RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng UV-82HP vs Retevis A3
Our pick
Retevis A3$109.99
The Baofeng UV-82HP is the clear winner for most users. It offers substantially better listed specifications for the money, with higher transmit power, CHIRP compatibility for easy programming, and a lighter weight package at half the A3's price. The UV-82HP's overall score of 67 reflects these advantages plus strong owner feedback: 4,820 Amazon reviewers rate it 4.4 out of 5 stars. The Retevis A3, by comparison, lacks known TX power specifications and CHIRP support, with only 31 Amazon reviews averaging 3.6 stars.
The single most important differentiator is the UV-82HP's significantly lower price combined with better-specified features and substantially more owner reporting. This gives you more confidence in what you're buying.
Buy the UV-82HP if you want proven value, strong user consensus, and full-featured capability in an affordable handheld. Buy the A3 only if you have specific research indicating it meets needs the UV-82HP doesn't, since our available data doesn't support that case.
The Baofeng UV-82HP is the straightforward recommendation for amateur radio operators seeking budget-conscious performance with community validation.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious buyer wanting basic local VHF and UHF
It costs less and still covers VHF and UHF for local contacts and simple repeater access.
UV-82HPFirst-time licensee starting with local contacts
Its beginner-friendly controls and lower cost make it an easy first radio to learn on.
UV-82HPOperator wanting coverage on the 6 meter band
It adds 6m alongside VHF and UHF, which the Baofeng UV-82HP does not offer.
A3Buyer needing a large channel memory for many repeaters
Its 999 memory channels hold far more repeater and frequency entries than the 128 on the Baofeng.
A3Hiker prioritizing a lighter radio for outdoor use
At 214 grams it is noticeably lighter than the 286 gram Retevis A3 for carrying all day.
UV-82HPNOAA weather monitoring and multi-band listening
Its broader band coverage and larger memory suit monitoring several services without swapping radios.
A3
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82HP
- 72g lighter (214g vs 286g)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis A3
- 8x more memory channels (999 vs 128)
- 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-82HPPICK
Search on AmazonRetevis A3
$109.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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