Kenwood TH-K20a vs Baofeng UV-82 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Kenwood TH-K20a and Baofeng UV-82? Below you'll find a side-by-side comparison of key features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which handheld radio best fits your needs. Click the link below for a full review and detailed test results.

FeatureKenwood TH-K20aBaofeng UV-82
Image
Radio NameKenwood TH-K20aBaofeng UV-82
Bands2m2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm4/04.5/1.4
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1130 mAh2800 mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant222 mm281 mm
Width55 mm61 mm
Thickness w/clip48 mm48 mm
Weight249 g238 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book Link-LINK
Price$199$20
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoYes
Rating by PriceAC
Rating OverallAC
Conclusions

So if you think I am a fanboy on this radio, you are right. It doesn’t have wideband coverage, GPS, wireless cloning, app programming from your phone, USB-C charging, or a huge full color screen. What it does have is amazing output, a great receiver, a manual that is actually a manual, and a great display.

No, it doesn’t do fifty things at once. It does one thing, and it does it better than any other radio, period.

I look at this radio as a slight upgrade to the UV-5R. It does everything the UV-5R does and has a few nice additions, making it a better value for the money. The only reason to choose a UV-5R over this would be if you had Baofeng UV-5R accessories such as batteries, then you might be better off with a Baofeng BF-F8HP, UV-5R, DM-5R, etc. If you needed a Baofeng waterproof radio, maybe the UV-9R would be a better choice.
Overall, my Baofeng UV-82 has been a good and reliable radio for the price and one of my favorite Baofeng radio models.