Baofeng UV-82 vs Baofeng UV-K5 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Baofeng UV-82 and Baofeng UV-K5? 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-K5
Image
Radio NameBaofeng UV-82Baofeng UV-K5
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm4.5/1.46/5
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh2800 mAh2500 mAh
Tested mAh mAh1780 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant281 mm328 mm
Width61 mm62 mm
Thickness w/clip48 mm53 mm
Weight238 g315 g
Color ScreenNoYes
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoYes
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINK-
Price$20$24
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Value ScoreCF
Performance ScoreCF
Ergonomics Score-C
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-K5 Plus is a well-rounded beginner radio with some nice accessories and reasonable performance. Where it really falls short is in its spurious emissions. This is the single worst radio I have ever seen. It is so bad that it single-handedly lowers the average of all Baofeng radios 61% (so I omit it as an outlier).

So would I recommend the K5Plus? LOL! There are a ton of better radios out there, pick anything but this. The Baofeng UV-5RM Plus is a better radio and a better value. Just stay away from this horrible piece of.....equipment.