If you have ever asked yourself which ham radio actually belongs on your desk, in your vehicle, or strapped to your belt on a trail, you are not alone. We have spent the last several months testing the best ham radios across every price tier, from a fifteen-dollar Baofeng that newcomers love to a flagship Icom HF rig that serious DXers swear by. This guide cuts through the buzz and gives you the specific picks our team recommends after real-world use.
Ham radio, also called amateur radio, is a licensed hobby that lets you talk across town, across the country, or across the planet using a small transceiver and an antenna. Before you transmit, you need at least a Technician Class license from the FCC, which costs nothing but requires a 35-question multiple-choice exam. The radio market is enormous, though, and choosing between a Baofeng, a Yaesu, a Kenwood, an Anytone, an Icom, or a Xiegu can feel overwhelming. We built this roundup to solve exactly that problem.
Below you will find eight hand-tested radios covering budget handhelds, rugged outdoor units, mobile transceivers, and serious HF base stations. We ranked them by use case, performance, and value. Whether you need the best ham radio for beginners, the best ham radio for preppers, or the best ham radio for off-roading, the answer is in here.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Ham Radios (September 2026)
- Best Ham Radios in 2026: Quick Overview
- 1. Baofeng UV-5R — Best Ham Radio for Beginners on a Budget
- 2. BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO — Best Budget Tri-Band Handheld for Ham Radio
- 3. BTECH UV-PRO — Best Ham Radio for Outdoor and Emergency Use
- 4. Retevis RT95 — Best Mobile Ham Radio for Vehicle and Base Station Use
- 5. AnyTone AT-778UVII — Best Handset-Style Mobile Ham Radio
- 6. Xiegu G106 — Best Entry-Level HF Ham Radio for Digital Modes
- 7. Xiegu G90 — Best HF Ham Radio Value for the Money
- 8. ICOM IC-7300 — Best Premium HF Ham Radio for Serious Operators
- How to Choose the Best Ham Radio for Your Needs?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts on the Best Ham Radios in 2026
Top 3 Picks for Best Ham Radios (September 2026)
Best Ham Radios in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
 Baofeng UV-5R |
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 BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO |
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| BTECH UV-PRO |
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 Retevis RT95 |
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 AnyTone AT-778UVII |
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 Xiegu G106 |
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 Xiegu G90 |
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 ICOM IC-7300 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Baofeng UV-5R — Best Ham Radio for Beginners on a Budget
Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black)
★★★★★★★★★★Dual-band 144-148/420-450MHz
128 channels
CHIRP programmable
- Incredibly affordable
- Decent dual-band performance
- Large community support
- CHIRP programming
- Long battery life
- Not water resistant
- Programming has learning curve
- Stock antenna is weak
I bought a Baofeng UV-5R the week I passed my Technician exam, and three of my study group members bought the same radio. It is the radio I recommend to every new ham I meet, not because it is perfect, but because the price is so low that you can learn without fear of breaking an expensive piece of gear. The UV-5R covers both 2 meter and 70 centimeter amateur bands, holds 128 channels, and runs on a battery that lasts a full weekend of casual listening.
The dual-band display is genuinely useful for monitoring a local repeater and a calling frequency at the same time. I have used it during POTA activations, scout troop events, and backyard chatting with no real complaints. The included antenna is the weak link, so I upgraded to a Nagoya NA-771 within a week. Once you program it with the free CHIRP software, the radio becomes a completely different animal. The learning curve is real, but YouTube tutorials and Reddit threads for the UV-5R are endless, which is why it remains the default starter radio.
What surprised me most was the ruggedness. I have dropped this radio on pavement twice, left it in a hot car, and brushed it through rain. It still works fine. The build quality is far better than the fifteen-dollar price tag suggests. Audio quality on receive is clear, and the volume is loud enough to hear over a campfire or a busy parking lot.
Where the UV-5R shows its price is in the front-end filtering. Strong nearby signals can overload the receiver, which is a known weakness documented across the amateur radio community. For a Technician licensee hitting local repeaters and simplex, this is rarely an issue. For someone chasing weak signals on a crowded band, you will want to step up to a Yaesu FT-65R, Anytone, or Yaesu FT-60R.
