Radio Basics: UHF vs VHF Explained

Generally VHF radios operate in the 138-174 MHz frequency band and UHF radios operate in the 400-512 MHz frequency band.

VHF waves a much longer then UHF waves which allows them to carry a bit further in wide open areas but the longer wavelength on VHF also means that it struggles to escape dense urban environments and structures particularly steel and concrete ones. UHF on the other hand performs much better in urban environments but also performs well in rural environments.

As such, we recommend UHF for most users.

It is also worth noting that the different bands will give you access to different channelized radios services notably:

UHF: GMRS, FRS
VHF: MURS, NOAA weather