VHF vs UHF: Know the Differences

In wireless communication, you must have heard the terms VHF vs. UHF. But how do they differ from each other? What are the differences between them? And which one is suitable for whom.

Let’s know about their differences by answering some questions. And before you understand the differences, you must learn how all wireless communications systems work.

Basically, every wireless communication, including cell phones and two-way radios, works using an operating frequency. The government regulates these operating frequencies also the communication devices that use them.

What Do VHF and UHF Mean?

VHF refers to “Very High Frequency,” whereas UHF refers to “Ultra High Frequency.” VHF and UHF are two particular radio frequencies that use two-way radios and all wireless communication systems.

VHF – Very High Frequency

VHF is mainly used for FM radio broadcast, long-range data communication, two-way land mobile radio systems, and marine communications. The radio wave ranges in VHF from 30MHz to 300MHz.

However, these waves will not exceed 100 miles of local radio horizons. The VHFs are less likely to be disturbed by electrical equipment issues, atmospheric noise, etc. VHF has different bands, including high-band and low-band.

Low band VHF range from 49-108 MHz, while high-band VHF frequencies range from 169-216MHz. Low-band VHF is not suggested for serious applications because of its radio noise level. However, high-band is best for professional applications.

UHF – Ultra High Frequency

UHF radio signals are used in GPS, satellite communication, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cordless phones, walkie-talkie, etc. Compared to VHF, UHF waves are much shorter in length, approximately 12 to 24 inches.

Hence, less antenna length is required as radio range. UHF may grant higher bandwidth occupation, but it doesn’t travel as far as VHF. In UHF, the chances of dropouts and interference are much higher.

However, UHF transmissions can interfere with anything from a building to a human body. It also has both low-band and high-band. Low-band UHF ranges from 450-806 MHz, and high-band is 900-952 MHz.

Low-band overlaps with high-band. Usually, business services and UHF television channels 14 to 69 operate using these frequencies. High-band UHF offers minimal disturbance, and it requires a 3 and 4-inches antenna.

VHF vs. UHF: Frequency Range Band Chart

Low-band VHF	49-108 MHz
High-band VHF	169-216 MHz
Low-band UHF	450-806 MHz
High-band UHF	900-952 MHz

VHF vs. UHF – What are the Differences?

VHF uses radio waves from 30 MHz to 300 MHz, and hence it offers a larger broadcast range. But, it, unfortunately, has fewer channels. So, it can lead to interference and crowd from other adjacent two-way radios.

On the other hand, UHF radio waves don’t travel as far as VHF radio waves. Thus, it has a reduced range.

However, UHF has a wider frequency spectrum. So, it offers great coverage with minimum interference from other users.

VHF radios are less expensive than UHF. Hence, it has been around for a long time than UHF radios. VHF two-way radios are ideal for the outdoors. The VHF signal tends to degrade in urban areas because of the tall building.

For this reason, VHF radios are ideal for large areas or where there are fewer people. So it can operate with less interference. VHF radios are best fitted for industries like recreation and agriculture.

Nonetheless, UHF radios use battery power more quickly because of their higher frequency. So it is not suitable in areas where there is no charging station. UHF two-way radios are best suited for urban locations.

The reason is that it can penetrate through building walls, steel, concrete, and wood. Hence, UHF radios are preferred to use indoors. Most industries like distribution, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and education use UHF.

In Brief

• The main difference between UHF and VHF antenna is range. VHF radio waves are larger than UHF.
• Another difference is their battery life. Because of higher frequencies, UHF use more of its battery life.
• The last difference between UHF vs. VHF radios is that UHF is costlier than VHF.
• VHF radios operate at lower frequencies and longer wavelengths. It is ideal for outdoor use as well as places free from obstruction.
• UHF frequency range is higher. It can reach through walls, buildings, and concrete and hence, is well-suited for wireless communication. It is ideal for indoor use.

Is VHF or UHF Better?

Basically, it depends on your purpose for using them. Opt for VHF radios if you plan to use the radios outdoors or in places free from obstructions. The VHF frequencies travel further if there is no obstacle present.

So choose VHF only when you are outside in a wide-open space. However, VHF is most likely to interfere with other two-way radios because of its smaller frequencies. Conversely, UHF is ideal for long-distance communication.

Also, it is ideally suited for indoor use like inside buildings. It does a great job penetrating through concrete, steel, and wood. The best part of UHF is that it is less likely to interfere with other radios.

The minus point of UHF is that it doesn’t travel as far as VHF does. But, it gives a better performance in reaching buildings and urban environments. VHF travels further and provides better performance in hilly terrain.

Who Uses VHF and UHF?

VHF is mainly used by marine and boat personnel for communication. It allows contacting boaters nearby if any emergencies arise. Hence, it’s an essential accessory to have on board. For emergencies, Channel 16 is widely used.

On the other hand, public safety officers like police, fire service, and EMS with tv channels of 77-80 use UHF. They commonly use it on their TVs, phones, and ham radio operators.

UHF is also used in security offices, casinos, warehouses, manufacturing, distributions, construction, and health care. They use it to communicate with each other across the buildings.

How to Improve Signal Strength on VHF or UHF two-way Radios?

Improving the antenna is one of the ways to improve the signal strength in a two-way radio. The antenna length determines the length of the radio waves. Since the UHF has a shorter wavelength, the antenna for UHF two-way radios is small in size.

On the other hand, VHF requires a lightly larger antenna because of its larger wavelength. The large antenna is required to improve its range, and it determines how far the signal will travel.

VHF is likely to get interrupted by other frequencies. You have to find where the interference is coming from to minimize it. On a boat, noise can come from a lot of places. You can listen to the receiver to notice any changes in noise level.

Another way to locate interruption is bonding. It ensures the noise goes to the ground rather than radiating. Construct all motors on the ground. The best way to improve the signal is to switch them from analog to digital. Digital signal offers enhanced clarity and coverage.

However, there can be frequency overlapping if two radios use the same frequency. The transmission will overlap since the radio waves interfere with each other. It happens mostly when two frequencies are in the same coverage area.

If there is a single transmitter, there would be no issue. But when it requires to cover a large area, you have to use multiple transmitters. It becomes difficult to make sure they don’t interfere with each other.

Compatibility of My Two-Way Radio with Existing Radio Systems

Before you purchase a two-way radio, it is essential to know the frequency of your existing system. They need to be in the same frequency to communicate with each other.

If you are currently using a UHF radio, purchase a radio with a UHF operating mode. Moreover, the newer models are coming in either analog or digital. Make sure the current radio is digital, and the existing model may still use analog.

Wrapping UP

And, Voila! Thus far, you’ve learned the difference between VHF vs. UHF. Both have its strength and weaknesses. VHF experiences more interference compared to UHF. But, UHF may be expensive because manufacturing UHF equipment is difficult.

VHF is less expensive in this case. It is used at a high-band level. The coast guard, volunteer public safety, long-haul trucking, etc., use VHF for communications. However, other organizations require indoor communication depending on UHF.

Choosing the right communication setup will keep your teams connected in the workplace. If you need a robust communication method for your workplace, it is wise to purchase a two-way radio that uses these two frequencies.