Yaesu FT-65R vs Yaesu VX-7R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Yaesu FT-65R and Yaesu VX-7R? 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-65R | Yaesu VX-7R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Yaesu FT-65R | Yaesu VX-7R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.1/3.5 | 2.2/3.1 |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1950 mAh | 1500 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1970 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | F-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 265 mm | 295 mm |
| Width | 62 mm | 65 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 48 mm | 43 mm |
| Weight | 277 g | 285 g |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | - |
| Price | $130 | $200 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | Yes | Yes |
| Rating by Price | C | C |
| Rating Overall | B | B |
| 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. | Since these are no longer made, the question is would I recommend the Yaesu VX-7R used, and the answer is absolutely. The only real negatives to this radio are personal preferences and if you use it long enough, evidently some signal drift. You will be hard-pressed to find a radio of this quality with these features for the same amount of money. |