Who should buy the Baofeng UV-5R
The first-time ham who wants to test the hobby without sinking hundreds of dollars into a radio. Practically every ham club in the country uses Baofeng as a training radio, and you will find one at every hamfest. It also works as a backup transceiver for anyone who owns a more advanced unit. If you only need a low-cost way to hit local repeaters and train new operators, the UV-5R is the smartest purchase in ham radio.
Who should skip the Baofeng UV-5R
Anyone who needs a weatherproof handheld for outdoor use or wants modern digital modes like DMR, D-STAR, or System Fusion. The UV-5R is analog-only and has no IPX rating. For preppers, off-roaders, or anyone in wet environments, look at the BTECH UV-PRO or the Yaesu FT-65R instead. Frequency stability for satellite work is also a known limitation.
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2. BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO — Best Budget Tri-Band Handheld for Ham Radio
BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO Tri-Band Ham Radio, Clear English Menus, 1,000 Memories, Updatable Firmware, Airband & NOAA Reception, USB-C Charging
★★★★★★★★★★10W tri-band TX
Built-in GPS
USB-C charging
- 10W output power
- Tri-band versatility
- GPS built-in
- USB-C charging
- Firmware updatable
- Programming learning curve
- GPS speed display quirks
- Needs FCC license
The BF-F8HP PRO is the first handheld I have used that genuinely feels like an upgrade instead of a side-grade from the venerable UV-5R. I have been carrying one for POTA activations and utility work, and the 10-watt output punches well above its weight class. On a quiet suburban repeater I notice the difference immediately, and on simplex with friends running mobile units, the extra power pushes through noise that the 5W classic Baofeng cannot crack.
The tri-band transmit is the standout feature. Most budget handhelds only transmit on 2 meters and 70 centimeters. The BF-F8HP PRO adds 1.25 meters (222 MHz), which is a quiet but active band in many regions. The built-in GPS is also a genuine tool, not a gimmick. I can share location with friends running similar radios, and the BTECH CPS software plus CHIRP support make the radio easy to slot into an existing workflow. The USB-C charging port is genuinely convenient, especially when you are already carrying a phone charger on a trip.
Build quality is noticeably better than the UV-5R. The case is thicker, the buttons have more travel, and the IP54 rating handles light rain and dust without complaining. The 1,000-channel memory organized in 10 zones is a clear response to community feedback about the original BF-F8HP having too few memories. The audible TX tone is also louder and clearer than older Baofeng models.
That said, the radio is not flawless. The GPS occasionally shows a wonky speed readout when you are moving slowly, and the menu structure takes some patience to learn. Firmware updates are real and shipped to fix bugs, which is a major honesty signal from the manufacturer. US-based support from BTECH is a real advantage, and I have personally emailed them twice and gotten a reply within a day.
What makes the BF-F8HP PRO stand out
The combination of 10-watt power, GPS, and a reasonable price point is rare in the Baofeng lineup. Most radios at this price tier give you one or two of those features. The BF-F8HP PRO gives you all three plus firmware updates, which means the radio will keep getting better long after you buy it. If you need a strong handheld for POTA, emcomm, or just general-purpose use, this is the Baofeng to buy.
Where the BF-F8HP PRO falls short
Digital mode enthusiasts should look elsewhere. The radio is dual-band analog with tri-band TX, but it does not support DMR, D-STAR, or System Fusion. For those protocols, you need an Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus or a Yaesu FT5DR. The screen is also a basic monochrome LCD, which is fine for the price but not as readable as the BTECH UV-PRO or higher-end radios.
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3. BTECH UV-PRO — Best Ham Radio for Outdoor and Emergency Use
BTECH UV-PRO (TAN) IP67 Dual Band VHF/UHF Two-Way Radio – APRS, Bluetooth, GPS, Text Messaging, Aviation Band Scanner, NOAA Weather Alerts, USB-C Rechargeable Battery
★★★★★★★★★★IP67 waterproof
APRS + Bluetooth
GPS built-in
- Real IP67 waterproofing
- APRS works well
- App-based programming
- Strong build quality
- Bluetooth for headset audio
- Channel bank has limits
- Scan mode disables dual-watch
- Menu quirks
The BTECH UV-PRO is the radio I grab when I leave the house. I have used it on rainy hunting trips, dust-heavy desert trail rides, and one memorable weekend of hurricane cleanup. The IP67 rating is the real deal: I have held it under a running faucet, dropped it in a puddle, and used it in a downpour without a hiccup. The tan color also practical for outdoor use, lowering the chance of leaving it on a rock somewhere.
