Posted by Baofeng UK on 5th Oct 2025
UK Two‑Way Radios Explained: Analogue, Digital, and PMR446 (Licence‑Free)
UK Two‑Way Radios: Analogue, Digital & PMR446 Guide
If you’re choosing two‑way radios in the UK, you’ll meet three main options: Analogue (licensed), Digital (licensed—typically DMR or dPMR) and PMR446 (licence‑free). The right choice depends on audio quality, channel capacity, privacy/security, battery life and Ofcom licensing. This guide explains each option in plain English and helps you pick the best fit for your site, team and budget.
At a glance
- Analogue: Simple, proven voice—best for light use or legacy fleets.
- Digital (DMR/dPMR): Clearer audio, more capacity, strong privacy and features—ideal for busy, professional sites.
- PMR446 (licence‑free): No licence and quick to deploy—best for short‑range, non‑sensitive comms.
Comparison: Analogue vs Digital (DMR/dPMR) vs PMR446 in the UK
| Aspect | Analogue (Licensed) | Digital DMR/dPMR (Licensed) | PMR446 (Licence‑free) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio & coverage | Gradual hiss/fade near edge of range; CTCSS/DCS reduces interruptions only | Clean, consistent audio with error correction; may cut out below threshold ("digital cliff") | Good at short range; low power and fixed antenna limit coverage; open to eavesdropping |
| Capacity per channel | 1 conversation per 12.5 kHz channel | DMR: 2 talk paths per 12.5 kHz (2‑slot TDMA). dPMR: many 6.25 kHz channels (FDMA) | Fixed shared channels; no repeaters; limited concurrency on busy sites |
| Privacy & security | Privacy tones/basic scrambling; not secure | Basic Privacy and robust encryption (e.g., AES) on licensed systems | Encryption not permitted in the UK |
| Battery life | Solid; can drain faster with heavy PTT | Typically longer (DMR transmits only in its time slot); depends on duty cycle/features | Varies by model; small batteries common |
| Features | Straightforward voice; limited data/safety | Group/individual/all‑call, text/job tickets, GPS, lone worker/man‑down, remote check/stun/kill | Basic calling; fewer features vs licensed systems |
| Infrastructure & scale | Repeaters/antennas allowed under licence | Repeaters, IP linking, roaming; DMR Tier III trunking for large sites | No repeaters; handheld only, fixed antenna |
| Licensing | Ofcom Business Radio (Simple UK, Simple Site, Technically Assigned/Area Defined) | Same licences; encryption allowed per licence/equipment | Licence‑free; fixed PMR446 channels and power limits |
| Best for | Simple, low‑traffic sites and legacy fleets | Busy, multi‑team operations needing capacity, privacy and growth | Small teams, ad‑hoc/short‑range, non‑sensitive comms |
What each term means
Analogue two‑way radios (licensed): Traditional FM voice on Ofcom Business Radio licences. Simple to use and maintain.
Digital two‑way radios (licensed): ETSI standards—DMR (12.5 kHz, 2‑slot TDMA) and dPMR (6.25 kHz FDMA). Clearer audio, more capacity, and advanced features.
PMR446 (licence‑free): Low‑power UHF handhelds (analogue or digital variants). Fixed antenna, no repeaters, no encryption in the UK.
Digital vs analogue radios UK: audio, capacity and privacy
Audio: Analogue fades with hiss; digital stays clear until the signal drops. This is because of how the audio behaves at the edge of coverage. Analogue audio degrades gradually, while digital audio stays perfectly clear until it drops off completely—an effect known as "The Digital Cliff
Audio Quality vs. Distance
Increasing Distance →
| Clear | Good | Hiss | Noisy | Lost |
| Clear | Clear | Clear | Clear | Lost |
Capacity: Analogue is one call per channel. On a busy site, these can get congested. Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) solves this by splitting a single radio channel into two "time slots," allowing two separate conversations to happen at the same time on the same frequency. You effectively double your capacity without needing another Ofcom licence.
Analogue vs. DMR Channel Capacity
| Slot 1 (Conversation A) | Slot 2 (Conversation B) |
Privacy & Security: Who Can Hear You?
In a business environment, not all conversations should be public. Discussing security matters, guest details, or sensitive staff issues requires private communication. Here’s how each radio type handles privacy:
PMR446 (Licence-Free): Open to Everyone
Think of PMR446 channels as a public broadcast. No encryption is permitted in the UK, so anyone with a compatible radio nearby can listen in to your conversations. This applies to both analogue and digital PMR446 models. While privacy tones (CTCSS/DCS) can prevent you from hearing other users, they do nothing to stop others from hearing you.
