With the number of alternatives available on the market, getting the right one could sometimes be a difficult task.. That’s why our platform is dedicated to product testing and coming up with this list of top 10 best ham radios. Having done thorough research on this topic, we hope that our list will help you find the one you need!
In Hurry? Checkout Our Top Pick Of Best Ham Radios.
Our Top Pick
9.7/10 our score
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
9.7/10 our score
- Upgrades from our Previous Generation UV-5R: Twice the Output Power (8 watts up from 4 watts output), New Hardened Durable Radio Shell, 30% Larger Battery, V-85 High Gain Antenna (Twice the Antenna Performance), USA Support + In-depth User Guide Included
- High / Med / Low Power Settings (8W, 4W, 1W), Frequency Range: 65-108 MHz(Only commercial FM radio reception) VHF: 136-174 MHz(Rx/Tx). UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx), Broad (Wide) / Narrowband (Narrow) Selectable
- The BF-F8HP was designed in the USA and because not everyone is a radio-expert we really wanted to focus on providing an easier user experience! That starts with the new in-depth manual that guides you through the capabilities and customization of the BF-F8HP. On top of that the BF-F8HP also includes exclusive concierge customer help and warranty support. This concierge service is only available on select BaoFeng models such as the BF-F8HP, UV-82HP, and UV-5X3.
- A PC03 FTDI Programming Cable is Recommended for Easier PC Programming
- BaoFeng Tech is the only authorized USA BaoFeng Distributor to honor the Manufacturer Warranty. Only BaoFeng Tech offers warranty claims without shipping anything to China. You must insure that BaoFeng Tech is your selected buying option when buying to be able to have the full USA warranty.
2. Icom 2300H
9.5/10 our score
- 144Mhz amateur Radio
- Stable 65W of output
- Similar user interface retained from the ic-2200h
- Proven durability -- tested to the latest mil-std-810 g specifications
- 207 alpha-numeric memory channels
3. Kenwood Original TM-V71A
9.1/10 our score
- • High RF Power Output (50W)
- • 1,000 Multifunction Memory Channels
- • Dual Receive on Same Band (VxV, UxU)
- • EchoLink® MEMORY (Automatic Dialer)
- • EchoLink® Sysop Mode For Node Terminal Operation
4. Kenwood Original TH-D74A
8.8/10 our score
- APRS compliance using packet communication to exchange real-time GPS position information and messages Compliant with digital/voice mode D-STAR digital amateur radio networks
- Built-in high performance GPS unit with Auto Clock Setting Wide-band and multi-mode reception 1.74” (240 x 180 pixel) Transflective color TFT display
- IF Filtering for improved SSB/CW/AM reception High performance DSP-based audio processing & voice recording Compliant with Bluetooth, microSD & Micro-USB standards
- External Decode function (PC Decode 12kHz IF Output, BW:15 kHz) Command / Control Protocol (ARFC, PC, Smartphone) Data Import / Export, (Digital Repeater List, Call sign, Memory Channel)
- Four TX Power selections (5/2/0.5/0.05 W) Weatherproof IP54/55 standards
5. Yaesu Original FT-450D
8.6/10 our score
- FM-USB-LSB-AM-CW, 100 Watts of Transmit output on 6-160M Amateur Radio.
- Receives 30Khz to 54Mhz continious including All Shortwave & AM broadcast.
- Built-In Automatic Antenna tuner, ctcss, 500 & 300 Hz CW Filters.
- Fast 400 MHz IF DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology.
6. Yaesu FT-857D Amateur
8.2/10 our score
- Receives 0.1-56Mhz, 76-108Mhz, 118-164Mhz and 420-470MHz - AM/USB/LSB/FM/CW
- Transmits The Amateur Ham Radio Bands 160 thru 2 meters, plus 70cm UHF too!
- Output is 100 Watts on 6-160M, 50W VHF & 20W UHF, FM-AM-SSB-CW (25W AM HF carrier)
- Built-In Digital signal processing, 200 memories, spectrum display, ctcss (PL).
- Includes microphone & power cable. Requires 12-13.8Vdc @ 22 Amps minimum for power. Requires Optional suitable antenna(s).
7. TYT MD-9600 Dual Band
8/10 our score
- FCC certification ID: POD-DMR3. NOTE: In order to meet the FCC policies, the frequency range of the MD-9600 radios we sell is locked in 150-160/450-460 MHz and disabled the VFO. But you can unlock the frequency range to 136-174/400-480 MHz and enable the VFO function after you received it if you need. The Spread Frequency Software Download: https://bit.ly/2Ra3Ab8
- The latest Software/Firmware Download: https://bit.ly/2Ra3Ab8. The MD-9600 supports analog and digital modes so you can enjoy the best of both. Using Time-Division Multiple-Access (TDMA) digital technology. Compatible with MotoTRBO Tier II. Fully upgradable firmware (allows using MD-380/390/2017 CodePlug as a starter)
- It provides dual band support, operating on both UHF frequencies and VHF at up to 50 watts VHF and 45 watts UHF. It has up to 3000 channels, 10000 contacts, Easy to contact with your partner.
- The MD 9600 offers 250 zones with 64 channels for each zone. It has built-in CTCSS/DCS, channel scan, priority scan, short text message features, draft message edit, contacts check and edit, and encryption. It also has remote stun/kill and activates.
- Color LCD Display: It provides crisp, sharp text for easy reading from the dashboard or console. It also gives you programmable function keys on the console and a hand mic with programmable keys, two built-in LEDs and a DTMF keypad and for full access to its menu of powerful digital and analog features.
8. President Ronald
7.7/10 our score
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Rotary switch channel selector, Volume adjustment and ON/OFF, RF Power
- Manual squelch and ASC, Multi-functions LCD display, Frequencies display
- Digital S-meter, Public Address, ANL filter, NB and HI-CUT
- RF Gain/Mike gain, Scan, Talkback, F function key, Beep Function
- Roger Beep, Mode switch AM/FM, Dual watch, Mic type electret/dynamic
9. Kenwood TS-480HX HF/50
7.4/10 our score
- 200W output (50MHz: 100W) DC 13.8V in the TS-480HX
- TX/RX 16-bit AF digital signal processing
- Continuous RX: 500kHz (VFO: 30kHz) to 60MHz
- TX covers all Amateur bands 1.8MHz to 50MHz
- Separate LCD control panel with speaker
10. Icom ID-51A Plus2 D-Star
7.2/10 our score
- Output power: 5.5/2.5/1/0.5 Watts
- RX Frequencies: A Band - 136-174MHz, 380-479MHz, B Band - 108-174MHz, 380-479MHz
- Channels: 1304
- Waterproof rating: IPX7
- GPS: Built-in