UHF Vs VHF - Differences Explained - Car CB Radios

#1 - Frequency 925-960 MHz vs 137-174 MHz

The first difference you'll notice between UHF - Ultra High Frequency and VHF - Very High Frequency is the frequency band they operate at.  With frequencies of 950MHz or more it's considered to be UHF.  VHF radios on the other hand starts around 30 MHz and ends in the higher hundreds depending on where you are.

#2 - Range and Bandwidth

This is a big one when discussing frequency modulation radio equipment: range and bandwidth.  People often refer to something as being "ultra high frequency" because of how far it will broadcast but that's only half of the story since at lower frequencies, more bandwidth is required for successful communication, which leads us to our next difference...

#3 - Amplitude Modulation vs Frequency Modulation

I'll let Wikipedia explain this one.  I won't try to re-invent the wheel: 

"In analog amplitude modulation (AM) the strength of the carrier signal is varied, with the resulting change in signal strength conveying the modulating signal.  In digital frequency-shift keying (FSK), binary data is transmitted through a series of on/off pulses that are based on whether it is currently producing a logical "1" or "0".

Radio amateurs operate equipment for both modes, and commercial broadcast stations transmit digital information both ways; frequency modulation has advantages [such as] less susceptibility to interference from weaker signals."

#4 - Transmit Power

Again, Wikipedia: 

Ultra high frequency bandwidths require more complex equipment and antennas to support a given distance compared with VHF FM.  The transmit power of an AM or FM signal is directly proportional to the frequency.

#5 - Antennas

In terms of antenna use, AM requires larger antennas than FM for the same range.  I'll leave it at that...but there are many more differences between UHF Radio vs VHF Radio.

You might like: Best CB Base Antennas 

#6 - Input/Output

Another difference between UHF and VHF radio is what type of connector they have on them.  For example, you may have noticed that most older CB radios have the big round microphone inputs while newer ones do not. The reason? Because in 1989 after the restructuring of radio frequencies in 1950-53 by international UHF.  This is because there isn't that much room between the high frequencies and the lower VLF radio band (30kHz up to 300kHz).

-You may like: Learn how to use a CB Radio the Right Way

UHF is used for FM broadcast radio, television signals, cell phones, two-way radio, satellite communications such as GPS, and satellites broadcasting TV. VHF on the other hand is used for FM broadcast radio, television signals, and two-way radio.