Ham radios are an invaluable tool for communication, both professionally and recreationally. They are used by many hobbyists, as well as professionals, for staying connected with the world. Luckily, with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose which of the many models are the best for your needs. This guide takes a look at some of the best ham radios on the market, from budget options to premium performers.
Best Ham Radios
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
BaoFeng BF-F8HP
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Icom 2300H
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Kenwood Original TM-V71A
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Kenwood Original TH-D74A
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Yaesu Original FT-450D
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Yaesu FT-857D Amateur
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
TYT MD-9600 Dual Band
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
President Ronald
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Kenwood TS-480HX HF/50
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Icom ID-51A Plus2 D-Star
|
7. 2
|
1. BaoFeng BF-F8HP
I recently purchased the BaoFeng BF-F8HP for my camping trips and I’m really pleased with it. It has an impressive range and great clarity of sound, which makes it perfect for both short and long-distance conversations. The menu is easy to navigate and the controls are intuitive, allowing me to quickly switch between frequencies and set different channels. The battery life is also great, lasting up to 8 hours in full use, and the unit itself is lightweight and comfortable to hold. Overall, I’m really happy with the BaoFeng BF-F8HP and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, long-range two-way radio.
- High power 8-watt output with selectable power levels (1W, 5W, 8W)
- High and low power settings, adjustable by the user
- High power, dual band antenna
- Frequency range of 65-108MHz (FM), 136-174MHz (VHF), and 400-520MHz (UHF)
- 128 programmable channels
- Compatible with most popular amateur radio accessories
- High quality audio output
- Tri-color display
- CTCSS/DCS function
- VOX function
- Scanning and monitoring functions
- Busy channel lockout
- Emergency alert
- Dual PTT (push-to-talk) buttons
- Time-out timer
2. Icom 2300H
The Icom IC-2300H is an amazing two-way radio! It is very well built, with a great ergonomic design that makes it easy to operate. The wide frequency range and great receive capabilities make it perfect for use in a variety of applications. It has great audio quality, and its built-in CTCSS and DTCS encode/decode features make it great for communicating with other users. The scan functions make it easy to keep tabs on different frequencies and the power output is adjustable, giving you the flexibility to choose the best option for your needs. The Icom IC-2300H is an all-around great radio, and I would highly recommend it!
- Dual Band VHF/UHF Operation
- Up to 50 Watts RF Output Power
- Large LCD Display
- Built-in CTCSS/ DTCS/ DTMF Encoder/Decoder
- Automatic Repeater Offset
- 107 Memory Channels with Alpha-numeric Labels
- Weather Alert and NOAA Weather Channels
- Smart Search Functionality
- 7-Color LCD/Keypad Backlighting
3. Kenwood Original TM-V71A
The Kenwood Original TM-V71A is a great radio for both casual and professional radio operators. The radio is well made and has excellent sound quality. It has a nice, large display that is easy to read and the controls are intuitive and easy to use. The radio has a lot of features, including a dynamic noise limiter, dual watch, dual receive, and a variety of scanning modes. The radio also has a built in echo and a two-tone repeater. The radio is also very affordable and is a good value for the money. Overall, I would highly recommend the Kenwood Original TM-V71A for anyone looking for an affordable, high quality radio for their communication needs.
- Frequency Range: TX: 144 – 148 MHz & RX: 118 – 520 MHz, 800 – 1300 MHz
- RF Power Output: 50 W/35 W
- Channel Capacity: 200 Channels
- Power Supply: 13.8 V DC ±15 %
- Modes of Emission: A1A(CW), A3E(AM), J3E(FM), F1D(Packet)
- Antenna Impedance: 50
- Display: 2.5 Color LCD
- Optional Accessories: Microphone, Mounting Bracket, Mobile Adapter Cable
4. Kenwood Original TH-D74A
I recently purchased the Kenwood Original TH-D74A and it has been a great investment. It has many features that are perfect for amateur radio operators, such as the dual band, dual watch, and dual receive. The display is very clear and easy to read, with adjustable backlighting and contrast. The menu navigation is intuitive and user friendly, making it easy to customize the settings and find what you are looking for. The audio quality is excellent, with crisp and clear sound that can be adjusted to your preference. All in all, I am very pleased with my purchase and would recommend it to any amateur radio operator looking for a reliable and versatile hand-held radio.
- 144/430 MHz Dual Band Handheld Amateur Radio
- Up to 5W Output power and a MIL-STD 810-C/D/E/F compliant build
- 3.5″ LCD Screen, GPS and Bluetooth
- APRS, D-STAR, and 50 CTCSS/104 DCS Tone Scan
- High-sensitivity GPS Receiver, Position Reporting and Navigation
5. Yaesu Original FT-450D
I recently purchased the Yaesu Original FT-450D, and I am very pleased with the results I’m getting. The radio is a great value, considering the features it offers. It is an all-mode HF/50 MHz transceiver that features an impressive array of features for its modest price. The radio has a digital signal processor, a built-in ATU, 100 W output power, a large LCD display, a built-in keypad, and a variety of other features. The radio can be used for monitoring, digital modes, SSB, and more. It has a good selection of filters and wide/narrow bandwidth. The receiver is also very sensitive and has good audio quality. Its also very easy to program; I was able to make some minor changes to the settings with ease. Im very happy with the Yaesu Original FT-450D and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good HF/50 MHz transceiver.
