Yaesu FT-4XR vs Yaesu FT3DR - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Yaesu FT-4XR and Yaesu FT3DR? 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 FT3DR
Image
Radio NameYaesu FT-4XRYaesu FT3DR
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3.1/33/4
Digital Mode-C4FM
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.2 v
Rated mAh1750 mAh2200 mAh
Tested mAh mAh2190 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAF-SMA
Height w/ant250 mm275 mm
Width62 mm67 mm
Thickness w/clip48 mm46 mm
Weight249 g300 g
Color ScreenNoYes
GPSNoYes
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINK-
Price$100$300
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesNo
Rating by PriceCA
Rating OverallBA
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.

So would I recommend the Yaesu FT3DR? Absolutely! I would, however, highly recommend that if you have large hands and really want to use the touchscreen that you play with one before making a final decision. It is a fantastic radio in every respect and will do pretty much anything you can think of a handheld radio can do.

Would I recommend it over the FT5DR? That too depends on what you need. The FT5DR has a nicer screen, louder audio, a USB-C port for both charging and data, IPX7 waterproofing, and is supposedly more ergonomic. To my knowledge, it doesn’t do anything the FT3DR can’t. Is that worth the currently $200-$250 more? Not to me, but maybe to you.