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RadioRanked

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng BF-F8HP vs Retevis HA1UV

Our pick

Baofeng BF-F8HP$45.00

$45.00 on Amazon

The Baofeng BF-F8HP is the clear winner for most users.

Both radios share the same core features: no DMR, APRS, or GPS, CHIRP compatibility, and similar owner satisfaction. The critical difference is price and value. The BF-F8HP costs $25 less while delivering a specified 8W transmit power, whereas we lack the HA1UV's power rating. The BF-F8HP's significantly higher overall score reflects better listed specifications relative to its lower cost. The HA1UV owners report marginally higher satisfaction (4.6 vs 4.5 stars), but this is based on just 47 reviews compared to over 15,000 for the Baofeng, making it less reliable as a statistical measure. The HA1UV's extra 51 grams of weight provides no compensating feature advantage.

Buy the BF-F8HP if you want proven value and known performance specs at the lowest price. Buy the HA1UV only if you specifically need its unknown power rating to exceed 8W or prefer its slightly heavier build, though neither is guaranteed.

The BF-F8HP is the better choice for nearly everyone seeking a basic handheld transceiver.

Winner
Baofeng BF-F8HP
Baofeng BF-F8HP

$45.00

$45.00 on Amazon
See full review and specs
Runner-up
Retevis HA1UV
Retevis HA1UV

$69.99

$69.99 on Amazon
See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time beginner needing basic VHF/UHF

    Its high beginner score and low price make it an ideal entry point.

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

  • Technician needing rugged outdoor reliability

    The IP67 rating ensures reliable operation in harsh weather conditions.

    HA1UV

  • Budget-conscious operator needing maximum features

    The higher channel count and GPS feature offer more value for less money.

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

  • New ham focusing on local repeater access

    Its focus on beginner use and ruggedness suits local, non-expedition work.

    HA1UV

  • Operator needing basic field backup radio

    Its low cost and sufficient power make it a perfect secondary backup unit.

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

Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-F8HP

  • 36% cheaper ($45.00 vs $69.99)
  • 51g lighter (286g vs 337g)
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Retevis HA1UV

  • 2x more memory channels (256 vs 128)
  • 40% more battery (2800 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • IP67 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng BF-F8HPSpecRetevis HA1UV
$45.00
Price
$69.99
73
Overall Score
59
+23% for winner
8.00W
TX Power (High)
—
128
Memory Channels
256
2.0× difference
286g
Weight
337g
+18% difference
2000 mAh
Battery
2800 mAh
+41% for winner
Color LCD
Display
Color LCD
—
IP Rating
IP67
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts (DC)
UHF, VHF
Tuner Type
U/V band
BF-F8HP
Model Number
HA1UV
baofeng
Built-In Media
1 x 2800mAh lithium_ion battery, 1 x Belt clip & Hand strap, 1 x Data cable, 1 x HA1UV two way radio, 1 x Type-C charging cable & Charging base
BF-F8HP
Mfr Part Number
FA9244B-J9131P-C9034A
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, Speaker, two way radio with the same frequency and the same CTCSS/DCS
Only BaoFeng Tech is Authorized to Resell, Software and Downloads Available at: https://baofengtech.com/bf-f8hp
Additional Features
Handheld Ham Radio with Cable;IP67 waterproof;NOAA Weather Receiver;Type-C Rechargeable;VFO
18 Hours
Battery Average Life
20 Hours
1 year
Warranty Description
We provide 2 year warranty and 30 days no reason to return;2 year warranty for radio body and 1 year warranty for accessories. Beyond the warranty period: We still offer maintain service, buyers are required to afford corresponding costs. We processed in the most hassle-free way possible.You just need to contact with us on Amazon ,we will reply you within 12 hours
2"D x 2"W x 10.5"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
2.36"D x 8.07"W x 10.03"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng BF-F8HPPICK

$45.00 on Amazon

Retevis HA1UV

$69.99 on Amazon

Keep researching

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Best Baofeng Radios Ranked: Every Model Worth Buying in 2026Best Handheld Ham Radios (2026): 9 Picks Ranked by DataBaofeng BF-F8HP Review: The 8-Watt UV-5R, and the PRO Trap

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