Best Handheld Ham Radios in 2022 - My Picks on the Radios You Should Consider
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
- In 2021, I did a show on my choices for the best HT hand held ham radios at that time. Since then, radios that were available then, are no longer around now and there have been some price changes. With that, what are my updated choices for 2022-2023? Check out the video to find out more! As always I have ranked the radios by price and am only showing radios that are a good quality and worth your time and money.
Always do your own research and find the best prices for any radio purchase. These are my suggestions, but they are not necessarily listed at the most competitive prices out there!
Link to my Kit.co list of the radios discussed in this video:
bit.ly/3BAhyvO
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My Current Shack Setup:
ICOM IC-7300
Yaesu FT-2980
DX Commander Classic
Comet GP-9
Diamond GZV4000 Power Supply
LDG AT200 PROII Tuner
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#hr4nt
#ki5npl
#hamradiofornontechies
I really like your CZcams channel and your website. Everything is easy to understand. Thank you very much for your hard work.
You are welcome! I appreciate your compliment and that you are finding the site and channel useful!! Thank you for your patronage! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
I started off in ham radio in the early 90’s as a Novice Class when we had to learn morris code. I have always been a Yaesu guy. Always felt they were the best bang for your buck. I agree that people should invest in their equipment but can’t fault anyone for going for a cheaper Chinese radio. Times are tough and not everyone has a flexible income. Just get on the air! 73’s.
If one is in a situation financially where they just cannot pull it off for a better radio, then yes, a cheaper alternative just to get you on the air is fine. Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!
Your site is great Steve for a newbie. It is also a good reference for all the other folks who may forget or need to have a refresher. Thank you for providing it. Jan
Absolutely!! I figured having a site to reference what I talk about on the channel would be valuable to all hams! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
Thanks for the update!
Any time! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
Thanks for the recommendations. Im researching for base and handhelds as im about to take my tests soon.
Best of luck on passing your exams!! I hope that the info I have on my channel will help aid you in making the best decision for your radio needs. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!
Studying for my lic. and researching radios. First thanks for the update. I am glad you mention where the radio come from, personally I do not (when possible) buy china anything. I do not see a lot of the Icom HT's listed in many of the "Best of" video's - why?
Glad it was helpful! I think that one of the reasons is that the Icom radio that are affordable lack features and the ones that have the features cost as much as an HF radio. I could be wrong. Yaesu has some of the best HT radios on the market hands down aside form some of the Kenwood's, but then you are back to massive cost to acquire one. I try to offer multiple solid radio choices that can fit almost any budget. I am with you, not very keen on the Chinese stuff, however, the Wouxun's are so very well made and perform extremely well I DO recommend those if you are on a budget but don't wanto buy a Baofeng. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
You're AWESOME....... Thank you Brother!!!!
Hey I am glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
FT5DR is the best equipped shown here although it's many features are not mentioned in this video. One such (extra cost - $50) feature is what Yaesu calls WiresX. This allows you to connect this radio to the internet and converse with anyone, anywhere around the world. No other HT radio can do this. Worth mentioning. I have an FT5D and WiresX package. Wonderful.
I think I did briefly mention that feature when I was going through the list of features. One of the main reasons to own one of the FT5DR's is the C4FM and WiresX capability. I have that on my FT3DR as well. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
I am still trying to decide what I want to get as far as a handheld. I am programming the Yeasu VX-6R for a friend of mine and I do like that radio. It is small and I already changed out the antenna for my friend. Great little radio. I really want a radio that is good for when the SHTF. I am thinking about getting my GMRS license too. Thank you for sharing Scott, love your channel.
You have a lot of choices when it comes to HT radios. Just make sure that you get one that has a good long lasting battery life!! That is paramount when choosing a SHTF radio in my opinion. Make sure that replacement batteries don't cost you monthly rent to purchase! Some of the Yaesu batteries are $75-$85 EACH!!! Also see if the radio you are choosing has an option for a battery eliminator. This way, IF your battery dies and yo are near a vehicle, you can plug the radio into the cigarette lighter and power your radio in an emergency situation, or just when you are travelling with it and do not wish to use the battery power. It is a good accessory to have. Getting your GMRS is not a bad idea either as there is a large community of GMRS users out there and the cost for the license just dropped! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
Another informative video. I sent it to my girlfriend who is still looking for an HT after getting her tech back in June.
