Kenwood TH-D74A vs Yaesu FT-4XR - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Kenwood TH-D74A and Yaesu FT-4XR? 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.

FeatureKenwood TH-D74AYaesu FT-4XR
Image
Radio NameKenwood TH-D74AYaesu FT-4XR
Bands2m, 1.25m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3.6/1.43.1/3
Digital ModeD-STAR-
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1800 mAh1750 mAh
Tested mAh1640 mAh mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant305 mm250 mm
Width59 mm62 mm
Thickness w/clip46 mm48 mm
Weight345 g249 g
Color ScreenYesNo
GPSYesNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$375$100
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoYes
Rating by PriceAC
Rating OverallAB
Conclusions

If you are looking for the ultimate in handheld amateur radio technology, then the Kenwood TH-D74A is probably what you want. No other handheld radio that I am aware of, for any amount of money, has the features, functionality, and quality of the Kenwood.

If you can find a Kenwood TH-D74A used, it will probably cost almost as much as a new one because no one wants to give them up, that should tell you something. I have had hundreds of handheld radios come through here, none hold a candle to this one. Mic drop.

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.