RadioRanked verdict
Baofeng
Baofeng UV-82
The UV-82 is a budget VHF/UHF handheld offering solid performance for entry-level operators. CHIRP compatibility and 8W output provide reliable, cost-effective local communication.
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓New Technician licensees starting out
- ✓Budget-conscious local repeater work
- ✓Simplex monitoring and local camping
- ✓Operators needing basic VHF/UHF comms
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Advanced digital or specialty modes
- ✕Operators expecting complex features
- ✕Users requiring high-end reliability
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- CHIRP compatibility simplifies programming
- 8W peak output provides respectable range
- 2800 mAh battery supports all-day use
- Highly affordable for local repeaters
What we don't
- Interface menus are unintuitive
- Limited feature set (analog FM only)
- Included antennas may require replacement
Proprietary RR score
How we scored it
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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8.00W
TX Power
2800mAh
Battery
128
Channels
260g
Weight
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Programming ease
CHIRP greatly simplifies programming 128 channels.
Initial antenna quality
Included antennas may have poor VSWR ratings.
Overall value proposition
Solid performance relative to the low price point.
Usability and learning curve
Menus are confusing; requires time to learn.
Overview
The UV-82 is squarely aimed at newly licensed Technicians and budget-conscious operators who need a functional VHF/UHF handheld for local repeater work and simplex monitoring. It is not a shack centerpiece; it is a get-on-the-air radio for operators still finding their footing.
The 8W peak output gives it respectable range on VHF for a handheld in its class, and the 2800mAh lithium polymer pack will carry you through a full day of casual use without a recharge. More practically, CHIRP compatibility means you can program all 128 memory channels from a laptop rather than wrestling with the notoriously unintuitive front-panel menu, which is a genuine quality-of-life improvement for anyone standing up a new radio.
Feature depth is limited here; do not expect anything beyond analog FM, and the beginner-friendliness score is its clearest strength. If you are a Technician who wants a no-fuss entry into local FM operation, the UV-82 delivers acceptable performance at a price that makes the risk low. Experienced operators chasing digital modes or durability will want to look elsewhere.
Specifications
| Price | $59.99 |
| TX Power (High) | 8.00W |
| TX Power (Low) | 1.00W |
| Memory Channels | 128 |
| Weight | 260g |
| Dimensions | 60x35x115 mm |
| Battery | 2800 mAh Li-ion |
| Display | LCD |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| RX Range | 65.0000–108.0000 MHz |
| TX Range | 136.0000–174.0000 MHz |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-UV82 |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 15B, Part 95E |
| FCC Grant Date | 2021-02-25 |
| size | 10 x 8 x 5 |
| color | Black |
| UPC | 635648693156 |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 7.4 Volts |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Tuner Type | VHF/UHF |
| Model Number | BAOFENG UV-82 |
| Built-In Media | 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 |
| Item Type Name | Ham Radio |
| Temperature Range | -10℃-40℃ Degrees Celsius |
| Waterproof Rating | IP54 |
| Compatible Devices | Baofeng UV-5R,Baofeng BF-F8HP,Baofeng UV-82HP,Baofeng 5RX,5RM,K5PLUS Ham Radio etc. |
| Additional Features | Battery Saver Mode, Dual Band Two Way Radio, Emergency Alarm |
| Connectivity Protocol | Proprietary Baofeng protocol |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 1.15"D x 2.29"W x 5.08"H |
Key Features
- 8W/1W selectable TX power on both VHF and UHF bands
- 128 programmable memory channels; CHIRP software support strongly recommended over manual entry
- Dual push-to-talk button design allows independent selection of upper or lower VFO
- Dual watch function monitors two frequencies simultaneously, switching on activity
- Busy channel lockout (BCLO) and time-out timer (TOT) included for repeater courtesy compliance
- VOX, squelch adjustment, and frequency offset (OFFSET) for standard repeater access baked in
- Water resistant construction; no formal IP rating published, so plan accordingly in field conditions
Recommended Antenna Upgrades
A better antenna is the cheapest way to extend your range. These fit the SMA-Female jack on the Baofeng UV-82.
Similar Radios
Baofeng UV-82 in Our Guides & Reviews
What Customers Say
I can't believe that these can be sold for such a low price. They actually work very well. The antennas that I received with the radios had a VSWR of about 9 on the Amateur Radio bands. This will prove fatal for the radios' amplifiers. I replaced these immediately with Nagoya NA-771, available from ...
Nifty little radios. Thank you.
Inexpensive, reliable, readily available product. Easy to program and easier to use.