Yaesu FT-270R vs Yaesu FT-65R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Yaesu FT-270R 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 | Yaesu FT-270R | Yaesu FT-65R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Yaesu FT-270R | Yaesu FT-65R |
| Bands | 2m | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 4.5/0 | 3.1/3.5 |
| Battery Type | NiMH | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.2 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1400 mAh | 1950 mAh |
| Tested mAh | mAh | 1970 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | F-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 263 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 67 mm | 62 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 47 mm | 48 mm |
| Weight | 413 g | 277 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $140 | $130 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | A | C |
| Rating Overall | A | B |
| Conclusions | My Yaesu FT-270R is the radio that goes in my backpack when I head down a trail, it is the radio that goes in my car when I decide to take the roads less traveled, and it is the radio that is on my side in the pouring down rain when weather spotting. Does it have the features of most of my other radios? No. Can it do digital modes? No. Does it have a built-in flashlight? No. But it will take a twenty-foot tumble down a rock face into the river and keep right on putting out an excellent signal when I need it to. That is why I love my Yaesu FT-270R. | 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. |