Very cool! I hope it was helpful! The trick is finding what best suits your needs and budget. Best of luck in finding an awesome radio that will serve you well! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
I like your radio list and think they are great. My next radio will be the Yaesu VX-6 the biggest reasons for my choice was it is tribanded as well water resistant along with it build like a concrete outhouse.
Good choice! Like I said choosing a radio is a very personal thing because features I want, may not match what you are looking for. As long as you research your choices and choose the best bang for the buck, you are winning. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
Thanks for all the great vids! I've learned a lot from your channel. I'm running a Yaesu VX-8R that I purchased about 10 years ago. Really stout little unit It sat out in the brutal high desert weather in a shed for several years. Just got my ticket 2 weeks ago. The battery was shot, but when I popped a new one in and it fired right up! Works great and I like that it has so many features in such a small package. I wish it had more digital features. Seems like everyone where I live uses either yaesu or icom digital protocols. I don't make enough money to just go buy a new transceiver. I'll have to save for some time. But I did just order a QRP Labs QXC mini and have been learning Morse code. Figure that's a good start and will get me into HF until I can take the general test. Plus it's fun. Anywho, thanks again!
Hey that is an absolutely FANTASTIC story!!! If that radio survived the brutal heat of the desert all those years and still works, you are winning! Having some of the newer features is nice, but you know what, like I said in the video, there is no rush. You will get what you want as the resources become available to do so. The fact that you recognize this and have not let it get you down, but rather, you invested in a CW radio is awesome as well. You are on the right track for YOUR needs and that is all that counts! Learn that CW, so that when you do pass your General, you are ahead for the game and can dive right into using that mode on the HF bands. I am so glad that you are enjoying the channel and the content. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
I would like to see you do a show on different budget friendly was to mount radios in vehicles both mobiles and portables
I usually try to split up my videos and focus on a single topic. I do have a video highlighting my favorite mobile radios which is separate from the HT ones. Other wise it makes for a very long video that most won't sit around to watch. Keeping it short and to the point seems to be the recipe for success in doing these recommended radio shows. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I’m sure someone probably has pointed it out, but that UV5R you have listed is the triband 2m, 1.25m and 70cm one where as the regular UV5R is a dual bander. Definitely don’t think it justifies doubling price since it won’t output the full 5 watts on 1.25m but then again, it kinda falls into that same price margin with other Chinese radios that have the ability to do 220MHz. It’s unfortunate that the Japanese companies don’t add that 220MHz band on their radios with the exception of the vx6r. But they don’t and the Chinese companies saw that opportunity and met a need.
Great video. I saw the original video you did and the led me to getting my KGUV9P. Been loving that radio since I bought it. I know you haven’t been making videos on here much but hopefully you see this and 73!
KM4SAG
Hey thanks for the comment. I have been buried in a project for a while now. I am still making videos, but haven't had the time lately. I hope I will be able to get back into the swing of things here in a week or so. As for the radios, I am a little disappointed at radio manufacturers that are not paying attention to modern technology and thus adding it into the radios. I think that some of the bigger companies are just out of touch with what the consumer wants sometimes and lack features we would like to see in a radio. Thanks again for your comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT I absolutely agree with you 100%. Love the channel and hope you stay well! 73
UV8D was the first radio I bought years ago. I dunno why so many people are on the Wouxun hype train. I personally did not like the radio at all, especially the battery that came with it. I still have the radio sitting in a desk, just never cared for the Wouxun stuff.
The Anytone radio though, those are a good solid radio to go with if you can afford it. I personally think it's a radio that any new ham should save up to get. It's such a power horse and will do just about anything you want. I personally run commercial gear, but that can get expensive and a LOT more complex.
And that BTECH is a tri-band radio, it has 220, that is why its more.