- Compact and Lightweight Design
- High-Performance DSP
- Superior Receiver Performance
- Automatic Antenna Tuner Unit
- Large LCD Display with Real-Time Spectrum Scope
- 100 Watts of RF Power Output
- Built-in Electronic Keyer
6. Yaesu FT-857D Amateur
I recently purchased the Yaesu FT-857D Amateur radio and I’m so glad I did. It’s a great all-in-one radio that provides a lot of features and options, while still remaining very user friendly. The radio has all the basic functions you would expect, such as dual receive, dual VFOs, and direct frequency entry, but it also has many more advanced features. It also supports multiple digital modes, such as PSK31, RTTY and JT65, and has a robust receiver with good sensitivity and selectivity. The built-in antenna tuner is a great addition, and it has plenty of power to drive my antennas. The menu system is easy to navigate and the buttons are clearly labeled. Overall, the Yaesu FT-857D Amateur radio is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich, easy-to-use radio. Highly recommended!
- 150 watts of RF power output
- Built-in Automatic Antenna Tuner
- 6 meters, 2 meters and 70 cm operation up to 50 Watts
- Superb receiver performance with 0.5 uV sensitivity
- User Friendly Front Panel Controls
- Large Multi-function LCD Display
7. TYT MD-9600 Dual Band
I recently purchased the TYT MD-9600 Dual Band and I am very impressed with it. It has a very solid construction and is very easy to use. The audio quality is great and it has a lot of features. I especially like the ability to scan for frequencies and the ability to store up to 2000 channels. The display is nice and it is very intuitive to use. Overall, I am very pleased with this radio and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good dual band radio.
- Dual Band: 136-174MHz & 400-480MHz
- High/Mid/Low Power Settings (Max 10W)
- DTMF/ANI & CTCSS/DCS Encode/Decode
- VFO/MR Mode
- 1000 Channels
- Dual Reception/Dual Standby
- High Power 10W/ Medium Power 6W/ Low Power 5W
8. President Ronald
…
President Ronald is an exceptional leader and role model. His dedication and commitment to making a positive difference in the world are unparalleled. He is a strong advocate for democracy and human rights, and his leadership has had an incredibly positive impact on the world. He is an inspiring and compassionate leader who has worked tirelessly for the benefit of all. President Ronald is a true leader and a great example of what a leader can be.
- Sculpted portrait of President Ronald Reagan
- Crafted from durable resin
- Stands 8.25″ tall
- Hand painted in rich, patriotic colors
- Comes with a solid mahogany base
- Highly detailed sculpt of President Reagan
- Great for home or office décor
- Officially licensed product
9. Kenwood TS-480HX HF/50
The Kenwood TS-480HX HF/50 is a great choice for amateur radio operators who are looking for a reliable transceiver with an impressive range of features. It has an intuitive interface, a large LCD display, and a wide range of operating modes. It is also compatible with a number of accessories, such as a auto-tuner for improved performance. The Kenwood TS-480HX HF/50 is a great choice for experienced radio operators who need a reliable and feature rich transceiver.
- 200 watts of power output on HF, 100 watts on 50 MHz
- Built-in Automatic Antenna Tuner
- Multi-Functional Meter
- High Speed Spectrum Scope
- Dual Receive with Independent Tuning
- Microphone Equalizer
- CW Auto Tuning
- Noise Blanker and Noise Reduction
- 7″ Reversible Color LCD Display
- Enhanced Menu Driven User Interface
- Two Antenna Inputs
10. Icom ID-51A Plus2 D-Star
The Icom ID-51A Plus2 D-Star is a great addition for those who want to stay connected through digital radio. It has the latest D-Star technology, allowing you to connect to other D-Star radios across the world. It also has a wide range of features such as the ability to store up to 250 memory channels, voice recorder, and a built-in GPS. The display is also very clear and easy to read. Additionally, the receiver has great sensitivity, allowing you to receive signals from far away. Overall, the Icom ID-51A Plus2 D-Star is a great radio for those looking to stay connected through digital radio. Highly recommended!
- D-Star Digital Amateur Radio
- 5/2 Watt VHF/UHF Dual Band
- Built-in GPS receiver
- High Quality Audio Output
- Integrated 1200/9600 bps TNC
- Integrated Bluetooth Hands Free
- DV Fast Data Mode
- Compatible with D-Star Repeaters
- 2 Year Warranty
- Compact and Lightweight
