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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-7B vs Baofeng UV-82HP

The UV-82HP is the better choice for most users. The single most important differentiator is TX power: the UV-82HP delivers 7 watts while the UV-7B's power output is unknown to us. The UV-82HP also supports CHIRP programming, making frequency management significantly easier, and it's lighter at 214 grams versus 260 grams. Both radios earn identical owner ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars, though the UV-82HP benefits from substantially more reviews, with 4820 owners reporting versus only 98 for the UV-7B. The UV-82HP costs twice as much at 50 dollars compared to 25 dollars, but the price difference is modest in absolute terms. The UV-7B offers Bluetooth connectivity, which the UV-82HP lacks, though this alone doesn't offset the UV-82HP's advantages in known power output, programmability, and weight. Buy the UV-7B only if budget is your absolute constraint and Bluetooth matters for your use case. Buy the UV-82HP if you want a radio with specified performance, easier programming, and stronger evidence of owner satisfaction. The UV-82HP is recommended for the typical buyer.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-focused first-time licensee

    Costs less and offers 1000 channels plus Bluetooth, making it a strong first radio for learning.

    UV-7B
  • Operator needing regular local repeater access

    Its 7W transmit power gives more reach into local repeaters than the lower-powered alternative.

    UV-82HP
  • Hiker wanting a lighter outdoor handheld

    At 214g it is noticeably lighter, which suits carrying on long outdoor days.

    UV-82HP
  • Club loaner or exam prep radio

    Its broader feature set and large channel memory make it easier to program for classes.

    UV-7B
  • Emergency preparedness kit on a tight budget

    Lower cost lets you stock a spare unit, and the larger memory holds more frequencies.

    UV-7B

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-7B

  • 8x more memory channels (1,000 vs 128)
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82HP

  • 46g lighter (214g vs 260g)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-7BSpecBaofeng UV-82HP
47
Overall Score
53
+12% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
7.00W
1000
Memory Channels
128
7.7× difference
260g
Weight
214g
+22% difference
1800 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
Color LCD
Display
—
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Blue
color
Black
Blue
Color
Black
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF, VHF
UV-7B
Model Number
UV-82HP
1 x 1800mAh Battery, 1 x USB Charging Cable, 1 x Adapter, 1 x Headset, 1 x UV-7B Radio, 1 x Wrist Strap, Belt Clip
Built-In Media
baofeng
QYWBAUVYQRPBT21
Mfr Part Number
UV-82HP
Repeater, Smartphone
Compatible Devices
[INF] Other two-way radios, walkie-talkies, or ham radios compatible with UHF and VHF frequencies, tuner technology, and power levels
1.77 inches Digital Display, APP Programmable via Bluetooth, Tri-band transmit, USB-C Rechargable, 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

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-7B

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Baofeng UV-82HPPICK

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