Verdict: Not suitable for any confidential communication.
Analogue (Licensed): Basic Scrambling
Some licensed analogue radios offer "voice inversion scrambling." This jumbles up the audio, making it sound like nonsense to a casual listener. However, this is not secure. Anyone with a radio that has the same scrambling feature can easily decipher it.
Verdict: Offers a thin layer of privacy against casual eavesdropping only. Do not rely on it for sensitive information.
Digital (Licensed DMR): True, Secure Encryption
This is where true, secure communication happens. Licensed digital radios offer robust encryption options that make your conversations genuinely private.
Basic Privacy: A simple digital scrambling key. Better than analogue, but not recommended for high-security needs.
Enhanced Encryption (e.g., AES 256-bit): This is the gold standard. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is the same level of encryption used by banks and governments to protect highly sensitive data. It is virtually impossible to break.
Verdict: The only choice for businesses that require genuine confidentiality and security.
Need Secure Communications? Go Digital.
If your conversations involve security, guest privacy, or commercially sensitive information, you need a digital DMR radio. The ability to use AES encryption ensures your team's communications remain completely private.
Our Top Pick for Secure Digital Comms:
The Baofeng DM-32 Digital (DMR) is the ideal solution. It supports digital encryption and is also dual-mode, meaning it can talk to your old analogue radios during a gradual upgrade. Experience crystal-clear, secure audio for professional peace of mind.
Step up to the future of two-way radio communication. The DM-32 is a dual-mode DMR and analogue radio, making it perfect for migrating from an old analogue system. Experience crystal-clear digital audio, improved battery life, and the ability to have two separate conversations on a single frequency. It’s the smart choice for busy, professional environments.
Radio Communication Licensing Comparison
A comprehensive comparison of different radio licensing options in the UK, including infrastructure permissions, frequencies, and typical use cases.
| Licence type | Where you can use it | Infrastructure allowed | Frequencies | Encryption | Typical users |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMR446 (licence‑free) | Anywhere in the UK | Handheld only; fixed antenna; no repeaters/base stations | Fixed PMR446 channels (analogue and digital) | Not permitted | Pop‑up retail, community events, small hospitality teams, family/adventure |
| Simple UK Light | Nationwide (mobiles/portables) | No repeaters/base stations | Shared business radio channels | Permitted on licensed systems (check terms) | Schools, hospitality, small sites needing quick deployment |
| Simple Site Light | One named site (e.g., campus) | On‑site base station or repeater permitted | Shared site‑based channels | Permitted on licensed systems | Warehouses, campuses, hotels, estates |
| Technically Assigned | Defined location(s) | Repeaters/base stations allowed; tailored power/antennas | Assigned frequencies for interference control | Permitted; supports robust encryption (e.g., AES) | Manufacturing, hospitals, construction, large venues |
| Area Defined | Wider area (e.g., city/county) | As engineered | Regional spectrum | Permitted | City‑wide fleets, multi‑site operations, security/events |
Need Hassle-Free Comms? Go Licence-Free.
If you need a straightforward, ready-to-use solution for small teams, events, or short-range tasks, PMR446 is the perfect choice. There are no licence fees, no programming required, and no waiting for Ofcom approval. It's the fastest and easiest way to get your team talking.
Our Top Pick for Licence-Free Use:
The Baofeng BF-888S PMR446 is the definition of simplicity and value. It comes pre-programmed to the UK's 16 licence-free PMR446 channels, so you can use it straight out of the box. It’s lightweight, compact, and ideal for hospitality, retail, or keeping event staff coordinated.
Baofeng BF-888s PMR446 radio is the definition of simplicity and value. It comes pre-programmed to the UK's 16 licence-free PMR446 channels, so you can use it straight out of the box. It’s lightweight, compact, and ideal for hospitality, retail, or keeping event staff coordinated.
