Baofeng SW-9 & UV-29 Pro: Budget Radios Now Add Shortwave (2026)

Baofeng's official August 2026 release is the SW-9, a 10-watt tri-band handheld listed at $59.99 that adds SSB shortwave, AM airband, and the 350–390 MHz U.S. public-safety band to a budget radio's receiver. For listeners, that's the headline: wide-band monitoring capability that used to mean a much more expensive radio, now at roughly the price of a standard UV-5R. Here's what's new, what it means for monitoring, and how it compares to a scanner that's ready to go out of the box.

What the Baofeng SW-9 brings to budget monitoring

The SW-9 leads Baofeng's August 2026 release lineup, according to the official product page. On the transmit side it's a tri-band handheld covering VHF 136–174 MHz, UHF 220–260 MHz, and 400–470 MHz at up to 10 watts. The receiver is where things get interesting:

• LW/MW/SW shortwave: 150 kHz to 29.999 MHz with SSB (USB/LSB) and CW modes — real shortwave listening in a handheld.
• AM airband: 108–137 MHz for aircraft communications.
• FM broadcast and NOAA weather: standard scanner extras for alerts and forecasting.
• 350–390 MHz: the U.S. public-safety band, where many public-safety agencies operate.

It stores 1,000 channels across 10 zones, which is plenty of room for local law-enforcement, fire, EMS, and utility frequencies.

The 350–390 MHz band: what listeners gain

Most desktop scanners have covered the federal and public-safety ranges for years, but budget handhelds have often skipped them. The SW-9's 350–390 MHz receive coverage means listeners can monitor a slice of spectrum that many public-safety agencies use — and it does so in a radio that lists for under $60.

One honest caveat that applies to every scanner: coverage of a band is not the same as hearing everything on it. If a department has moved to encrypted digital radio, no receiver can unlock it — encryption is a transmission-level lock, not a frequency gap. For agencies still broadcasting in the clear, though, wide-band receive opens up a lot of listening that older budget radios miss. If you're new to what encryption means for listeners, our guide to what you can still hear in 2026 walks through it.

Programming: Bluetooth app and CHIRP

The SW-9 programs wirelessly over Bluetooth through the Ola Radio app for iOS and Android, which removes the cable-and-software headache from a lot of budget radios. It's also CHIRP-compatible — independent radio programmers can select the "UV-17 Pro GPS" model entry to build frequency lists on a computer. Physical touches include dual SMA antenna ports, USB-C charging, and fall detection.

UV-29 Pro: the step-up sibling

Alongside the SW-9, Baofeng's August release includes the companion UV-29 Pro (FCC ID 2AJGM-UV29PRO), which adds a built-in cross-band repeater and app programming. If you want to set up a small portable repeater — useful for extended-range work or emergency communications — that's the model to look at.

Giveaway and availability

Baofeng's official store is running an "August New Release Giveaway" for both radios through Aug. 31, 2026, per the giveaway page. Independent coverage of the SW-9 first surfaced on Aug. 8 via Simon the Wizard, before Baofeng's official listing went live.

Should you buy an SW-9 — or a pre-programmed scanner instead?

The SW-9 is a lot of radio for $59.99, but it's a radio you program yourself — either through the Ola app or CHIRP. If you'd rather open the box and start listening to your own county tonight, a pre-programmed K5 Plus tri-band ships with your local frequencies already loaded, tested, and backed by lifetime support. Same tri-band idea, none of the setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Baofeng SW-9 cost?

The SW-9 is listed at $59.99 on Baofeng's official store as of its August 2026 release.

Can the SW-9 receive police scanners?

It covers the 350–390 MHz U.S. public-safety band, which many public-safety agencies use. As with any scanner, traffic that's encrypted cannot be heard on any receiver.

Does the SW-9 really receive shortwave?

Yes — its receiver covers longwave, mediumwave, and shortwave from 150 kHz to 29.999 MHz, including SSB (USB/LSB) and CW modes.

How do you program the SW-9?

Wirelessly over Bluetooth through the Ola Radio app (iOS/Android), or with CHIRP on a computer by selecting the "UV-17 Pro GPS" model entry.

What's different about the UV-29 Pro?

The UV-29 Pro adds a built-in cross-band repeater and app programming on top of the SW-9's receive capabilities.

When does the Baofeng August giveaway end?

Baofeng's official "August New Release Giveaway" for the SW-9 and UV-29 Pro runs through Aug. 31, 2026.

Bottom line: The Baofeng SW-9 and UV-29 Pro are a genuine step up for budget listeners — SSB shortwave, AM airband, and public-safety band receive at a $59.99 price. If you want that capability without the programming, our pre-programmed Baofengs arrive ready to listen to your county.