Baofeng UV-82 vs Baofeng UV-9S - Which One is Better in 2025?

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.

FeatureBaofeng UV-82Baofeng UV-9S
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-82Baofeng UV-9S
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 1.25m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm4.5/1.44.1/2
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh2800 mAh2200 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant281 mm246 mm
Width61 mm58 mm
Thickness w/clip48 mm42 mm
Weight238 g215 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$20$35
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceCF
Rating OverallCC
Rating Ergonomics-F
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.
Overall, my Baofeng UV-82 has been a good and reliable radio for the price and one of my favorite Baofeng radio models.

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.