Baofeng UV-26 vs Baofeng UV-82 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-26 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.
| Feature | Baofeng UV-26 | Baofeng UV-82 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-26 | Baofeng UV-82 |
| Bands | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 8/4 | 4.5/1.4 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2500 mAh | 2800 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1670 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 327 mm | 281 mm |
| Width | 64 mm | 61 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 52 mm | 48 mm |
| Weight | 310 g | 238 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $26 | $20 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm | 133/133 | - |
| Rating by Price | D | C |
| Rating Overall | D | C |
| Conclusions | Would I recommend this radio? Not on a bet. I like the way it feels mostly, I like the color screen and larger battery, and I like the little touches like the shields for the knob and a couple buttons. What I can’t get over is the spurious emissions. Unfortunately, most people who use or buy this radio will never know that over half their power is going down the drain. Not to mention what all that is going to do to the electronics over time. | 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. |