BAOFENG UV-32 Ham Radio Long Range 10W Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Review
The BAOFENG UV-32 Ham Radio is a modern, high-powered handheld two-way radio designed for amateur radio enthusiasts, emergency responders, outdoor adventurers, and professionals who require reliable long-range communication. With its 10-watt output power, GPS functionality, app-based programming, NOAA weather alerts, and USB-C charging, the UV-32 is positioned as a top-tier device in the amateur radio market. This review takes a deep dive into its features, performance, design, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your communication needs.
Design and Build Quality
The BAOFENG UV-32 boasts a rugged and practical design. Its compact body is constructed from durable plastic with a rubberized grip that ensures it sits securely in hand even during long sessions. The buttons are tactile and well-spaced, making them easy to use with gloves or in low-visibility conditions. The color display is vibrant and easy to read in daylight and at night, which is particularly useful for viewing frequency settings, GPS data, and menu options.
The antenna included with the unit is detachable, allowing users to replace or upgrade it for enhanced performance. The overall build is weather-resistant, making the UV-32 a dependable companion in tough environments such as hiking trails, camping trips, or during stormy conditions.
Power and Range
With a maximum output of 10 watts, the UV-32 significantly extends the communication range compared to lower-powered walkie talkies. This additional power means users can maintain clear transmissions over several miles in open terrain. In urban environments, where obstacles and interference are common, the UV-32 still performs admirably, delivering strong signals with minimal dropouts.
The radio offers multiple power levels, including low, medium, and high, allowing users to conserve battery life when full power isn’t necessary. This is particularly handy during routine use or when communicating at close range.
Dual Band Operation
The UV-32 supports both VHF and UHF frequencies, allowing for flexible communication across different types of terrain and applications. The VHF band performs better in open areas, such as rural or mountainous regions, while the UHF band is more effective in urban settings with buildings and other obstructions. This dual-band capability ensures the radio can adapt to a wide variety of communication needs.
GPS Functionality
One of the standout features of the BAOFENG UV-32 is its integrated GPS. This function allows users to track their location and share coordinates with other compatible radios, a vital feature for search-and-rescue operations, hiking groups, or emergency scenarios where location sharing is crucial. The GPS interface is intuitive and integrates smoothly with the radio’s display, showing relevant location data clearly.
NOAA Weather Alerts
Staying informed of changing weather conditions is essential, especially during outdoor adventures. The UV-32 includes built-in NOAA weather radio functionality, enabling it to receive broadcasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This feature keeps users aware of severe weather warnings, forecasts, and alerts in real time, which can be a lifesaver in the field.
App-Based Programming and Frequency Copying
Another major advantage of the UV-32 is its support for app-based programming. Instead of using traditional manual key inputs or computer programming, users can connect the radio to a smartphone via Bluetooth or USB-C and use a dedicated app to program channels, settings, and frequency data. This makes it incredibly user-friendly, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with traditional ham radio programming methods.
The copy frequency function allows users to quickly duplicate frequencies from other radios, streamlining the process of setting up communication channels in a group setting. This is particularly useful in team environments where multiple radios need to operate on the same frequency without going through time-consuming manual setup steps.
Battery and Charging
Equipped with a high-capacity rechargeable battery, the UV-32 offers excellent battery life, often lasting a full day of heavy use or several days of lighter use. The inclusion of USB-C charging modernizes the experience, allowing for faster and more convenient charging with widely available cables and power sources. Users can even charge the radio with a power bank, car adapter, or solar panel, adding to its practicality in remote or off-grid situations.
Audio Quality and Usability
Audio performance is a critical component of any two-way radio, and the UV-32 doesn’t disappoint. The speaker delivers clear and loud sound, and the microphone picks up voice well without requiring users to shout. The unit also supports a variety of external microphones and earpieces for hands-free use.
Navigating the menu is straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly interface and clear labeling. For newcomers, the learning curve is minimal, especially when paired with app programming. For seasoned users, the array of advanced settings provides ample customization.
Additional Features
The UV-32 comes loaded with additional features that enhance its overall value. These include:
Dual standby, allowing users to monitor two frequencies at once
Wide and narrow bandwidth selection for compatibility with different systems
Flashlight for use in dark conditions
Keypad lock to prevent accidental changes
These features round out the package and contribute to the UV-32’s reputation as a feature-rich radio.
Pros
High 10W power output for extended range
Integrated GPS with coordinate sharing
App-based programming for ease of use
USB-C fast charging
Durable and ergonomic design
Dual-band frequency support
Frequency copy function for group syncing
Cons
May be over-featured for beginners who just need basic communication
Larger than some compact radios, which could be a drawback for ultralight travel
App compatibility and firmware updates may require initial setup effort
Final Verdict
The BAOFENG UV-32 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful, versatile, and modern handheld ham radio. It successfully combines traditional two-way radio functionality with advanced features like GPS, app programming, NOAA weather alerts, and USB-C charging. Whether you’re an amateur radio enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, prepper, or emergency responder, the UV-32 offers a dependable and highly capable communication tool that’s ready for demanding situations. Its thoughtful feature set, strong performance, and robust build quality make it a compelling value in the handheld radio market.