DMR vs PMR446: which should you choose?
| Factor | PMR446 (Licence‑free) | DMR (Licensed) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to start | £0 licence; low device cost | Ofcom licence + programming; higher device cost |
| Coverage | Short‑range, best‑efforts | Engineered coverage; repeaters allowed |
| Capacity | Shared, limited | 2 talk paths per channel; scalable |
| Privacy | None (no encryption) | Basic Privacy and AES encryption available |
| Best for | Small, occasional tasks | Professional, multi‑team, safety‑critical ops |
Migration path: moving from analogue to digital without disruption
- Choose dual‑mode radios: Most DMR handsets support analogue + digital to keep legacy channels live while introducing digital talkgroups.
- Use mixed‑mode repeaters: One repeater can carry analogue and DMR during transition, team‑by‑team.
- Sort licensing/programming: Update your Ofcom licence, coordinate frequencies, standardise a channel/talkgroup plan.
- Train and optimise: Short user training, then a 30–60 day review to tweak audio profiles, roaming and alerts.
Use cases by option
- Digital (DMR/dPMR, licensed): Multi‑team sites needing capacity, privacy, safety features (lone worker/man‑down), GPS, text/job tickets and future‑proofing.
- PMR446: Short‑range teams that need something today with zero licence admin.
- Analogue (licensed): Like‑for‑like replacements where congestion is low and voice only is fine.
Need More Power & Range? Go Licensed Analogue.
When your site is too large for PMR446 or you need to overcome signal obstacles like concrete walls and machinery, a licensed analogue radio is the perfect step up. Offering significantly more power, superior range, and the ability to work with repeaters, these radios are the reliable workhorses of the industry—delivering professional performance at an excellent value.
Our Top Picks for Licensed Analogue Radios:
For Discreet Use: Baofeng UV-5R Mini
Get all the power and flexibility of a licensed radio in a smaller package. The UV-5R Mini is perfect for hotel front-of-house staff, event managers, or retail security who value discretion.
Compact & Discreet:
Get all the power and flexibility of a licensed radio in a smaller package. The UV-5R Mini is perfect for users who need a less obtrusive radio, such as hotel front-of-house staff, event managers, or retail security teams who value discretion.
For All-Round Performance with GPS: Baofeng UV-5RH Pro GPS
A modern powerhouse, the UV-5RH Pro offers high power output for excellent range and includes a built-in GPS. Perfect for coordinating teams across larger sites or tracking assets.
Best All-Rounder with GPS:
A modern powerhouse, the UV-5RH Pro offers high power output for excellent range and includes a built-in GPS. This is perfect for coordinating teams across larger sites, tracking assets, or for any user who needs robust performance with location awareness.
For Harsh Environments: Baofeng UV-98 Pro IP68
When your radios will be exposed to rain, dust, or tough conditions, the IP68-rated UV-98 Pro is the answer. It’s fully dust-tight and waterproof, making it ideal for construction, outdoor events, and agriculture
For Harsh Environments:
When your radios will be exposed to rain, dust, or tough conditions, you need a rugged solution. The UV-98 Pro is IP68-rated, meaning it’s fully dust-tight and waterproof. It’s the ideal choice for construction sites, outdoor events, agriculture, and security teams working in all weathers.
Buying checklist
- Coverage: Indoors/outdoors, dead zones, repeater need (UHF often better indoors; VHF can excel outdoors).
- Capacity: Teams, simultaneous calls, growth.
- Privacy: Encryption requirements and compliance.
- Features: Safety (lone worker/man‑down), messaging, GPS, job tickets, control room integration.
- Hardware: Batteries for full shifts, earpieces, chargers, spares.
- Licensing: Correct Ofcom licence type and permitted power/antenna rules.
FAQs
1. Do digital radios have better range than analogue?
Not inherently. Digital is clearer to the edge, so it feels like more usable range.
2. Can I encrypt PMR446 in the UK?
No—encryption isn’t permitted on PMR446 (analogue or digital).
3. Is DMR better than dPMR?
Both are ETSI standards. DMR’s 2‑slot TDMA and broad ecosystem make it most common for larger UK systems; dPMR’s 6.25 kHz channelisation can suit specific deployments.
4. Can digital and analogue radios interoperate?
Yes—program digital sets with analogue channels; mixed‑mode repeaters help during migration.
Still Unsure? We're Here to Help.
Choosing the right two-way radio can feel complex, but it doesn't have to be. Our UK-based team is here to understand your requirements—from coverage and capacity to budget and specific features. We’ll help you select the perfect Baofeng model, and ensure your team has the reliable communication tools they need to succeed.
Don't guess—get expert advice.
Contact Our Team Today to Discuss Your Needs or browse our full range of Two-Way Radios.
