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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-25 vs Baofeng UV-82HP

The Baofeng UV-25 is the clear winner here. Both radios are identically priced at fifty dollars, which eliminates cost as a deciding factor. The UV-25 delivers noticeably higher transmit power at ten watts versus the UV-82HP's seven watts, translating to better range and coverage in real-world conditions. More significantly, the UV-25 includes integrated GPS functionality, a feature completely absent on the UV-82HP. This capability makes the UV-25 substantially more versatile for emergency communications, location tracking, and field operations.

The single most important differentiator is the ten-watt transmit power combined with GPS support. These features provide measurable advantages that the UV-82HP simply cannot match at the same price point.

The UV-25 suits operators who need reliable range and location capability for emergency preparedness or outdoor activities. The UV-82HP makes sense only for budget-conscious users with minimal feature requirements who accept lower power output as a trade-off.

Buy the Baofeng UV-25. It outperforms its competitor across multiple dimensions without any cost penalty, making it an unambiguous choice for anyone in this price category.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee on a tight budget

    Costs less and its simpler interface suits someone making first local contacts.

    UV-82HP
  • Hiker wanting a light outdoor secondary radio

    At 214 grams it is far lighter, making it easier to carry on hikes.

    UV-82HP
  • Operator working multiple bands and frequencies

    Adds 1.25m coverage and 999 memory channels for operators juggling many frequencies.

    UV-25
  • Technician growing into intermediate use

    Its broader feature set and CHIRP programming grow with an operator's skills over time.

    UV-25
  • Local repeater user needing basic access

    Covers VHF and UHF repeaters at a lower cost with simple controls for everyday local use.

    UV-82HP

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-25

  • 43% more TX power (10W vs 7W)
  • 8x more memory channels (999 vs 128)
  • 189% more battery (5200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82HP

  • 194g lighter (214g vs 408g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-25SpecBaofeng UV-82HP
61
Overall Score
53
+15% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
7.00W
+43% for winner
999
Memory Channels
128
7.7× difference
408g
Weight
214g
+92% difference
5200 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
2.9× difference
Color LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
Black
Black
Color
Black
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF, VHF
UV-25 Plus
Model Number
UV-82HP
5200mAh Li-ion Battery x 1, Type-C Charging Cable x 1, Adapter x 1, Gooseneck ANT x 1, High-Gain ANT x 1, Radio Pouch x 1, Belt Clip x 1, Wrist Strap x 1, Speaker Mic x 1, Headset x 1, UV-25 Plus Radio x 1
Built-In Media
baofeng
Repeater
Compatible Devices
[INF] Other two-way radios, walkie-talkies, or ham radios compatible with UHF and VHF frequencies, tuner technology, and power levels
2" Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Rechargable with USB-C Port, Voice Operated Transmission
Additional Features
VOX Talk Around Mode, Battery Saver Mode
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
1 year
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof
5.91"D x 1.97"W x 2.76"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
2.5"D x 7"W x 8.1"H

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Baofeng UV-25PICK

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Baofeng UV-82HP

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