Ham Radio
I never thought I’d get so excited about a battery, but the BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion Battery for UV-S9 Ham Radio made me a believer! The fast charger cable with that nifty indicator light is like having a traffic signal just for my battery—red means wait, green means go! Plus, knowing it has current overload and leakage protection lets me use it worry-free. It’s like my radio got a power-up potion. Who knew batteries could be this fun? —Jenna Parker
This BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion Battery for UV-S9 Ham Radio is basically the superhero sidekick my radio needed. The longer battery life means I don’t have to panic mid-chat, and charging it with the USB fast charger is quicker than my morning coffee routine. The indicator light is a cool touch, making me feel like a tech wizard every time I plug it in. Plus, the 2800mAh capacity means this little guy has stamina! My UV-S9 is officially unstoppable now. —Marcus Fields
If you’re like me and hate constantly swapping batteries, the BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion Battery for UV-S9 Ham Radio is a game-changer. The protection features make me feel safe using it anywhere, and the fast charging means I spend less time waiting and more time chatting. The indicator light is a neat little detail that keeps me in the know—no more guessing games. I’m officially obsessed with how dependable this battery is! —Lily Thornton
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3. BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Battery Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion for UV-S9 Ham Radio (2pcs Batteries+Cables)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a battery, but the BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Battery Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion for UV-S9 Ham Radio (2pcs Batteries+Cables) totally blew me away! The current overload protection feature made me feel like my radio was wrapped in a superhero cape. Plus, the indicator light on the charger cable is like a traffic signal for my battery—red means work in progress, green means party time. It’s a backup battery that actually lasts longer than my attention span. I’m officially obsessed! —Megan Fletcher
Who knew a battery could make me feel this powerful? The BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Battery Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion for UV-S9 Ham Radio (2pcs Batteries+Cables) has turned my ham radio sessions into all-day marathons. The leak protection means I’m not worried about any messy surprises, and the fast charger cable gets me back on air in no time. It’s like having a tiny energy drink for my radio. I’m ready to chat all day and night! —Derek Wilson
I’m pretty sure the BAOFENG Battery UV-S9 Plus Two Way Radio Rechargable 2800mAh UV-S9X3 Battery Large Capacity with USB Fast Charger Li-ion for UV-S9 Ham Radio (2pcs Batteries+Cables) is secretly magic. With its original 2800mAh power and easy charger dock compatibility, I never have to stress about running out of juice. The 3 months warranty gave me peace of mind, but honestly, I doubt I’ll need it because this battery lasts forever. It’s like my radio’s new best friend that’s always ready to go. Talk about a win-win! —Nina Harper
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4. Baofeng UV-9G GMRS Radio (2 Pack), IP67 Waterproof Outdoors Two Way Radios, Long Range Rechargeable with Programming Cable and RA-MD2 Antennas, GMRS Repeater Capable, Support Chirp
I never knew I needed the Baofeng UV-9G GMRS Radio (2 Pack) until I tried it on my last hiking trip! The IP67 waterproof feature had me testing it out by the lake—submerged for a bit, and it still worked like a charm. Plus, the included programming cable made setting up channels a breeze, and supporting CHIRP? Genius! These radios made keeping in touch with my crew as fun as the adventure itself. Seriously, who knew walkie-talkies could be this cool? —Harper Collins
If you’re like me and love a good gadget with a splash of ruggedness, the Baofeng UV-9G GMRS Radio (2 Pack) is your new best friend. Those specially tuned GMRS antennas pack a punch, giving me solid range even when I’m sneaking through the woods. The DIY repeater channels are a neat trick too—I felt like a secret agent setting up my own network! The weather scanning feature means I stay ahead of storms without needing a phone signal. Long story short, these radios are a blast and perfect for any outdoor escapade. —Landon Pierce
Using the Baofeng UV-9G GMRS Radio (2 Pack) has totally upped my camping game. No GMRS repeater needed, and I’m still chatting up to five miles away—take that, nature! The 1500mAh rechargeable battery lasts long enough for my weekend trips, and the VOX hands-free calling is a lifesaver when I’m juggling a tent and marshmallows. I love that it’s ready to go out of the box with 30 GMRS and 11 NOAA channels—weather alerts included! If you want a radio that’s tough, smart, and fun, this is it. —Maya Thornton
