Whether you’re just starting in ham radio or looking to upgrade your gear, choosing the right handheld transceiver (HT) can be overwhelming. We’ve broken down the best HTs into six key categories: three for analog radios based on price and three for digital radios based on price and modulation mode—DMR, C4FM (Yaesu System Fusion), and D-Star (Icom).
Be sure to click the linked radio name, or the Read Review button to see the full review with test results of each radio. I also added a few bonus radios so there are more than ten. There are a few radios without full reviews, we are working as hard as we can to get more tests done and reviews added, but there are a LOT of radios out there. Please be patient.
Best Budget Analog Handhelds
Winner: Baofeng UV-5R
Still unbeatable in value, the UV-5R remains a popular entry-level dual-band VHF/UHF radio. It’s widely supported, modifiable, and under $17. Oddly enough, it has some pretty good performance even with that price point. That includes very low spurious emissions, for a Baofeng that is, with an SES of 141 which compares to the average for Baofeng radios of over 305.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Broad community support and accessories
- Custom firmware options (e.g., firmware mod kit)
- Can be opened for extended TX
Cons:
- Mediocre receiver filtering
- Not great harmonics
- Not known for long-term reliability
| Baofeng UV-5R | |
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Runner-Up: Baofeng BF-F8HP
An upgraded version of the UV-5R, the BF-F8HP offers higher power output and improved performance, but at a much higher price tag. I really struggled with this as I personally prefer the Baofeng UV-9R Plus, but that is personal, and the BF-F8HP is objectively better by every measure except waterproofing.
With higher power output, and lower spurious emissions, this is one of the best compromises out there as it still uses all the same chargers, microphones, batteries, programming cables, etc as the venerable UV-5R. Yes, there are bigger and newer radios for this price or less, but they just can’t match the output signal (quality, not just raw power), portability, and backwards compatibility of this radio.
Key Features:
- Dual-Band Operation: VHF (136–174 MHz) and UHF (400–520 MHz).
- Power Output: Up to 8 watts.
- Memory Channels: 128 programmable channels.
- Additional Features: Improved antenna, larger battery, and enhanced durability.
- Reduced spurious emissions: Provides more power on frequency and better radio longevity.
While slightly above the $50 mark, the BF-F8HP is often available on sale for under $50, making it a worthy consideration for budget-conscious hams seeking enhanced performance.
| Baofeng BF-F8HP | |
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Best Midrange Analog Handhelds
Winner: Yaesu FT-4XR
Compact, rugged, and FCC Part 95 certified, the FT-4XR offers real analog performance with excellent audio and better filtering than budget HTs. Here is your chance to own a seriously good radio for a budget price, often under $100. This is not a radio packed full of bells and whistles, it is a radio that does the basics, but does them extremely well.
Pros:
- Outstanding audio clarity
- Long battery life
- Yaesu build quality and durability
- Virtually no spurious emissions, as you would expect
Cons:
- Programming cable sold separately
- Slightly limited display
| Yaesu FT-4XR | |
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Runner-Up: Wouxun KG-UV9P/D Plus
The Wouxun KG-UV9P and D Plus are dual-band (VHF/UHF) handheld transceivers that combine robust performance with a sleek, professional appearance. The two radios are virtually the same, with the P being a higher power version of the D Plus.
Key Features:
- Dual-Band Operation: Covers both VHF (136–174 MHz) and UHF (400–512 MHz) frequencies.
- Power Output: Up to 5 watts on VHF and 4 watts on UHF.
- Display: Large, full-color LCD screen for clear visibility.
- Dual Receive: True dual receive capability (V+V, U+U, V+U).
- Cross-Band Repeat Function: Allows the radio to act as a repeater between VHF and UHF bands.
- Memory Channels: 999 programmable channels.
- Battery: 2000mAh high-capacity battery providing extended operation time.
- Durability: IP55 rated for dust and water resistance.
Pros:
- Excellent audio clarity and loudness.
- Solid build quality suitable for various environments.
- Comprehensive feature set for advanced users.
Cons:
- Programming requires proprietary software and cable.
- Display may be difficult to read in direct sunlight.
Priced around $150–$180, the KG-UV9P or D Plus offer a balance of functionality and aesthetics, making them a suitable choice for those seeking a high-end analog handheld radio without the flashy design elements.
| Wouxun KG-UV-9P/D Plus | |
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Best High-End Analog Handhelds ($150+)
Winner: Yaesu FT-60R
The Yaesu FT-60R is a dual-band (2m/70cm) handheld transceiver renowned for its durability, reliability, and user-friendly interface. With a robust construction and straightforward operation, it’s a favorite among amateur radio enthusiasts. While an older radio, being introduced in 2004 at the Dayton Hamvention, that should tell you how good it really is. Few handheld radios remain good sellers on the market for over twenty years.
