Kenwood TH-K20a vs Yaesu FT-270R - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Kenwood TH-K20a and Yaesu FT-270R? 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-K20aYaesu FT-270R
Image
Radio NameKenwood TH-K20aYaesu FT-270R
Bands2m2m
Max Power 2m/70cm4/04.5/0
Battery TypeLi-IonNiMH
Battery Volts7.4 v7.2 v
Rated mAh1130 mAh1400 mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMAF-SMA
Height w/ant222 mm263 mm
Width55 mm67 mm
Thickness w/clip48 mm47 mm
Weight249 g413 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Price$199$140
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoYes
Rating by PriceAA
Rating OverallAA
Conclusions

So if you think I am a fanboy on this radio, you are right. It doesn’t have wideband coverage, GPS, wireless cloning, app programming from your phone, USB-C charging, or a huge full color screen. What it does have is amazing output, a great receiver, a manual that is actually a manual, and a great display.

No, it doesn’t do fifty things at once. It does one thing, and it does it better than any other radio, period.

My Yaesu FT-270R is the radio that goes in my backpack when I head down a trail, it is the radio that goes in my car when I decide to take the roads less traveled, and it is the radio that is on my side in the pouring down rain when weather spotting.

Does it have the features of most of my other radios? No. Can it do digital modes? No. Does it have a built-in flashlight? No. But it will take a twenty-foot tumble down a rock face into the river and keep right on putting out an excellent signal when I need it to. That is why I love my Yaesu FT-270R.