Analog broadcasts as a continuous stream of electrical signals that transmit as a wave.

Features of Analog

• As signal weakens, so does audio quality as static increases
• Not feature rich.  Analog is pretty much limited to push-to-talk, scanning, simple group conversations (one-to-many), and limited encryption capabilities without involving some very creative and often unreliable design.
• It does not use frequencies as efficiently as can be done using digital.

Digital signal, made up of a mathematical code, is sent in block segments.

Features of Digital

• When the signal is strong, the sound is clear and crisp. This clarity increases the effective range of the radio by around 5%
• If the signal is weak, it is likely to be lost completely. However, the audio is clear up until the moment it is lost.
• Not all digital broadcasts are compatible with each other.  Your choices of manufacturers may be limited.
• New features such as enhanced text messaging, IP connectivity, GPS, 1 to 1 communications, and other data transmissions