Yaesu FT3DR vs Yaesu VX-7R - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Yaesu FT3DR 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 FT3DR | Yaesu VX-7R |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Yaesu FT3DR | Yaesu VX-7R |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3/4 | 2.2/3.1 |
| Digital Mode | C4FM | - |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.2 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | 1500 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 2190 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | F-SMA | F-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 275 mm | 295 mm |
| Width | 67 mm | 65 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 46 mm | 43 mm |
| Weight | 300 g | 285 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | Yes | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $300 | $200 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | No | Yes |
| Value Score | A | C |
| Performance Score | A | B |
| Conclusions | 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. | 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. |