Best Baofeng Radio Review and Buying Guide
Looking for the best BaoFeng radio out there? Well, we think can help you with that. With the large number BaoFeng models available, it is rather uneasy to find the right one. To save you time on research, we’ve picked more than 5 great Baofeng Radio models for you to consider!
Top 10 Product summary
Product | Frequency range | Channels | Output power | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
[img_prod img_code=”71q8H7X3FRL” alt=”BaoFeng BF F8HP”]
BaoFeng BF F8HP |
65.0MHz-108.0MHz (FM only),
136-174Mhz VHF & 400-520Mhz UHF |
128 | 8/4/1W | [link_af code=”B00MAULSOK”] |
[img_prod img_code=”61OORSKjEBL” alt=”BaoFeng BF 888S(Pack of 6pcs radios)”]
BAOFENG BF 888S(Pack of 6pcs radios) |
400-470MHz; 50 CTCSS/105 CDCSS | 16 | 3-5W | [link_af code=”B00ECWE4WC”] |
[img_prod img_code=”41lJ80KuUsL” alt=”Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band UHF”]
Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band UHF/VHF Radio Transceiver |
136-174 / 400-480MHz. Range:3-5KM | 128 | 4/1W | [link_af code=”B00CWPAIBW”] |
[img_prod img_code=”61-xFyEdP%2BL” alt=”BaoFeng UV 5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black)”]
BaoFeng UV 5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black) |
65-108 MHz (FM only) VHF: 136-174 MHz, UHF: 400-520 MHz | 128 | 4/1W | [link_af code=”B007H4VT7A”] |
[img_prod img_code=”61W%2BSDGIDVL” alt=”BaoFeng UV 82HP”]
BaoFeng UV 82HP |
65-108 MHz(FM only) VHF: 136-174 MHz, UHF: 400-520 MHz; | 128 | 7/5/1W | [link_af code=”B00Z52HP10″] |
[img_prod img_code=”51UomS3eHbL” alt=”BaoFeng UV5RA”]
BaoFeng UV5RA |
136-174/400-480 MHz | 128 | 4/1W | [link_af code=”B009MAKWC0″] |
[img_prod img_code=”61Y8vvQZDSL” alt=”BaoFeng BF 888S(2pcs radios)”]
BaoFeng BF 888S(2pcs radios) |
UHF: 400-520 MHz | 16 | 5W | [link_af code=”B00ECW9DB4″] |
[img_prod img_code=”51yyeaOABuL” alt=”Baofeng BF-888S Two Way Radio”]
Baofeng BF-888S Two Way Radio |
UHF: 400-520 MHz | 16 | 5W | [link_af code=”B00EDIC062″] |
[img_prod img_code=”71OELZ8owsL” alt=”BaoFeng Radio UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio”]
BaoFeng Radio UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio |
UHF: 400-520 MHz | 16 | 5W | [link_af code=”B077BRMVLB”] |
[img_prod img_code=”716xBa52bTL” alt=”Baofeng UV 5R5″]
Baofeng UV 5R5 |
UHF: 400-520MHz
VHF: 136-174MHz |
128 | 5W | [link_af code=”B00YMN0SCG”] |
[img_prod img_code=”717Z3NYwF4L” alt=”BaoFeng Radio UV-82+ 8W Handheld Dual Band VHF UHF”]
BaoFeng Radio UV-82+ 8W Handheld Dual Band VHF/UHF |
|
128 | 8 / 5 /1Watts | [link_af code=”B07PR9RTKM”] |
[img_prod img_code=”71ZwEs15W4L” alt=”BaoFeng UV-5RE+ 8Watt Ham Radio Handheld Rechargeable”]
BaoFeng UV-5RE+ 8Watt Ham Radio Handheld Rechargeable |
|
128 | 8 / 5 /1Watts | [link_af code=”B07PSGVKXG”] |
[img_prod img_code=”71OeTHGMlFL” alt=”BaoFeng UV 5R V2+”]
|
136-174/400-480 MHz | 128 | 5/1W | [link_af code=”B00HVHNNL8″] |
[img_prod img_code=”715aDna5CFL” alt=”BaoFeng BF F9 V2+”]
|
65-108MHz (FM only), 145-155 MHz and 400-520 MHz | 128 | 8/5/1W | [link_af code=”B00PTJ4H3I”] |
Reviews of the best BaoFeng radio reviews
BaoFeng BF F8HP Dual Band Two Way Radio
[img_products img_code=”81e9%2BIA9TxL” alt=”BaoFeng BF-F8HP Dual Band Two-Way Radio” star_class=”star-5″ code=”B00MAULSOK” reviews=”3030+”]
BaoFeng BF-F8HP is one of the better and more high-performance radios we reviewed. It is by no means the priciest BaoFeng radio out there, but it is rather good.
