Best Handheld Ham Radio For Clear & Reliable Communication

As a new ham user, choosing the right handheld ham radio can be overwhelming. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

In this article, I'll be sharing my honest reviews of my favorite five handheld ham radios. Whether you're on a budget, looking for the most features, or simply want the simplest option to use, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and find the perfect ham radio for you.

Key Takeaways

• There are many handheld ham radio options on the market, making it difficult to choose the right one as a new ham.
• The team at Ham Radio Prep has narrowed down the top 5 options based on price, functionality, modes of operation, and community support.
• Whether you're on a budget, looking for the most features, or want the simplest option to use, there's a handheld ham radio on our list for you.

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1. Baofeng BF-F8HP

The Baofeng BF-F8HP is an excellent entry level option for those looking for an affordable radio. With an estimated price of around $40 - $70, it's a great choice for those on a budget. As you can see in my image, it is a little smaller than other Ham radios. 

One of the standout features of the BF-F8HP is its higher 8 watt power output, which is an improvement over the typical 5 watts found in other radios in its price range. Additionally, it boasts a larger battery capacity than many of its competitors.

This radio allows for transmission on both 2 Meters and 70 Centimeter bands, and has additional receive-only bandwidths, allowing you to listen to FM broadcasts, the weather service, and GMRS while scanning. Expect to work simplex contacts within a 5 mile range and hit local repeaters in town to give your signal even longer reach.

While it's helpful to have a programming cable to make programming memories easier on a computer, the keypad is also useful for dialing in simplex frequencies or sending DTMF to activate Echolink or IRLP functions.

The Baofeng BF-F8HP is a popular choice among ham radio enthusiasts due to its affordability and solid battery life. Even experienced hams often have one lying around in their truck or as part of a go kit.

If you're new to using the BF-F8HP, consider checking out the Ham Radio Prep Baofeng Basics course to learn how to use it effectively.

Here are some reasons why the BF-F8HP is a great choice:

• Solid battery life
• Affordable
• Larger 8 Watt output power than previous generation UV5R
• Works on popular 2-meter and 70cm bands
• Dual band / multi channel operation

If you're interested in obtaining a technician license to operate this radio, you can take the first step to getting licensed through a local class.

2. Yaesu FT-65 Rugged

For those looking for a more rugged handheld radio option, the Yaesu FT-65 is a great choice. The FT-65 offers similar features to the Baofeng, including 2 meter and 70 centimeter operation with monitoring options. However, it comes in a more hardened case and offers a more durable experience.

In my experience, Yaesu radios are well-supported and offer more accessory options.

Unlike most radios on our list, the FT-65 has a single VFO, meaning you can only listen to one frequency at a time unless you are scanning. However, this trade-off is worth it for the ease of use and durability that the FT-65 offers. We recommend purchasing a programming cable to enter your repeater memories.

Some reasons to consider the FT-65 include its affordability, good battery life, rugged design, ease of use, and strong support. Additionally, the FT-65 comes with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Overall, the Yaesu FT-65 is a great value pick for those seeking a more rugged and durable handheld radio option.

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3. Yaesu FT5DR

When it comes to System Fusion digital radios, there are two main options to choose from: the FT-70 DR and the FT5DR. While the FT-70 DR is a great choice for those on a budget, the FT5DR offers more advanced features for a higher price point.

One of the standout features of the FT5DR is its large touch screen display, which makes it easy to navigate and customize settings. The FT5DR also boasts IPX7 waterproofing, making it a great choice for outdoor use in inclement weather.

In terms of audio quality, the FT5DR delivers crisp and clear sound, and its out-of-box support for Wires-X and C4FM makes it easy to get started with digital communication. Additionally, the FT5DR allows for dual band operation and has swappable MicroSD memory.

While the FT5DR is more expensive than the FT-70 DR, it offers a range of advanced features that make it well worth the investment for serious digital radio enthusiasts. However, it's worth noting that the FT5DR does require a programming cable for more advanced setup, which is an additional cost to consider.

Overall, the FT5DR is a top-of-the-line choice for those looking for the most advanced features in a System Fusion digital radio.

4. Icom ID-52

For those looking to get started with digital radio, the Icom ID-52 is a top pick for D-STAR. Icom has been a leader in the D-STAR market for over a decade, and the ID-52 is their latest offering. 

One of the standout features of the ID-52 is its DR mode. This feature allows you to download a GPS searchable list of repeaters into your radio, which is separate from its 1,000 memory slots. You can select a repeater from the list, or choose "near repeater" to pick the closest options. The DR mode works on both FM and D-STAR repeaters, making it easy to program.

The ID-52 also has a broad set of features you would expect from a more expensive handheld, including a nice big color screen, Bluetooth functions that add the ability to import and transmit photos over D-STAR, onboard recording of your transmissions, and it is all programmed with a standard Micro USB cable to switchable Micro SD card memory. Icom offers plenty of accessories as well.

In terms of analog features, the ID-52 compares well with the Baofeng and Yaesu. It also adds a broader receiver range, bringing in the civil aviation band and some mil-com aviation frequencies. It still focuses its transmit on 2 Meter and 70 centimeter which are the most popular frequencies for D-STAR repeaters.