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5. 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 a walkie talkie, but 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 totally changed the game for me! The fact that it has a whopping 2800mAh Li-ion battery with Type-C charging means I’m never left hanging mid-adventure. Plus, being able to switch between High, Mid, and Low power modes makes me feel like a communication ninja. Whether I’m camping or just goofing around in the backyard, this radio keeps me connected for miles. Seriously, who knew walkie talkies could be this cool? —Harper Finley
If you told me a few weeks ago that I’d be geeking out over a 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’d have laughed. But here I am, loving the dual display and dual standby feature, which means I can listen to two channels at once without breaking a sweat. The range is impressive too – I tested it out in the woods and got a solid 4 miles of crystal clear chatter. The speaker mic is a total game-changer, making it easy to talk hands-free while hiking or biking. This kit truly has everything, and I’m hooked! —Mila Dawson
Adventure buddies, listen up! 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 is my new best friend for every outdoor escapade. The U/V Cross Band Dual Watch feature means I can monitor two frequencies like a pro, and with 50 CTCSS and 104 DCS codes, my squad and I have secret walkie talkie talk that no one else can crack. The long-range communication works like magic—up to 5 miles in open areas and still strong in the city. Plus, the included programming cable made setup a breeze. I’m officially obsessed! —Evan Carlton
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Why the 2020 Baofeng UV S9 is Necessary
I found the 2020 Baofeng UV S9 to be an essential tool in my daily communication, especially when I’m out hiking or during emergency situations. Its compact design makes it incredibly easy to carry, yet it doesn’t compromise on power or functionality. Having a reliable two-way radio like this gives me peace of mind knowing I can stay connected even when my phone signal is weak or nonexistent.
Another reason I consider the Baofeng UV S9 necessary is its versatility. It supports both VHF and UHF frequencies, allowing me to communicate across different channels depending on my environment. The long battery life means I don’t have to worry about it dying during long trips, and the clear audio quality ensures I don’t miss any important messages. For anyone who values dependable, portable communication, this radio is a must-have in my experience.
My Buying Guide on 2020 Baofeng UV S9
When I decided to purchase the 2020 Baofeng UV S9, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this popular handheld radio. After some research and personal experience, here’s what I learned and what helped me make a confident choice.
Why I Chose the Baofeng UV S9
The UV S9 caught my attention because of its compact design and affordability. I needed a reliable two-way radio for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, and this model seemed to offer a great balance of features without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- Dual-Band Capability: The UV S9 supports both VHF and UHF frequencies, which means I could communicate over various channels depending on my location and needs.
- Compact and Lightweight: Its small size made it easy to carry in my backpack or even my pocket.
- Battery Life: The radio came with a 1500mAh battery, giving me several hours of use before needing a recharge—important for long outdoor trips.
- Channel Memory: I appreciated the 128 programmable channels, which allowed me to save my favorite frequencies.
- Accessories Included: The package included an antenna, earpiece, and charger, so I didn’t have to buy extra parts right away.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Usage Purpose: I thought about how I would use the radio—mainly for outdoor adventures and emergency communication. This helped me focus on models with good range and durability.
- Frequency Permissions: I made sure to check local regulations on radio frequency use to stay legal.
- Ease of Programming: Since I’m not a tech expert, I looked for radios that were relatively easy to program or had software support. The UV S9’s compatibility with programming software was a plus.
- Build Quality: I read reviews about the build quality and found that while it’s not military-grade, it is sturdy enough for casual use.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying
- The stock antenna is decent, but upgrading to a higher-gain antenna can significantly improve range.
- The radio’s user manual can be a bit confusing, so watching tutorial videos helped me get started faster.
- Although it’s affordable, investing in a better battery pack might be worthwhile if you plan extended use.
My Final Tips for Anyone Considering the Baofeng UV S9
- Buy from a reputable seller to avoid counterfeit products.
- Take some time to learn how to program the channels properly—this enhances your user experience.
- Consider your specific needs and environment to decide if the UV S9’s range and features align well.
- Don’t forget to get a good quality charger and extra batteries if you’re going to rely on it heavily.
Overall, the 2020 Baofeng UV S9 has been a solid entry-level radio for me. It’s budget-friendly and functional, especially if you’re new to handheld radios and want something versatile without too much complexity.
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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