Yaesu VX-8G vs Yaesu FT-60R - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Yaesu VX-8G and Yaesu FT-60R? 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 VX-8GYaesu FT-60R
Image
Radio NameYaesu VX-8GYaesu FT-60R
Bands2m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3.7/22.5/1.1
Battery TypeLi-IonNiMH
Battery Volts7.4 v7.2 v
Rated mAh1100 mAh1400 mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMAF-SMA
Height w/ant296 mm286 mm
Width67 mm62 mm
Thickness w/clip37 mm49 mm
Weight294 g368 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSYesNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book Link-LINK
Price$330$205
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Rating by PriceCA
Rating OverallBB
Conclusions

You may be surprised at my scores for this radio, and believe me, when I bought the radio I really wanted to love it. But I just never did. It is just too difficult for an idiot like me to use (maybe even now, lol), the buttons are too small for my fat fingers, and the screen has too much on it at such as small font.

Don’t get me wrong, the Yaesu VX-8G is extremely capable and packs an enormous amount of capability into a really small package. If that is your thing, and you have small hands and excellent eye site, maybe this is the radio for you. For me, it is relegated to helping me test other radios.

Without a doubt, the Yaesu FT-60R is one of the best built, best performing, most fun to use radios ever made. Unless you need a handheld radio with a digital mode, there is no better choice than this radio. Yes, it is expensive compared to pretty much everything out there, but once you have used one, that won’t matter anymore.

I really enjoy using my Zastone m7 as a dual-band analog radio, but there is no doubt that other than the screen and menu system on the Zastone, this Yaesu FT-60R outperforms the Zastone in every possible way. If you can afford a $200 dual-band analog radio, then you will love this one. The only people who don’t like the Yaesu FT-60R are the people who dropped one on their foot.