Radio Selection
Warning: There are numerous counterfeits sold at lower prices on Amazon, eBay and other web stores. They look the same but are made with inferior parts and workmanship. They have high failure rates.
Warning: There are numerous counterfeits sold at lower prices on Amazon, eBay and other web stores. They look the same but are made with inferior parts and workmanship. They have high failure rates.
| Handheld Transceiver | What we Like | What we DON’T Like |
|---|---|---|
|
Baofeng UV-5R Mini
5W Power VHF/UHF Dual Band 999 Channels Color display 4.2″ × 2.0″ × 1.5″ 7.2 oz $36 at Amazon for 1 $46 at Amazon for 2 |
New design, very small and light Advanced Bluetooth programming using a cell phone app Charges with a USB cable (included) Works well in a car Dual push to talk button |
The color display is hard to see in outside light. Because it has a color display the battery doesn’t last as long and goes to sleep more often. No charging cradle Firmware not updatable No custom start-up “splash” screen |
|
Baofeng UV-82HP
7W Power Dual Band 128 Channels Multiple colors 5.2″ × 2.4″ × 1.1″ 8.4 oz |
Solid radio Dual-watch operation Dual push to talk button LCD screen easy to read outside Can show user name on start up Many accessories |
No USB charging although you can buy batteries that will charge via USB Does not support cell phone app or Bluetooth audio. Although you can buy a separate USB dongle that connects to Bluetooth audio Firmware not updatable |
|
Baofeng BF-F8HP Pro
8W Power Tri-Band VHF/1.25M/UHF 999 Channels Color Display 5.3″ × 2.4″ × 1.5″ 9.7 oz |
New advanced model Feels rugged Ability to have a custom start-up “splash” screen GPS (amazing feature when hiking) USB-C or traditional dock charging Easy to navigate menus Firmware can be updated |
Only single PTT button Does not connect to a cell phone app Does not support Bluetooth audio |
Chart dated June 11, 2026. Prices reproduced from the original chart.