The first thing to catch the eye in this radio is its 8W peak power output. Thanks to this, BF F8HP should be great at long ranges.
On the other hand, to help with power saving, BaoFeng equipped this radio with two other power modes – 4 and 1W.
The high-gain 7″ antenna of BF-F8HP radio is notable as well. It offers increased signal transmitting quality over standard BaoFeng antennas, which should be able to complement the radio’s high power output.
Another thing that we liked in this radio is its capacious 2100mah battery. It isn’t the most capacious battery in the world, but it should be good for long outdoor sessions.
Lastly, BaoFeng BF F8HP supports the 65-108 MHz frequency range, albeit it only receives commercial FM radio.
The thing that we didn’t like about this radio is its flimsy charger. For the price BaoFeng asks, you’d really expect a better charger out of the box.
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[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Things We liked about BaoFeng BF-F8HP:” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#00bf08″]
- 8W output.
- High-gain 7” antenna.
- 3 power settings.
- Shipped with a capacious 2100mah battery.
- Supports 65-108 MHz range.
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- Flimsy charger.
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BAOFENG BF-888S Two Way Radio (Pack of 6pcs radios)
[img_products img_code=”61OORSKjEBL” alt=”BAOFENG BF-888S Two Way Radio” star_class=”star-4″ code=”B00ECWE4WC” reviews=”1279+”]
This set of 6 BF 888S Two way radio is a full-form pack for two-way communication anywhere. It can be used at construction sites, at a warehouse and when in an open location it can easily be used for communicating over 4+ miles. For the features, it provides this comes at a dirt-cheap price.
The frequency range offered by this product is 400 – 470 Mhz and is adequate for long-distance communication. It gives you 16 channels that can be stored and with 105 CDCSS and 50 CTCSS provides enough room for private communication. It operates at 3.7 Voltage and gives you 3-5 W power output. Thus giving you options for power saving. Even when the battery is low, it can extend its life for more than 2 hours.
One of the unique and most useful features of this radio is its capability for intelligent charging. The battery can charge itself for a short amount of time and intake minimum power from its wall-mountable charger giving you good battery life. It comes with an emergency alarm feature with a quick scannable system for emergency situations.
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[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Things We liked about BF-888S:” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#00bf08″]
- Intelligent charging.
- VOX function.
- Power saving mode.
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- Reports of a few defective pieces received in the package by a few users
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Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band UHF/VHF Radio Transceiver W/Upgrade Version 3800mah Battery
[img_products img_code=”71CLpLTL0YL” alt=”Baofeng Radio US Green UV-5R V2+” star_class=”star-4″ code=”B00CWPAIBW” reviews=”320+”]
The Baofeng UV 5R Dual Band Radio is an economical choice for those looking for compact radio two-way radios. The Baofeng UV-5R has a frequency range of 136-174 and 400-480 MHz. For M radio it offers a frequency range between 65-108 MHz. It comes with a Dual-Band display, Dual Frequency display and dual standby display.
The power output of this device is 4W but it can be set to 1W using the two-way power setting. This is powered by the 3800mah battery and the battery life can be increased using this power setting. It features 128 group channel storage and a 1750 Hz Burst tone. It has a built-in VOX which is a voice-operated transmit that helps in hands-free operation. Some of the other features of this radio are Ani code, flashlight, LCD display, low battery alert, emergency alert, and keypad lock.
The package comes with 1 UV-5R, 1 7.4V 3800mah Li-ion battery, 1 dual-band antenna, 1 belt clip, 1 English manual, 1 desktop charger, and a free PTT earpiece.
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[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Things We liked about Baofeng UV-5R :” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#00bf08″]
- Compact in size which fits easily in hand.
- High-quality speaker for clear communication..
- LED flashlight.
- Auto keypad lock ensures safety.
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- Some users have reported that the Led flashlight is not as bright as advertised.
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BaoFeng UV 5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black)
[img_products img_code=”51KLi6tw38L” alt=”BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio” star_class=”star-5″ code=”B007H4VT7A” reviews=”3310+”]
We think that BaoFeng UV 5R is a great model for those who want to get an inexpensive radio. This isn’t the cheapest model on the reviews, but it is quite cheap nonetheless.
As you’d expect, such an inexpensive radio is rather simple when compared to its pricier brothers. UV-5R is a great radio, but it doesn’t have fancy features in it.
On the other hand, we think it has more than enough for amateur users.