I suggest the Wouxun because it is a higher quality than the Baofeng that many seem to gravitate to due to cost. Buying any radio is going to be a personal decision and based on one's needs and budget with determine what they end up with. I am just making a suggestion. Thanks for the comment and for watching!!! 73!!
hey there, really enjoyed the video - would love to get these as audio only, are you on audea?
I have not tried to convert my shows to audio format yet. That may be something that happens down the road. I appreciate you watching though! I will look into it. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I have a bunch of HT that I've gotten over the years. I have the Yaesu 4XR ant the FT65R and the FT 65 R is slightly better than the 4 XR. You did Leave out the Alinco DJ VX50. It's a great radio IP 67 rated, it is my favorite HT for a first radio. I like the Alinco DJ VX 50 so well, that I got a second one. It also receives better than the Yaesu 4XR and FT 65R. Btw Great video. If you do want to get a cheap radio, Baofeng GT 5 is an excellent cheap radio. I did forget I saw today the Yaesu 4XR is now $84.95 at Ham Radio Outlet.
I like the Alinco line of radios. Maybe IO should add them to my list as well. There are just so many to choose from and I didn't want to make the video 45 minutes long covering more than I did. Thanks for the other suggestion as well. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
G'day Scott, Appreciate the information you provide. Thank you! . . . You mentioned favorably, a few Wouxun models. Was there a particular reason you omitted the fairly new release of the Wouxun KG-UV9PX? Inquiring minds would be interested in knowing more about this radio, running it through its paces, and some programming methodology for frequency group assignments, etc. while using the corresponding KG-UV9PX RT Systems Programmer As an aside, the Wouxun programming software that is currently available for this model leaves much to be desired regarding ease of context manipulation within he program. Thanks bunches! What say you?
Thank you for the questions. It was not intentionally left out, but rather just overlooked. There are so many radios available that I may have just passed over it. I can definitely add this to my list as it looks like it may be a great radio choice for some as well. I agree that the FREE software to program leaves much to be desired and that I why when available I try to use the RT Systems software. The cost is well worth the lack of aggravation of navigating through less feature full software. I will research this radio and maybe that can become a future show. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
Great video. If you want just a cheap dual band… forget the boafeng. Retevis rt85 is a solid clean little radio for $30-35 bucks.
That is also a great little inexpensive radio. Thanks for sharing!!! 73!
Good stuff, as usual. You skipped the Icon ID 52a, but at $650 its not a rig for someone just getting into the hobby.
Yeah some of these higher end handhelds get so expensive that is would be better to spend the money on a mobile rig on an HF system. $650 is just too much in my opinion for a handheld radio. I could buy a nice FT-891 for that and have 100 watts. Granted it is not VHF/UHF, but you get my point. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!
The fancy radios are like a smart phone. The onboard computer is always running.
Yup! Agree 100%. Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!
hi scott have you a list for radios you would recommend for first POTA radios that would be a good video i would like to see
Hi Phil!! I have video s that touch on that subject briefly, but maybe not in depth. I could do a show showcasing that, however my choices are very clear for POTA rigs. Same principle applies as with my other radio choices videos: buy the best radio you can afford. BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE! My choices would be on the lowest end.... Xeigu G90 (drawback...only 20 watts max) or the Icom IC-705 (10 watts al band) From there, I would be the Yeasu FT-891 (affordable, portable and 100Watts). All in one units: The Icom IC-7100 (All band, all mode 100 watts HF; 50Watts VHF/UHF) the Yaesu 991A (All band, All mode, 100 watts) and finally the Icom IC-7300 (100 watts, large touch screen, easy to operate and my primary POTA radio). I may just do a video for that, but these will be my choices outlined in that video. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
KK7KLD my Bose wireless headphones drain like that as well. I think it's better to store these batteries depleted and to make it foolproof, it's just done automatically, it preserves the life of the product if it's just set down and forgotten for mouths on end
Part of the issue is that the Yaesu radios (at least the FT3DR) does not have an actual off switch...so the radio is always draining some power due to the type of power switch they used. I think for long term, keeping the battery off the radio is a better option. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I noticed in one of your videos that you
Where talking about the girl on tool time
With Tim Allen, you know " BUZZ LIGHTYEAR" TIM ALLEN ? Eneyway
Did you know that TIM ALLEN is in real life a HAM? I can't find his call sign, but
He does have a tecnican class license.
