The Baofeng UV-82 series of walkie-talkie is a newer version of the UV-5R. It features a newer chip set and offers some features that are not available in its predecessor.
Both radios share the same proven UV-82 platform, dual PTT design, and excellent accessory ecosystem. The decision mainly comes down to transmit power.
Perfect if you want the best value. It provides everything most amateur operators, preppers, and outdoor users need while costing less.
Worth paying extra if you regularly communicate over longer distances or simply want the highest transmit power available in the UV-82 family.
- ✔ Best value
- ✔ Lower purchase price
- ✔ Excellent everyday performance
- ✔ Huge accessory ecosystem
- ✔ Higher transmit power
- ✔ Better for difficult terrain
- ✔ Great for emergency communications
- ✔ Same familiar UV-82 design
In this post we look at the differences between the UV-82 and the UV-82HP.
Table of Contents
Comparison table
| UV-82 | UV-82HP | |
| Frequency Range | 136-174 MHz 400-520 MHz 65-108 MHz (Rx only) | 136-174 MHz 400-520 MHz 65-108 MHz (Rx only) |
| PTT | Dual only | Single and Dual |
| Transmit Output Power | 5W Output VHF Peak 4W Output UHF Peak | 8W Output VHF Peak 7W Output UHF Peak |
| Additional Options | – UV-82L – UV-82X (VHF/220MHz Edition) | • High Power Dual Band • In-Depth User Guide • 4 Tone Burst Settings by Menu • Programming, Menu, Reset Lock-out • Includes V85 Dual Band Antenna • BaoFeng Tech Concierge Support (and Warranty) |
| Power | 1800mAh Capacity | 1800mAh Capacity BL-8 Battery Style CH-8 Charger Style |
| Speaker Size | 1000mW | 1000mW |
| Display | Tri-Color | Tri-Color |
| Channels | 128 | 128 |
| License Requirement | – Amateur Individual License – No License to Receive – FCC Part 97 & Part 15B Usage | – Amateur Individual License – No License to Receive – FCC Part 97 & Part 15B Usage |
Product Overview and Similarities
Both UV-82 products are amateur radios intended for consumers and enthusiasts alike. They operate over the same frequency ranges and licensing requirements are identical. Additionally there is no difference in speaker size, number of channels supported or the display.
The standard Baofeng UV-82 remains one of the best budget dual-band handheld radios available. If you’re primarily using repeaters, local simplex, hiking, camping, or learning amateur radio, the extra power of the HP version often isn’t necessary.
- ✔ Excellent price/performance ratio
- ✔ Comfortable dual PTT design
- ✔ Large aftermarket accessory support
- ✔ Great first amateur radio
Major Differences
Transmit Power
The most significant difference between the two radios is the output transmit power.
- UV-82 supports 5W max
- UV-82HP supports 8W max
More power means longer communication range and the UV-82HP has an advantage over the UV-82 in this regard.
Dual PTT
Dual Push-to-talk (PTT) enables communication on two talk groups from a single radio. With this a user can talk on both talk groups individually by the use of the rocker PTT switch. Both UV-82 variants support Dual PTT. The UV-82 supports both single and dual PTT.
The Baofeng UV-82HP builds on the UV-82 platform by offering higher transmit power while retaining the same ergonomics and compatibility with UV-82 accessories. It’s a worthwhile upgrade if you regularly operate at the edge of repeater coverage or need maximum handheld range.
- ✔ Higher transmit power
- ✔ Better fringe-area coverage
- ✔ Excellent for field use
- ✔ Compatible with UV-82 accessories
UV-82 vs UV-82 HP – Which one should I buy?
We recommend the UV-82HP for two reasons:
- Thanks to the higher power output, UV-82HP is able to provide longer range communications
- The firmware on the UV-82HP is newer as it’s a newer product relative to the UV-82. The firmware on the older product cannot be upgraded.
Summary
In this post we have compared two Baofeng radio products – UV-82 and the UV-82HP. Both are popular products among the amateur radio community.