Interestingly, UV-5R also supports the 65-108 MHz frequency range (only commercial FM radio). Besides, it has 2 power settings – 4/1W – which offers some flexibility for the users.
On the other hand, the lower power rating of UV-5R means that it will be less good at long ranges. Its antenna also isn’t very powerful, so this radio is a better choice for short ranges.
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- High/low power settings.
- Receives 65-108 MHz range.
- Inexpensiveness
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- Weak-ish antenna.
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BaoFeng UV 82HP High Power Dual Band Radio
[img_products img_code=”81A0G7ivW9L” alt=”BaoFeng UV-82HP High Power Dual Band Radio” star_class=”star-5″ code=”B00Z52HP10″ reviews=”1000+”]
BaoFeng UV 82HP is priced around the same as BF-F8HP we reviewed earlier, but it is a rather different radio.
The most remarkable feature in this model is its dual/single Push-to-Talk capability. Dual PTT allows you to communicate with two groups from a single device, if you didn’t know.
Another unique feature of this radio is that VFO in it can be disabled.
BaoFeng UV-82HP is also rather powerful with its 7W peak power, so it should be great at long ranges. It can also be tuned down to 5 and 1W for battery saving.
[su_highlight]You may like: The 5 Best Handheld Radio Scanners of 2019[/su_highlight]
A thing that some people may also like is that this radio supports the 65-108 MHz frequency range.
Now, as great as this radio seems, it has some issues.
First of all, the included earpiece is cheaply made, so you should be ready to replace it with a better one.
Secondly, this radio has a rounded base that prevents it from standing on flat surfaces. Not everyone will feel this, but it is a thing that should be kept in mind.
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- Has dual/single Push-to-Talk capability.
- 3 power settings.
- 7W peak power output.
- Receives FM radio from 65-108 MHz.
- VFO can be disabled.
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- The included earpiece is cheaply made.
- The rounded base prevents it from standing on flat surfaces.
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Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio
[img_products img_code=”81%2Bs5VwqdQL” alt=”Baofeng Blue BF-F9 V2+” star_class=”star-4″ code=”B009MAKWC0″ reviews=”1350+”]
BaoFeng UV5RA is a rather good yet inexpensive BaoFeng radio. It is a good pick for those who don’t need anything fancy.
Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio costs about the same as UV-5R we examined earlier. But it differs from UV-5R a little bit.
It doesn’t support the 65-108 MHz frequency range. You should probably go for this model instead of UV-5RA if you don’t need that range: why have something that you won’t even use?
Otherwise, UV-5R and UV-5RA are pretty much identical. Meaning that they share the good and the bag, with the bag being its weak-ish antenna.
And, while the power range is low – 4/1W – there is some degree of flexibility in this BaoFeng radio.
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- Cheap price.
- 2 power settings.
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- The antenna isn’t very powerful.
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BaoFeng BF 888S Walkie Talkie
[img_products img_code=”61xugJPzwBL” alt=”BaoFeng BF-888S” star_class=”star-4″ code=”B00ECW9DB4″ reviews=”1820+”]
BaoFeng BF 888S is the most different model on today’s reviews. Whether that’s good is up to you.
The thing is that this radio doesn’t have a display in it. The main result of this is that this radio can’t be programmed on the go: you would need to get a programming cable to do it on a computer.
Besides, checking your current settings may be less convenient with no display.
On the other hand, if you don’t need any programming or other fancy features, the absence of a display shouldn’t be a problem for you.
Remarkably, BaoFeng offers BF-888S in 1-, 2-, and 20-packs. So this radio is not only cheap but also rather easy to get in bulk.
If you liked this radio, there are two things that you should keep in mind.
Unlike all the other radios that had 128 memory channels, BF-888S has only 16. Besides, it only supports the UHF 400-520 MHz frequency range, which may or may not be a downside depending on your needs.
All these “cons” don’t mean that this radio is bad: we wouldn’t include it on our list if it was. Rather, it is a cheap BaoFeng radio built for amateur users who need few channels and UHF.
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- Great if you just need UHF.
- Comes in 1-, 2-, and 20-packs.
- Inexpensive.
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- Doesn’t have a display.
- Has only 16 channels.
- Supports UHF only.
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Baofeng BF-888S Two Way Radio (Pack of 10) and USB Programming Cable (1PC)
[img_products img_code=”619un8DBu4L” alt=”Baofeng Radio US Green UV-5R V2+” star_class=”star-4″ code=”B00EDIC062″ reviews=”220+”]
Baofeng has come up with yet another great product the BF 888S Two-way radio. The pack of 10 is helpful for communicating with co-workers on a construction site or supermarket, or for co-ordination during festivals and events. It covers a range of 2-4 km depending on the area. It is a very easy-to-use device with 16 available channels to tune in. For communicating all you need to do is tune to the same channel, push the button, and start talking.