The Wouxum I bought was the KG-UV9PX from BSR, has a few extras that I thought was worth it.🍻👍
Good choice! I have yet to find anything from the Wouxun line that wasn't good! It really depends on the features you are looking for. i listed my choices, but there will be certain models that I miss. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
@@HR4NT thank you. :)
I am really enjoying your channel content and how you help the newbies. We all need help, amateur radio is like opening a big can of worms! Haha. 73
Only thing I would add is it's pretty cheap to get a insurance policy that will cover you for all your electronics with no deductible. So I wouldn't mind bringing my Yaesu out on the trails or rock climbing as long as it's insured.
That is a great point that I did not consider. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Very interesting line up.
I'm interested in a Dual Standby, Dual PTT handheld, I don't care if it's UHF only, but having two channels and independent PTTs is important for my use. Is there anything like that better than the UV-82 or the SenHaix 8600? Thanks!
I would have to research that. I have never seen a radio with separate PTT's for dual bands. Usually you have a touch screen or a button that can allow you to switch between two channels (A or B) on your radio and then hold down the single PTT to transmit on that particular frequency. I can look into it and see what I can find. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT Thanks for your reply!
Both radios I commented on have dual standby dual PTT (Baofeng UV-82 and SenHaix 8600) and there should be a Retevis unit (RT23 maybe?) that might comply as well.
I haven't delved into DMR territory with this.
@ Those radios might be your best bet then. If you need those particular features, I would choose the best one of the ones you are looking at and go with it. Thanks for the clarification! 73!
What about some Icom love? I bought the ID-52 recently and love it. A bit pricey, but does everything I want.
I did actually consider adding that to the list because it is such a great radio, however, with a $650 price tag, I felt that it crossed a line too close to just buying a nice mobile rig and even a Yaesu 891 for HF ops. At some point I think that it is ridiculous to spend that much money on a radio with limited power when you can buy a lot more radio with a ton more power in that same price range. The ID-52 IS a fantastic radio, IF you have that in your budget. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
@@HR4NT absolutely fair statement. I lusted after it for months hoping it would go on sale, alas it never did so I just got it.
When are we gonna do another POTA? Haven't seen you around since Madagorda!
Why didn't the Radioddity GD-88 make the list?
There are so many models of HT radios from multiple manufacturers. It is nearly impossible for me to know about all of them. That looks like it may be a good radio as well, but I had no knowledge of its existence before your comment. So thank you for putting light on that. I will definitely look further into it and maybe it can be added as a less expensive alternative to the Bridgecom 878. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
@@HR4NT
Thank you for your response.
Understandable. And I am relieved that there wasn't anything fundamentally wrong with my new purchase.
Should you need new ideas for future podcasts, an intro to programming DMR radios would be appreciated.
My Yaesu FT-70D has horrible battery performance... It doesn't have a true ON/OFF switch, and the battery drains on it even when powered OFF. I've been disappointed in the FT-70D since the first week I bought it due to battery life issues, and increasingly due to the functionality of the device for things as simple as adjusting the volume - it takes 2 hands to adjust the volume, and it requires 2 button presses to get the radio to scan. On the Baofeng, it has an physical on/off switch, and it is a single button push to scan, and the volume is easily adjusted. I'd love to replace this FT-70D, but I'd feel guilty dumping this disappointing HT on somebody else... Performance wise - the FT-70D transmits and receives VERY well. The battery performance and general other functionality bothers me.
Got one, I agree unfriendly to program thru the keypad.
That is one of my main complaints on the Yeasu line. WHY in the world and who thought it was a great design idea to have a radio that never truly shuts off!!! Why is my Baofeng radio better at holding a charge than a radio that costs 3,4,5,6 times as much????? Oh yeah, I can remove the battery from my Yaesu....woohoo...then I have to remember to put it back into use it. THAT is ridiculous! You and I are on the same page on that. I agree they perform fantastically, but not sure the trade off is worth it sometimes. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
I don't think any HT radio is fun nor convenient to program manually on the radio. I always prefer to use a programming software if it is available. No one has time to sit there and manually do that! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
Spot on. I really like my 70’s performance, and the audio quality, but the battery is VERY disappointing and frankly a fail.