Key Features:
- Dual-Band Operation: Covers both 2 meters and 70 centimeters bands.
- Power Output: Up to 5 watts.
- Memory Channels: 1000 programmable channels.
- Additional Features: NOAA weather alerts, wideband receive, and emergency automatic ID.
- Durability: Solid build quality suitable for various environments.
Priced around $180, the FT-60R offers excellent value for those seeking a high-quality analog handheld radio.
| Yaesu FT-60R | |
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Runner-Up: Alinco DJ-VX50t
A solid dual-band HT with great water resistance and extremely durable IP67 dust/waterproof housing, often overlooked. It includes wideband receive, semi-duples cualband, a variety of scan modes, and some advanced features for the ham radio enthusiast. It may not be a Yaesu FT-60R, but it has better weather resistance and about an $80 smaller pricetag.
Pros:
MIL-STD rated
Loud, clear audio
High power output
Cons:
- Display is small and basic (but shows two frequencies)
- Not as feature-rich as the FT-60R
| Alinco DJ-VX50T | |
| Review Coming Soon! | |
Best Budget Digital Handhelds
DMR Winner: Baofeng DM-1701
The Baofeng DM-1701 is a dual-band (VHF/UHF) handheld transceiver that supports both analog and digital (DMR Tier II) modes. It’s a popular choice among amateur radio enthusiasts for its affordability and feature set. Not only is it a good radio, but it has a huge following and can even be upgraded to the popular OpenGD77 firmware. In fact, you can even get them with the OpenGD77 firmware preinstalled.
Key Features:
- Dual-Band Operation: Covers both VHF and UHF frequencies.
- DMR Tier II Support: Compatible with MOTOTRBO systems.
- Power Output: Up to 5 watts.
- Channel Capacity: Supports 3,000 channels and 100,000 contacts.
- Display: 1.77-inch color TFT screen.
- Battery: 2000mAh battery providing up to 12 hours of operation.
- Programming: USB programming cable included; supports third-party firmware like OpenGD77 for enhanced features.
Priced under $80, the DM-1701 offers excellent value for those seeking a versatile DMR handheld radio. You are going to be hard pressed to find a better value in a DMR radio.
| Baofeng DM-1701 | |
| Review Coming Soon | |
C4FM Winner: Yaesu FT-70DR
Often found around $150 used, or $200 new, the FT-70DR brings both analog and digital functionality in a simple but capable package. This is the least expensive way to get into Yaesu’s digital ecosystem, and while not cheap, it is an extremely good radio.
Pros:
- Dual-mode (FM/C4FM)
- Strong audio output
- Excellent price/performance ratio
- Virtually no spurious emissions
- Fantastic build quality
Cons:
- No GPS/APRS
- Slightly bulky
| Yaesu FT-70DR | |
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D-Star Winner: Icom ID-50A
D-Star radios are not know for their low budget models. At the time of this writing, the ID-50A is the least expensive, entry-level, D-Star radio available. Saying that while looking at a price tag of almost $400 is a little jarring. The good news is that all D-Star radios are excellent radios even when just looking at their analog functions. This Icom ID-50A is no exception.
Pros:
- Share picture funtion
- Build an internet gateway
- Band Scope waterfall shows active channels/frequencies
- IPX7 waterproofing
- Very well built
Cons:
- Not inexpensive
| Icom ID-50A | |
| Review Coming Soon! | |
Best Midrange Digital Handhelds
DMR Winner: Alinco DJ-MD5 (FXT/XEG/XTG)
I have long thought the Alinco DJ-MD5 series of radios have been the hidden gems of the DMR radio world. They are nice to use, look good, work well, affordable, and offer options depending on what you want to do. The FXT is the basic version, the XEG adds GPS and limited APRS, and the XTG adds GPS and full APRS support. These range in price from about $200 to around $289.
Pros:
- Dual-band DMR
- Full-color screen
- Active firmware updates and strong support (I have heard they share firmware with Anytone)
Cons:
- Large price jump from the base Baofeng DM-1701
| Alinco DJ-MD5 | |
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C4FM Winner: Yaesu FT-70DR
If you are asking yourself if you are seeing double, you are, this is the second time this radio has appeared in this list. Often found around $150 used, or $200 new, the FT-70DR brings both analog and digital functionality in a simple but capable package. This is the least expensive way to get into Yaesu’s digital ecosystem, and while not cheap, it is an extremely good radio.
