Yaesu FT-65R vs Yaesu FT-70DR - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Yaesu FT-65R 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-65RYaesu FT-70DR
Image
Radio NameYaesu FT-65RYaesu FT-70DR
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3.1/3.53.9/1.2
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1950 mAh1800 mAh
Tested mAh1970 mAh mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAF-SMA
Height w/ant265 mm273 mm
Width62 mm68 mm
Thickness w/clip48 mm47 mm
Weight277 g283 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$130$230
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceCB
Rating OverallBB
Conclusions

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.

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!