RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Baofeng UV-82HP

The UV-5RM Pro is the better choice for most users. The single most important differentiator is feature set: the UV-5RM Pro includes GPS and APRS, which the UV-82HP lacks entirely. These capabilities matter if you need location tracking or want to participate in APRS networks. The UV-5RM Pro also delivers more transmit power at 10W versus 7W, giving you better range. Its owner rating of 4.5/5 from 394 reviews reflects what buyers report. The tradeoff is price and weight: the UV-82HP costs $10 less and weighs 87 grams less, and CHIRP support means easier programming. The UV-82HP owners report a 4.4/5 rating from a much larger sample of 4,820 reviews, which speaks to its popularity and user satisfaction over time.

Buy the UV-5RM Pro if you want GPS, APRS capability, and more power. Buy the UV-82HP if you prioritize portability, lower cost, and easier programming, and don't need the advanced features. For most operators, the UV-5RM Pro's capabilities justify the modest extra cost and weight.

Winner

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

Good

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Runner-up

Baofeng UV-82HP

Average

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By use case

Which should you buy?

Budget-conscious buyer wanting basic VHF and UHF
Costs less and handles basic local VHF and UHF contacts without extra features to learn.
UV-82HP
SOTA or POTA portable activator
Its 10W output and APRS support suit summit and park activations better than the lighter 7W radio.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Hiker wanting the lightest handheld
At 214g it is noticeably lighter than the 301g alternative, easing long days on the trail.
UV-82HP
Emergency preparedness with position reporting needs
APRS and GPS let operators share position during emergencies, which the simpler radio cannot do.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
Operator needing large channel capacity
Holds 640 channels against 128, leaving room for many repeaters, simplex frequencies, and local nets.
UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
First-time licensee making local contacts
Its simpler menu and beginner-friendly setup make it the easier starting point for a new operator.
UV-82HP

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

43% more TX power (10W vs 7W)
5x more memory channels (640 vs 128)
39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
Has APRS support
Has built-in GPS
Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82HP

87g lighter (214g vs 301g)
Has CHIRP compatibility

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM ProSpecBaofeng UV-82HP

Overall Score

+25% for winner

10.00W

TX Power (High)

7.00W

+43% for winner

640

Memory Channels

128

5.0× difference

301g

Weight

214g

+41% difference

2500 mAh

Battery

1800 mAh

+39% for winner

Color LCD

Display

—

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

Black

color

Black

Black-2

Color

Black

7.4 Volts

Voltage

8.4 Volts

UHF/VHF

Tuner Type

UHF, VHF

UV-5RM

Model Number

UV-82HP

2×BAOFENG 5RM radio, 2×2500mAh lithium-ion battery; 2×original headphones; 2×hand microphone; 2×BF-771 high gain antenna; 2×original antenna; 2×power adapter; 2×belt clip ; 2 × hand strap; 1 × programming cable; 1 × user manual

Built-In Media

baofeng

Hand Microphone, Original Headphones, High Gain Antennas (BF-771), Original Antennas, Other Two-Way Radios using the same frequency bands and channels

Compatible Devices

[INF] Other two-way radios, walkie-talkies, or ham radios compatible with UHF and VHF frequencies, tuner technology, and power levels

Battery Saver Mode

Additional Features

VOX Talk Around Mode, Battery Saver Mode

1 Year

Warranty Description

1 year

Not Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Waterproof

Made your choice?