@@brentN4BDW I am I guess what you could call a "new ham". I've only been licensed since Dec 2021. I went to the Dayton Hamvention armed with the knowledge that radios from "The Big Three" (Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood) are good radios, so I took the plunge and bought a Yaesu FT-70D to replace my Baofeng. Sadly, I found myself on field day with all of the other members of our local amateur radio club walking around with a Baofeng radio because my Yaesu battery wouldn't have lasted 24 hours for our local simplex communications amongst the group. I'm so disappointed in this Yaesu handheld that I am seriously looking at Wouxun radios.
💯👍👍👍🙋♂
Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!!
Only Yaesu and Cheap Chinese junk on your list. No Icom, Kenwood, or Motorola, so this list is lacking. The Yaesu stuff is OK, but nothing to write home about. The FT5DR is the best on the list, but is not that rugged or great. But my suggestion to new hams is to not waste your money on Cheap Chinese Radios (CCRs).
The only cheap chines radio I had on the list in Kit.co was the Btech, which i also do NOT recommend. The Wouxun radios are extremely well made and affordable. I have two of the UV8D Plus radios and they are absolute beasts. The reason for not having Icom, Kenwood etc., is that they either are way too expensive or are not in active production at this time. I would love a Kenwood d74, but not for $800 used. Not worth it. Yaesu make a really good HT radio with various price points that can fit most budgets. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
@@HR4NT - cheap and affordable are subjective terms, so forgive me for lumping all Chinese radios into the cheap category. I am glad you are happy with your $109 Chinese Wouxun's. I will admit that I have not owned any Wouxun's, so you can discount my opinion if you wish, but I have owned the Chinese Anytone 3318UVE ($200) and the AT-D878UV II Plus ($300) - which many consider to be the best Chinese handheld made and is also in your list. After owning these Chinese radios, I know the build quality, and especially the receiver - DID NOT COME CLOSE to the build or receiver quality of my Icoms, etc. I think the most important attribute of a radio is it's receiver, followed closely by build quality. Therefore, since I value receiver and build quality over quantity of features, tons of 'features' are worthless to me without a quality receiver and build. I rate my Anytones 0 & 2 out of 5 respectively. The reason I call these radios CCR's - even though their price is not cheap - is because the quality is cheap . Now maybe your cheaper Chinese Wouxun is better than my more expensive Chinese Anytones, but I doubt it. I know that I would not be satisfied with the 0.25 mV sensitivity of the KG-UV8D's receiver.
The FT5DR ($425 - not a budget radio) is also in your list, but I am not impressed with it's ruggedness or performance. I rate it 3 out of 5. I dropped it once from 1m and it bent the VFO knob - so I had to send it in for repairs. The front panel keys also started to rub off after only two months. My other radios have withstood much harsher conditions with no problems. Too bad the less featured FT70 with IP54 rating appears to be more rugged than the FT5DR, since it would be nice to have both features and ruggedness.
If one can swing it, the Icom ID-52 ($600) is IMHO the best current Amateur handheld and worth saving for.
There are several Motorolas that can be picked up pre-owned clean that fit most budgets, for example, the XPR 3550e - which blows the KG-UV8D away - at least in terms of build and receiver quality! The Icom ID-31 Plus and ID-51 Plus can also be picked up clean and budget friendly, and are feature rich with fantastic receivers. I rate all these 4 out of 5.
I think the Icom IC-T10 is the best budget priced radio currently in production. It is based on Icom's F1000 rugged commercial LMR grade model. It has a 1500 mW speaker, IP67 and military spec'd, and comes with a quick charging cradle. For $200 you get commercial grade AND amateur features - including a 0.18 mV sensitive receiver - at a budget price!
waffle, too slow, little genuine information
Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!