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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-82 vs Quansheng UV-K6

Our pick

Quansheng UV-K6$31.55

The Baofeng UV-82 and Quansheng UV-K6 are effectively matched on specifications. Both deliver 5W transmit power, support CHIRP programming, weigh nearly identically around 235-238g, and lack digital modes or advanced features. Neither radio has a published IP rating. Owners report a 4.4 out of 5 rating for both models.

The single most important differentiator is price. The UV-82 costs $26 while the UV-K6 costs $32, a meaningful difference for budget-conscious operators considering backup or field radios.

The UV-82 should appeal to buyers on a tight budget who want a proven entry-level handheld. The UV-K6 suits those willing to spend slightly more if they have specific reasons preferring that model, though our listed data does not reveal what those reasons would be.

Buy the Baofeng UV-82. At $26 it undercuts the UV-K6 on price while matching it across every specification we track, and both attract the same owner ratings. Unless you have particular knowledge of the K6's advantages beyond our data, the lower cost makes the UV-82 the more straightforward choice.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time Technician licensee on a tight budget

    Costs less while offering the simpler, beginner-friendly controls new licensees need for local repeater work.

    UV-82
  • Hobbyist monitoring AM signals alongside FM

    Adds AM reception alongside FM, which the Baofeng lacks, for broader listening.

    UV-K6
  • Operator who needs many saved channels

    Stores 200 memory channels, giving more room for repeaters and simplex frequencies than 128.

    UV-K6
  • Basic emergency kit buyer wanting extra features

    Offers a bit more feature depth and channel capacity for a basic emergency communication kit.

    UV-K6
  • Casual campsite simplex user on a budget

    Delivers the same 5 watt VHF and UHF coverage for less, which suits casual campsite simplex use.

    UV-82

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82

  • 29% more battery (1800 mAh vs 1400 mAh)

Reasons to choose Quansheng UV-K6

  • 56% more memory channels (200 vs 128)
  • 4g lighter (234g vs 238g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-82SpecQuansheng UV-K6
—
Price
$31.55
49
Overall Score
64
+30% for winner
5.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
128
Memory Channels
200
+56% for winner
238g
Weight
234g
+2% difference
1800 mAh
Battery
1400 mAh
+28% for winner
LCD
Display
Dot-matrix LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
635648693156
UPC
781912417291
Black
Color
Black
7.4 Volts
Voltage
3.7 Volts (DC)
VHF/UHF
Tuner Type
VHF
BAOFENG UV-82
Model Number
UV-K6
2 x Baofeng uv-82 charger, 2 X Antenna, 2 x Hand Speaker Mic, 2 X Walkie Talkie Earpiece, 2 x baofeng uv-82 radio, Battery, Cable
Built-In Media
UV-K6 , Antenna, Battery , Charger , User manual , Clip
Baofeng UV-5R,Baofeng BF-F8HP,Baofeng UV-82HP,Baofeng 5RX,5RM,K5PLUS Ham Radio etc.
Compatible Devices
Battery chargers, External antennas, Carrying accessories, Other two-way radios on UHF and VHF frequencies
Battery Saver Mode, Dual Band Two Way Radio, Emergency Alarm
Additional Features
Weather Alert
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-82

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Quansheng UV-K6PICK

$31.55 on Amazon

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