Yaesu FT-4XR vs Yaesu FT-70DR - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Yaesu FT-4XR and Yaesu FT-70DR? 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.

FeatureYaesu FT-4XRYaesu FT-70DR
Image
Radio NameYaesu FT-4XRYaesu FT-70DR
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3.1/33.9/1.2
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1750 mAh1800 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAF-SMA
Height w/ant250 mm273 mm
Width62 mm68 mm
Thickness w/clip48 mm47 mm
Weight249 g283 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$100$230
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Value ScoreCB
Performance ScoreBB
Conclusions

The Yaesu FT-4XR is a nice basic radio. If you are looking for a well-built and solid analog radio with no real frills, then this might be a perfect radio for you. While my review might not really sound like it, I like this little radio. It feels so much more solid in my hand and is much slicker to use than my Baofengs.

In the end, will the Yaesu FT-4XR actually do more than a Baofeng UV-5R? Other than probably last longer and provide better reception, not really. Think of this radio as a stripped-down Cadillac, where the Baofeng is a well-equipped Kia. The Cadillac is a lot nicer to tootle around in, and has a lot higher build quality, but it doesn’t really do anything the Kia won’t. It is just a matter of if you are willing to pay for something nicer or not.

I don’t personally like Yaesu’s Fusion that much, but that is a discussion for another time, the Yaesu FT-70DR is an excellent radio even if, like me, you do not tend to use Fusion. My only real complaint is the lack of a drop-in charger, and that does miff me. Of course, they added a really nice programming cable, so there is that.

Overall, I would say, if you want a really nice radio with great attention to detail which works as good as it looks, pick up one of these and enjoy it!