It covers a frequency of 400-469.995 MHz and supports 50 CTCSS/150 CDCSS. The radio comes with VOX and voice prompt functionalities. It comes with 1500mAh Li-ion battery and operates at 3.7V. This supports intelligent charging which means when the battery has low power it will change its features to last for more than 2 hours. Also, this feature enables it to charge quickly in a shorter time with its wall-mounted charger. The radio also offers alerts for low voltage and emergency. Like other Baofeng radios, this product also comes with LED flashlight.
The package comes with all the required accessories and 1 programming software and USB cable.
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[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Things We liked about BF-888S:” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#00bf08″]
- Efficient for group communication involving 10 people.
- Power-saving features help in extending battery life.
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- The radios need to be reprogrammed which can be a difficult task.
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BaoFeng Radio UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (6 Pack)
[img_products img_code=”71VycA6SapL” alt=”Baofeng Radio US Green UV-5R V2+” star_class=”star-4″ code=”B077BRMVLB” reviews=”20+”]
This set of Baofeng Radio UV-5R is a pack of 6 radios and all its necessary accessories including antennas, speakers, mics, batteries, and 1 baofeng programming cable for walkie talkie ham radio. So you do not have to look for them online separately. These radios offer a wide frequency range between 65 to 520 MHz, unlike the other dual-band radios that offer only 480 MHz. You can easily get commercial FM reception between 65 – 108 MHz, VHF between 136 and 174 MHz and UHF between 400-520 MHz.
The power output it offers is between 1W-4W covering all your needs. It comes with a noise suppression function that lets you communicate in a noisy environment very clearly. It uses advanced voice and squelch technology. It supports storage of 128 channels which can be easily stored using specific names for quick access. To keep irrelevant calls at bay and allow private communication it supports 50 CTCSS and 105 DCS codes.
Few other features of this dual-band radio are an LCD display, power saving functionality, English and Chinese voice prompt, Emergency alert, keypad lock function and much more.
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[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Things We liked about Baofeng UV-5R V2+:” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#00bf08″]
- The package involves every accessory needed.
- PC programmable.
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- Many users received the package with few parts missing or with defects.
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BaoFeng UV-82 – Two Way Dual Ham Radio Rechargeable
[img_products img_code=”717Z3NYwF4L” alt=”BaoFeng Radio UV 82+ 8W Handheld Dual Band VHF UHF” star_class=”star-5″ code=”B07PR9RTKM” reviews=”40+”]
A portable two way radio that allows you to transmit on two frequencies is a good enough reason to purchase the product with push to talk button facility.
The device can transmit on narrow band and wide band frequencies making it suitable for use on amateur frequencies as well. The device comes with high/med/low power setting and a frequency range of 65-108 MHz. It is good for long range transmission. The acoustic ear piece helps provide clearer and louder sound. A single built in receiver helps you watch two channels on different frequencies. It has built in VOX function. With the amazing battery, one can go up to two days which is rechargeable.
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[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Things We liked about BaoFeng UV-82:” box_color=”#00bf08″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#00bf08″]
- Can operate on two frequencies.
- Push to talk facility
- Frequency setting option.
- Good for long range transmission even on low frequencies.
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- Programming can be difficult as its manual.
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BaoFeng UV-5RE – Two Way Long Range Walkie Talkie
[img_products img_code=”71ZwEs15W4L” alt=”BaoFeng UV-5RE+ 8Watt Ham Radio Handheld Rechargeable” star_class=”star-5″ code=”B07PSGVKXG” reviews=”40+”]
This product is quite similar to the BaoFeng UV-82 with some added advantages of reduced distortion and enhanced anti-interference ability.
When there are severe changes in signal strength, the device is capable of managing the switching noise to low levels. Comes with a large battery which allows the device to be used for longer hours before draining out completely. This device also allows long range transmissions even on low frequencies. Can be operated both on narrow band and wide band frequencies. Frequency of 65-108 MHz. Has two antennas for better transmission.
It also has the high/low power setting ability. The belt clip and hand strap that come along with the product are very useful. This device also comes with a built in VOX function. The FM limiter can a little worse but the receiver performance is good.
The antennas are capable of boosting weak signals.
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- Can operate on two frequencies.
- Good for long range transmission even on low frequencies.
- Function keys are easy to use
- Great menu shortcuts.
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- Programming the device can be a little difficult.
- Might not be great if you’re looking for a high end radio.
