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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-82HP vs Radtel RT-880

Our pick

Radtel RT-880$53.38

The Baofeng UV-82HP is the clear winner here. It offers superior value with a $24 price advantage, higher transmit power at 7 watts, and better overall score (65 vs 52). The single most important differentiator is CHIRP compatibility. The UV-82HP supports CHIRP, making programming straightforward through your computer. The Radtel RT-880 lacks this, forcing you to use proprietary software or manual programming, which creates unnecessary friction for most users.

The UV-82HP is ideal for budget-conscious operators who value ease of use and want straightforward software compatibility. The RT-880 makes sense only if you specifically need features not listed here that justify its higher price and lack of CHIRP support, though this seems unlikely given the scoring disparity.

We recommend the Baofeng UV-82HP for nearly everyone shopping in this category. It delivers on fundamentals without compromise: affordability, adequate power, and the critical advantage of CHIRP support. Unless you have specific requirements pulling you toward the RT-880, the UV-82HP represents smarter value for amateur radio newcomers and experienced operators alike.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee making local repeater contacts

    Its simpler menu and beginner-friendly design suit someone making first local repeater contacts.

    UV-82HP
  • Budget-constrained buyer wanting VHF and UHF

    It costs less while still covering VHF and UHF with CHIRP programming support.

    UV-82HP
  • Outdoor user wanting a backup radio

    Its 7W output and CHIRP support make it a practical outdoor backup for local VHF and UHF.

    UV-82HP
  • Experienced analog operator needing many channels

    Its 1024-channel memory suits operators who program many frequencies across multiple regions.

    RT-880
  • Experienced operator wanting a deeper channel list

    Its larger memory gives experienced analog operators far more room than the alternative offers.

    RT-880

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82HP

  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880

  • 8x more memory channels (1,024 vs 128)
  • 33% more battery (2400 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-82HPSpecRadtel RT-880
—
Price
$53.38
53
Overall Score
54
+2% for winner
7.00W
TX Power (High)
—
128
Memory Channels
1024
7.7× difference
214g
Weight
—
1800 mAh
Battery
2400 mAh
+33% for winner
—
Display
TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
With Short Wave Antenna Set
Black
Color
Standard
8.4 Volts
Voltage
7.38 Volts
UHF, VHF
Tuner Type
AM/FM/SSB
UV-82HP
Model Number
RT-880
baofeng
Built-In Media
1x RT-880 Main unit, 1x 2400mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English User Manual
UV-82HP
Mfr Part Number
Programming Cable
[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, headsets, earpieces, external antennas, operating on UHF, VHF, AM, FM, USB, LSB, CW, CB, LW, MW, SW, and SSB frequencies and modes
VOX Talk Around Mode, Battery Saver Mode
Additional Features
AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater Function
1 year
Warranty Description
1 Year
Waterproof
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
2.5"D x 7"W x 8.1"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.26"D x 2.36"W x 12"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-82HP

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Radtel RT-880PICK

$53.38 on Amazon

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