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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-82HP vs Radtel RT-730

Our pick

Radtel RT-730$39.00

The UV-82HP edges out the RT-730 as the better value, though the margin is narrow and depends on your priorities.

The most important differentiator is owner feedback. The UV-82HP has substantially more Amazon reviews (4820 vs 176) and a higher owner rating (4.4 vs 4.1), giving you much stronger evidence of real-world satisfaction. The RT-730's smaller review pool makes it harder to assess reliability. Specs-wise, the RT-730 offers more transmit power for less money, but both radios lack DMR, APRS, and GPS—they're basic FM transceivers. The UV-82HP's known weight of 214g is heavier, though we lack the RT-730's weight specification, so we can't call this a true advantage.

The UV-82HP's higher RadioRanked score (67 vs 63) reflects better specs per dollar when factoring in the stronger owner endorsement. Both radios support CHIRP programming, so frequency management is equally straightforward on either.

Buy the UV-82HP if you want the safer choice backed by thousands of verified owner reports. Buy the RT-730 only if maximizing transmit power on a tight budget is your sole concern and you're comfortable with limited user feedback. For most operators, the UV-82HP's established track record makes it the sounder purchase.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee starting on a tight budget

    Costs less, offers more memory channels, and transmits at 10W for stronger local repeater access.

    RT-730
  • Budget-constrained buyer seeking maximum value

    Lower price and higher memory capacity make it the stronger pick for tight budgets.

    RT-730
  • Local operator loading many repeater frequencies

    Its 199 channels and 10W output suit operators who store many repeater and simplex frequencies.

    RT-730
  • Absolute beginners prioritizing easy handling

    Edges out the rival on beginner handling and carries a higher overall rating.

    UV-82HP
  • Buyers who want the highest overall rating

    Scores higher overall and suits buyers who will pay slightly more for it.

    UV-82HP

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82HP

  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-730

  • 43% more TX power (10W vs 7W)
  • 55% more memory channels (199 vs 128)
  • 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-82HPSpecRadtel RT-730
—
Price
$39.00
53
Overall Score
63
+19% for winner
7.00W
TX Power (High)
10.00W
+43% for winner
128
Memory Channels
199
+56% for winner
214g
Weight
—
1800 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+39% for winner
—
Display
LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
685256254850 757440563366
UPC
016392405248
Black
Color
1 PCS + Prog Cable
8.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
UHF, VHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV-82HP
Model Number
RT-730
baofeng
Built-In Media
1 RT-730 Ham Radio, 1xProgramming Cable,1x 2500mAh Li-ion Battery Pack, 1x Standard Long Antenna, 1x Desktop charger, 1x belt clip, 1x user manual
UV-82HP
Mfr Part Number
RT-730
[INF] Other two-way radios, walkie-talkies, or ham radios compatible with UHF and VHF frequencies, tuner technology, and power levels
Compatible Devices
Two-way radios on the same frequency band, compatible accessories like headsets, earpieces, or external antennas, and computers for programming.
VOX Talk Around Mode, Battery Saver Mode
Additional Features
16-630Mhz Receiver, Long Range, High quality resolution LCD, Type C charging, Full band radio am/fm/air/cb/ham/noaa/short wave receiver
1 year
Warranty Description
1 Year
Waterproof
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-82HP

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Radtel RT-730PICK

$39.00 on Amazon

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