Yaesu FT-60R vs Yaesu FT-70DR - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Yaesu FT-60R 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-60RYaesu FT-70DR
Image
Radio NameYaesu FT-60RYaesu FT-70DR
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm2.5/1.13.9/1.2
Battery TypeNiMHLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.2 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1400 mAh1800 mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMAF-SMA
Height w/ant286 mm273 mm
Width62 mm68 mm
Thickness w/clip49 mm47 mm
Weight368 g283 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$205$230
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceAB
Rating OverallBB
Conclusions

Without a doubt, the Yaesu FT-60R is one of the best built, best performing, most fun to use radios ever made. Unless you need a handheld radio with a digital mode, there is no better choice than this radio. Yes, it is expensive compared to pretty much everything out there, but once you have used one, that won’t matter anymore.

I really enjoy using my Zastone m7 as a dual-band analog radio, but there is no doubt that other than the screen and menu system on the Zastone, this Yaesu FT-60R outperforms the Zastone in every possible way. If you can afford a $200 dual-band analog radio, then you will love this one. The only people who don’t like the Yaesu FT-60R are the people who dropped one on their foot.

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!