BaoFeng ham radios are often cheaper than Yaesu radios, but they have a larger learning curve and offer less durability. Yaesu radios may be more expensive, but they have greater durability, more useful functions, and are easier to learn, especially when starting out.
Keep reading as we explore the pros and cons of these ham radio brands. We’ll highlight which features you want the most and point out some nice additions so you can decide which brand is best for you.
BaoFeng vs. Yaesu: The Basics
To keep this consistent and brief, we’ll use the BaoFeng BF-F8HP and the Yaesu FT-60R as a baseline for each brand. These are some of the most popular radios from each, and they operate on similar playing fields appropriate for comparison.
| BaoFeng BF-F8HP | Yaesu FT-60R | |
| Frequency Band | VHF, UHF | VHF, UHF |
| Frequency Range | 136-174 / 400-520 MHz | 140-174 / 420-470 MHz |
| Battery | 2000 mAh | 1400 mAh |
| Channels | 128 | 200 |
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches | 4.3 x 2.3 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight | .47 lb | .82 lb |
| Display | Tri-Color LCD | LCD w/ backlight |
As you can see, both are dual band radios with Fm receivers. They can transmit and receive on popular bands, and they have reception-only capabilities for other frequencies. You must dig deeper into the performance of the radios to understand why many prefer Yaesu over BaoFeng.
Quality of Sound, Transmission, and Reception
While sound quality differs depending on your conditions, each radio has been tested in a number of situations.
The BaoFeng radio works better if you’re checking weather on the 165.400 MHz channel, but this may be the only area it comes out on top.
The Yaesu radio:
- Receives more simplex transmissions
- Works farther indoors and outdoors
- Has cleaner quality
- Drops connection less often
- Is more reliable for transmissions
When it comes down to it, the reliability of the Yaesu puts it well ahead of the competition. The last thing you want is a radio failing to do its job.
Programming
You can use CHIRP software to program either radio, but Yaesu recommends the ADMS-1J software instead.
For manual programming (which is a necessary skill for field-use), the Yaesu comes out on top. It has plenty of memory options you can program with specific frequencies, as well as special channel banks. The BaoFeng has far less programmable memory channels and lacks channel banks and groups.
If you ask anyone which one they prefer to program, it will be the Yaesu every time. The BaoFeng is a nightmare to work with, especially if you’re starting out with this radio. Function keys require more key presses, and the incomplete documentation means you never know what you’re working with.
The Yaesu radio is not only easier to navigate, but it has built-in functions for automatic repeater detections and offset setting.
Special Features
The BaoFeng radio has a few features that the Yaesu does not, but the latter still manages to outshine its competition.
Both radios offer additional features, such as:
- Dual watch
- Key locking
- Alarms
The BaoFeng has an FM broadcast radio that works well in most areas, and you may like it for news and information. It also has a light on the top of the radio to use as a flashlight or a strobe.
The Yaesu radio comes with battery saver settings and an auto-shutoff feature, both of which contribute to a greater battery life. Its bell operation page ensures you don’t miss important transmissions. You can also set up an emergency automatic ID that allows paired radios to activate the feature and notify others of their emergency.
Durability and Handling
Yaesu radios have a reputation for better durability. The FT-60R has been in operation since 2004, and it’s a model of the saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. They weigh about twice as much and are bigger, but this makes the radio much sturdier.
The smaller size and feel makes a BaoFeng radio easier to carry around and get used to, especially if you have smaller hands. It may not be as durable, but its small size and weight means it works well as a backup radio.
Low Light Operation
While both radios have backlighting for the LCD and front buttons, the Yaesu lighting system is more intuitive and less annoying. Its red backlight is easier on your eyes than the default purple of the BaoFeng.
While you can change the light color for the BaoFeng radio, it has some serious issues. Most people run into problems getting the lights back on after leaving the radio alone for more than 5 seconds, especially when fumbling around in the dark. There are also problems seeing the function keys, which are colored blue on black.
The Yaesu works better in low light, but the function labels on the front buttons do not light up. You can access your function menu if you forget which number pairs to which function, but this is not ideal for emergencies.
Battery Life and Charging
BaoFeng radios use newer lithium-ion technology that is more forgiving when overcharging. If you overcharge the battery of the FT-60R, you risk a reduction in its lifespan.
Most Yaesu radios last 3 to 4 days between charges and tops up with a 4 hour charge. The BaoFeng lasts about 17 hours with a 10 second transmission thrown in every 5 minutes, and it takes about 5 hours to fully charge.
Manual Usefulness
If you’ve ever put together furniture you ordered online, you understand how a poorly written manual can undermine your patience.
Yaesu manuals are extensive, and you get about 80 pages full of reference material and instructions. The BaoFeng manual seems easier to digest, but its small size relates to a lack of necessary information.
This makes the BaoFeng more difficult to program, especially when you discover many of the features are either undocumented or don’t work at all. You spend a lot more time compensating for a poorly written manual with the BaoFeng.
The internet makes it easier to get by with a BaoFeng radio, but the Yaesu is the clear winner if you don’t mind paying extra for reliability, durability, and ease of use.