Pros:
- Dual-mode (FM/C4FM)
- Strong audio output
- Excellent price/performance ratio
- Virtually no spurious emissions
- Fantastic build quality
Cons:
- No GPS/APRS
- Slightly bulky
| Yaesu FT-70DR | |
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D-Star Winner: Icom ID-52A
There are three models (currently) of this radio; the ID-52A (the one I own), the ID-52A Plus, and the ID-52A Plus 60 Years edition. They are all just about the same with a few astetic changes to the 60 year edition and enhanced bluetooth and USB-C on both of the Plus editions. Other than that, the radios are all virtually identical.
They are also amazing radios. The only reasons I prefer my Kenwood TH-D74A is that it has a full keypad with numbers, the Kenwood fits my hand a little better, and has an expanded receive section. The larger screen on the ID-52A is nicer than my Kenwood and the radio seems every bit as good. Icom has really hit it out of the park with their modern D-Star radios.
Pros:
- Gorgeous color display
- Bluetooth and USB-C on Plus models
- Full D-Star feature set
- Amazing receiver section and beautifully clean output signal
Cons:
- Price over $600, hitting almost $800 when stock is low
- Wider than many radios, hard for me to hold comfortably
| Icom ID-52A | |
Review Coming Soon! | |
Best High-End Digital Handhelds ($250+)
DMR Winner: AnyTone AT-D878UVP2
The latest in the 878 line with additional filtering, better GPS/APRS handling, and ruggedized body. Perfect for serious DMR users. If you are tired of seeing all your friends using all the high-end features of their D-Star and C4FM radios, wishing you had some of those cool features, wish no more. The AT-D878UVP2 delivers virtually everything you could want in a DMR radio. It also does it for a lot less money!
Pros:
- Tri-band (VHF/UHF/220)
- Fully customizable display
- Great support and active firmware development
- Bluetooth and Bluetooth PTT support
- 3100Ah battery
- 500,000 digital contacts!
Cons:
- Heavier than competitors
- Still complex for beginners
| AnyTone AT-D878UVP2 | |
Review Coming Soon! | |
C4FM Winner: Yaesu FT-5DR
Yaesu’s flagship HT with waterproofing, touch control, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, APRS, and full Fusion support. This is currently the highest-end fusion/C4FM radio on the planet.
Pros:
- Premium build
- Dual independent receivers
- Loud audio and robust features
- Full color touchscreen
- Every option Yaesu offers in a handheld
Cons:
- Premium price
- Interface not as intuitive as Kenwood or Icom premium offerings
- Touchscreen not great if you have fat fingers
| Yaesu FT-5DR | |
Review Coming Soon! | |
D-Star Winner: Kenwood TH-D75A
The Kenwood TH-D75A is a feature-rich tri-band (144/220/430 MHz) handheld transceiver that supports D-STAR digital voice and data communications. Building upon the legacy of its predecessor, the TH-D74, this model introduces several enhancements tailored for the modern amateur radio operator.
Key Features:
- Tri-Band Operation: Covers 2 meters, 1.25 meters, and 70 centimeters bands.
- D-STAR Support: Enables digital voice and data communications.
- APRS Compatibility: Built-in GPS for real-time position reporting and messaging.
- Simultaneous Reception: Capable of receiving two D-STAR signals concurrently.
- Reflector Terminal Mode: Allows access to D-STAR reflectors via USB or Bluetooth without the need for a hotspot.
- Connectivity: Features USB Type-C for charging and data transfer, as well as Bluetooth headset PTT support.
- Display: High-resolution color screen for clear visibility.
- Durability: Meets IP54/55 standards for dust and water resistance.
With a price point over $650, the TH-D75A is an investment for serious operators seeking advanced digital capabilities in a handheld device. If you want the bulk of the D75’s capabilities for less money, the D74 is still an excellent radio. I “only” have a D74 and while I admit I would like to play with some of the new features of the D75, there isn’t anything the D75 has that makes me want to trade in my D74….for now 😉
| Kenwood TH-D75A | |
| Review Coming Soon! | |
That wraps up the Top 10 Best Handheld Ham Radios, with a few bonus radios. I hope you found one that fits your needs and budget!
