Baofeng UV-82 vs Baofeng UV-9S - Which One is Better in 2026?
Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-82 and Baofeng UV-9S? 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-82 | Baofeng UV-9S |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng UV-82 | Baofeng UV-9S |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 4.5/1.4 | 4.1/2 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2800 mAh | 2200 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 281 mm | 246 mm |
| Width | 61 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 48 mm | 42 mm |
| Weight | 238 g | 215 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $20 | $35 |
| Rating by Price | C of 5 | F of 5 |
| Rating Overall | C of 5 | C of 5 |
| EMPTY | Yes | Yes |
| Conclusions | 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. | The Baofeng UV-9S is a hard sell for me. The transmit audio quality is nice, and the frequency accuracy is above average but the cheap feel, clunky addition of a third band, and horrible feel in my hand makes it a radio that never leaves its box. I just don’t want to carry it. I feel like it was a rushed makeover of their excellent UV-9R. Overall I will just have to recommend people pass on the Baofeng UV-9S unless you just have to have a red radio that works on 1.25m. There are better radios for the same or less money like the UV-9R which is about the best Baofeng radio for the money out there. |
| Rating Ergonomics | - | F |