The ID-52 has a great built-in speaker and a rugged IPX7 WaterProof Rating. It also has Micro USB connectivity and swappable MicroSD memory. The radio has a great range for power usage and can receive both civil and military air frequencies.

While the Kenwood TH-D74A is an honorable mention for its D-STAR with DR mode and APRS in one rig, it is no longer in production. Therefore, the Icom ID-52 is the top pick for those looking for a D-STAR radio.

In summary, the Icom ID-52 offers amazing user interface, Bluetooth and GPS functionality, and is a rugged and waterproof device. It is a great value for its price point and offers a broad set of features that make it a great choice for those looking to get started with digital radio.

5. Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus

In terms of programming your radio and getting started on digital, going from zero to DMR is probably the most complicated path. However, the Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus has our choice because it has broad support.

This radio includes a 7 Watt transmitter on 2 Meters and 70 Centimeters. It has a big color screen, built-in GPS, and supports APRS. The ones we have seen come with a programming cable in the box, and a push-to-talk wristband which seems to be a throw-in.

The Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus has one of the largest memories with 4,000 channels, which is great when traveling. It is a solid, well-built rig with accessory options, because it is cross-compatible with "Kenwood" style accessories. Although it does not have the receive bandwidth of FM broadcast and airband like a couple of the others we have discussed, it is still a great option.

To get started on DMR, you will need something called a "code plug" that contains the right memory configurations. If you don’t have a friend that can share, consider one of the commercial vendors that will sell you a custom code plug along with the radio. This could save a lot of frustration getting started.

The Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus has the following features:

• DMR
• Color screen
• Large on-board memory capacity (500,000 DMR Contacts)
• Great Bluetooth support
• GPS and APRS support

Overall, the Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus is a great option for those looking to get started on DMR. It has a large memory capacity, is well-built, and has great accessory options.

Which Digital Should I Choose?

When it comes to choosing a digital format, availability is the most important factor. As of November 2022, there are over 2,100 DMR repeaters, around 1,200 D-STAR options, and approximately 2,300 Fusion repeaters in North America according to RepeaterBook.com.

However, before committing to a specific digital format, there are two things to consider. First, it's important to check what's available in your local area. The easiest way to get started is to use the repeater closest to you and to reach out to local clubs for any questions you may have. You should check which digital format is more popular in your area, whether it's DMR, D-Star, or Fusion.

Second, if you plan to work with a group, it's important to know their preferred digital format. For example, Georgia ARES is focused on a statewide D-STAR network, which is not cross-compatible with Fusion or DMR. The point here is that different clubs and groups around the country use different formats, and there is no standard. Therefore, it's important to talk with them locally before investing a lot of money into a radio if your plan is to join up and support them.

Overall, the choice of digital format ultimately depends on availability and the preferences of the local clubs and groups. It's important to research and choose the best option for your specific needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best handheld ham radio can be a daunting task, but there are many great options available. It's important to consider your needs and budget when making a decision. While there may be a learning curve when programming your radio, local ham clubs can be a great resource for repeater memories and code plug files.

If you're new to ham radio and haven't yet obtained your license, there are resources available to help you get started. The 10 lesson Technician course offered by Ham Radio Prep includes videos, quizzes, and games to teach you everything you need to know to pass the FCC exam on your first try.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Best Handheld Ham Radios for Beginners?

When it comes to finding the best handheld ham radios for beginners, there are a few factors to consider. A good beginner's radio should be easy to use, affordable, and reliable. Some of the best options on the market include the Baofeng UV-5R, the Yaesu FT-60R, and the Kenwood TH-D74A. These radios are all user-friendly and offer a range of features that make them great for beginners.

What is the Most Reliable Handheld Ham Radio?

Reliability is a key factor when it comes to choosing a handheld ham radio. Some of the most reliable options on the market include the Yaesu VX-6R, the Kenwood TH-D74A, and the Icom ID-51A Plus2. These radios are all built to last and offer a range of features that make them ideal for ham radio enthusiasts.

How Do I Choose a Handheld Ham Radio?

Choosing a handheld ham radio can be a challenging task, but there are a few key factors to consider.

• First, think about your budget and what features you need. Do you need a radio with a long battery life or one that is waterproof? 
• Next, consider the brand and reputation of the radio.
• Finally, read reviews from other ham radio enthusiasts to get an idea of what radios are the most reliable and user-friendly.

What are the Best Handheld Ham Radios for the Money?

If you're looking for a handheld ham radio that offers great value for the money, there are a few options to consider. The Baofeng UV-5R and the Radioddity GD-88 are both affordable options that offer a range of features. The Yaesu FT-60R and the Kenwood TH-D74A are also great options that offer a lot of value for the price.

What is the Best Ham Radio for Survival?

When it comes to choosing a handheld ham radio for survival, there are a few key features to look for. The radio should be durable, waterproof, and have a long battery life. Some of the best options on the market include the BaoFeng BF-F8HP, the BTECH UV-5X3, and the Yaesu FT-60R.

What are the Best Hand Held Radios for Ham Radio Use?

When it comes to choosing a handheld ham radio for general use, there are a lot of great options on the market. Some of the best include the Yaesu VX-6R, the Kenwood TH-D74A, and the Icom ID-51A Plus2. These radios offer a range of features and are built to last, making them great choices for ham radio enthusiasts.