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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Sep 2026

Baofeng BF-F8HP vs Baofeng UV-28

Our pick

Baofeng UV-28$42.99

The UV-28 edges out the BF-F8HP as the better value proposition, though the margin is narrow. Both radios offer solid specifications for the price, with nearly identical overall scores reflecting good listed specs for their cost.

The single most important differentiator is GPS capability. The UV-28 includes GPS while the BF-F8HP does not. The UV-28 also delivers 2 watts more transmit power and costs two dollars less, though it is 74 grams heavier. Both support CHIRP programming, lack DMR and APRS, and are priced under fifty dollars.

The BF-F8HP should appeal to buyers who prioritize lightweight portability and have less need for location tracking. The UV-28 is the better choice for operators who want GPS functionality and extra power output without paying a premium.

If GPS matters for your operations, the UV-28 is the clear pick. If you have no use for GPS and value a lighter radio, the BF-F8HP remains solid. The BF-F8HP's higher owner rating reflects feedback from substantially more reviews, which carries more statistical weight than the UV-28's limited sample. For most users, the UV-28 offers better specified capabilities for equivalent money, making it the stronger recommendation overall.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • New hams needing basic VHF/UHF capability

    The BF-F8HP offers superior TX power and better overall feature set for beginners.

    BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-C
  • SOTA/POTA activators for field coordination

    The UV-28 is optimized for dual-band monitoring and field coordination needs.

    UV-28
  • Budget-conscious emergency preparedness buyer

    Its higher TX power makes it a more reliable field backup for emergencies.

    BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-C
  • Operator focused on dual-band monitoring and ARES

    The UV-28's design specifically targets dual-band enthusiasts and emergency use.

    UV-28
  • Advanced user needing maximum TX power output

    The BF-F8HP provides a significant advantage with its 10W transmit power.

    BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-C

Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-F8HP

  • 74g lighter (286g vs 360g)

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28

  • 4% cheaper ($42.99 vs $45.00)
  • 25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
  • 8x more memory channels (1,000 vs 128)
  • 10% more battery (2200 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng BF-F8HPSpecBaofeng UV-28
$45.00
Price
$42.99
73
Overall Score
75
+3% for winner
8.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
+25% for winner
128
Memory Channels
1000
7.7× difference
286g
Weight
360g
+27% difference
2000 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+10% for winner
Color LCD
Display
Color LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
On file, scope unconfirmed
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
UHF, VHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF
BF-F8HP
Model Number
UV-28 Plus
baofeng
Built-In Media
1 x Headset, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Wrist Strap, 1 x High-Gain ANT, 1 x Speaker Mic, 1 x UV-28 PLUS Ham Radio, 2 x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery, 1 x Desktop Charger with Adapter
BF-F8HP
Mfr Part Number
QYWBAUVEBPSB21
Two-way radios, headsets, earpieces, external antennas, and other devices operating on VHF (136-174 MHz) or UHF (400-520 MHz) frequencies, as well as accessories compatible with the UV-5R.
Compatible Devices
Repeater, Smartphone
Only BaoFeng Tech is Authorized to Resell, Software and Downloads Available at: https://baofengtech.com/bf-f8hp
Additional Features
CHIRP Compatible, Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Wireless APP Programmable
1 year
Warranty Description
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Waterproof
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng BF-F8HP

$45.00 on Amazon

Baofeng UV-28PICK

$42.99 on Amazon

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