Arcshell AR-6 vs Yaesu FT-65R - Which One is Better in 2026?
Trying to choose between Arcshell AR-6 and Yaesu FT-65R? Below you'll find a side-by-side comparison of key features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which handheld radio best fits your needs. Click the link below for a full review and detailed test results.
| Feature | Arcshell AR-6 | Yaesu FT-65R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Arcshell AR-6 | Yaesu FT-65R |
| Bands | 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 0/1 | 3.1/3.5 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 3.7 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1500 mAh | 1950 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 690 mAh | 1970 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 240 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 57 mm | 62 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 28 mm | 48 mm |
| Weight | 164 g | 277 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $26 | $130 |
| Rating by Price | C of 5 | C of 5 |
| Rating Overall | D of 5 | B of 5 |
| EMPTY | Yes | Yes |
| Conclusions | The Arcshell AR-6 is an effective little radio which works exceptionally well for what it costs. When I need an easy, fast, and disposable radio, this is what I reach for. It is hard to go wrong with this radio, grab one, turn to a specific channel, start talking. If you lose it or drop it into a lake, who cares? | The Yaesu FT-65R is kind of an odd bird, blending some of the inexpensive Chinese radios with the high-end of the Japanese radios. As hard as it is, the radio needs to be judged on its own. Sure, comparing the Yaesu FT-60R vs FT-65R shows that the 65R is far less of a radio, but it is far more of a radio than radios like the Baofengs. That really only matters when talking about where it fits in price-wise. On its own, the Yaesu FT-65R is a good radio at its price point. If you want something a lot nicer than the cheap Chinese radios but really don’t want to spend over $150 on a handheld radio, and don’t need digital modes, this might be the perfect radio for you. On the other hand, for $50 more you could get the Yaesu FT-70DR or the FT-60R, both of which are superior radios in virtually every way, particularly in audio quality. If you think this radio is interesting, you might also check out my Yaesu FT-65R vs FT-4XR article. |