- Back light control is not so good.
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Baofeng Radio US Green UV 5R V2+
[img_products img_code=”51twzR%2BjMrL” alt=”Baofeng Radio US Green UV-5R V2+” star_class=”star-4″ code=”B00HVHNNL8″ reviews=”1350+”]
At first glance, BaoFeng UV-5R V2+ seems not to differ too much from the other models. However, it does differ from the other radios reviewed quite substantially.
The first feature unique to UV 5R V2+ is its automatic band detection which eliminates the need for a separate button entirely. During input, this means one less action performed, which should make this model more convenient.
The other remarkable thing in this radio is that it supports extended 7.4V 3800mah and 3600mah batteries. Not all buyers will need this, but this is a big plus for those who require as longer battery life as possible.
Baofeng Radio UV-5R V2+ also has two power modes – 5 and 1W – to allow you to choose between range and battery life.
The frequency range of UV-5R V2+ is VHF 136-174 and UHF 400-480 MHz, which is pretty typical for BaoFeng radios. It also has 128 customizable channels.
The thing that we didn’t like in this radio is that it is particularly difficult to program without computer software. This is the same for other BaoFeng radios, but UV-5R V2+ seems to be the least convenient in this regard.
You could get a programming cable to make customizing the radio easier though.
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- Detects the band automatically.
- Supports BaoFeng extended batteries.
- 2 power settings.
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- Difficult to program without a programming cable.
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Baofeng Blue BF F9 V2+
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BaoFeng BF F9 V2+ is another radio that is a great pick for long-range communication. However, it doesn’t have too many fancy features on board, unlike UV-82HP, for example.
This isn’t a bad thing: some people just don’t need things like switchable VFO or dual PTT. If you need range most of all, then you’ll probably want something like this radio.
With its 8W peak power, this radio should be excellent for long ranges. And when battery life is more important than range, the 5 and 1W power modes can come in handy.
Like the UV-5R V2+ we reviewed in the very beginning, this radio supports extended BaoFeng batteries. If the base 1800mah aren’t enough for you, you could go and get a 3800mah battery.
A thing that some people may also like about this model is that it supports the 65-108 MHz frequency range.
The one thing that we didn’t like in this radio is its inconvenient programming, just like it was with UV-5R V2+. Again, you could get a programming cable for much more convenient programming on a computer.
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- 3 power settings.
- 8W peak power output.
- Supports extended BaoFeng batteries.
- Receives FM radio from 65-108 MHz.
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- Tough to program without computer software.
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Choosing the best BaoFeng radio
Now, to choose the best BaoFeng radio from the reviewed models, you need to know what to look for and what you need. Let’s now see what you should keep in mind with these radios.
VHF vs UHF
This is the first thing to look in any radios. There is a lot to be said about the differences between VHF and UHF (very high frequency and ultra-high frequency), but we’ll keep it simple for you.
Generally speaking, UHF radios work much better indoors, while VHF are more suitable for long distances. That’s because UHF waves can go through obstacles, while VHF waves require open distances for transmitting.
The choice of one or other depends on where you will be using your BaoFeng radio. For more flexibility, you could and probably should get a radio that has both UHF and VHF channels.
Number of channels
All the BaoFeng radios we reviewed had channels in them, some more, some less.
Channels allow you to divide the frequency range for specific uses. For example, this would be useful when creating separate communication channels in a restaurant for waiters, kitchen staff, and maintenance.
In addition, channel separation makes sure that conversations from different frequencies don’t mix up.
Depending on what you will be using your radio for, you may need many channels, or you may need none. You should neither have too many nor too few channels, so you have to take into account your needs when looking for channel numbers.
Wattage
The more the wattage, the more powerful the signal is, and with it, the longer is the range of the radio.
For long-distance uses, wattage would be more important since it plays a bigger role when two devices are far apart. If those are the conditions you’ll be using a radio in, you should probably get a radio with a higher wattage.
Conclusion
Obviously, among the 10 models reviewed, there was one that we particularly favored. It was BaoFeng UV-82HP.
It was the most unique and the most functional radio we examined. This baofeng radio supports several frequency ranges, dual/single PTT, has a powerful 3-mode transmitter, and it allows you to disable VFO.
In the end, we think that it is the most versatile radio we reviewed. It can be used both up close and at long ranges, not to mention the benefits its unique features offer.
Now, remember what we said when listing things to look for in radios: you should get the radio that suits your needs. While UV-82HP is a very versatile model that can satisfy many people, not everyone will need its benefits.
In the end, if you liked UV-82HP, maybe you should buy it. Or any other model that you think is the best BaoFeng radio for that matter!
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