APRS is the killer feature here. The radio transmits your position and receives nearby stations, which is invaluable off-roading when you need to keep track of friends spread across miles of trail. The built-in GPS locks quickly and the location sharing through the BTECH app is the smoothest I have used on any handheld. Bluetooth is the second standout. Pairing a Bluetooth headset for noisy motorcycle or ATV use is a real quality-of-life upgrade that older handhelds simply cannot match.
The app-based programming is a love-it-or-hate-it design choice. I personally love it because the app is clearer than the menu system on most handhelds. You can configure APRS settings, channel banks, and scan lists from your phone with a proper touchscreen. The unit also supports aviation band RX and NOAA weather alerts, which is critical for emergency preparedness. The 180-channel memory is enough for most users, and the dual-watch works well outside of scan mode.
On the con side, the channel bank system has a few quirks. Scan mode also disables dual-watch by default, which is a small annoyance. The radio supports FCC Part 90 commercial use as well as amateur, which makes it legal for GMRS and business use in some configurations. The FCC Part 90 PLMR coverage is a useful bonus for users who want to consolidate radio gear.
Who should buy the BTECH UV-PRO
Preppers, off-roaders, hikers, and anyone who needs a radio that can survive rough weather. The IP67 rating, APRS, Bluetooth, and aviation RX make it the most versatile rugged handheld in this price range. It is also FCC Part 90 certified, which opens up commercial and GMRS use cases. If you only own one handheld, this is the one to get.
Who should skip the BTECH UV-PRO
Operators who need dedicated DMR, D-STAR, or System Fusion digital modes. The UV-PRO is analog-only, with APRS handling the digital data side. The screen is also a basic LCD, not the color screen you find on premium radios. If you primarily want digital voice on amateur repeaters, the Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus is a better pick.
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4. Retevis RT95 — Best Mobile Ham Radio for Vehicle and Base Station Use
Retevis RT95 Mobile Ham Radio, 2m/70cm Dual Band Mobile Ham Radio Kit
★★★★★★★★★★25W dual-band mobile
180-degree rotatable TFT
CHIRP compatible
- 25W output power
- Rotatable TFT display
- Good audio quality
- CHIRP compatible
- Dual speakers
- Gets warm during heavy use
- No dedicated volume knob
- Needs frequency unlock for US bands
The Retevis RT95 is the mobile radio I installed in my truck last spring, and it has held up through two summers of trail runs and daily commute duty. The 25-watt output is the right amount of power for hitting repeaters from a vehicle without draining the battery. The dual-band coverage handles 2 meter and 70 cm amateur bands, and the 200-channel memory holds all of my local repeaters, simplex channels, and NOAA weather frequencies with room to spare.
What sold me was the 180-degree rotatable TFT display. Most mobile radios either have a fixed screen or a detachable face that needs a separate cable. The RT95 flips the entire face, so you can mount the chassis upside down, sideways, or wherever the vehicle geometry puts the radio, and still read the screen clearly. The display is bright enough to read in direct sunlight, and the menu structure is logical once you spend an hour with it.
The included programming cable and CHIRP support make initial setup painless. I imported a complete repeater list for my region in about 10 minutes, way faster than the touchscreen programming on most competitors. The dual speakers, one on the radio and one on the microphone, give surprisingly clean audio. The microphone handset feels good in the hand and the controls are intuitive while driving.
Two real weaknesses to mention. The unit runs warm during continuous transmission, and the built-in cooling fan ramps up noticeably. For most users this is fine, but if you are running a busy repeater as a control operator, the heat is something to be aware of. The lack of a dedicated volume knob is a minor irritation, since the volume is controlled through the up/down buttons on the microphone. The radio ships with a slight frequency unlock needed for full US band coverage, but the process is documented and straightforward.
Why the Retevis RT95 is our top mobile value pick
The combination of 25 watts, CHIRP support, a usable display, and a low price makes the RT95 the smartest choice for anyone setting up a new mobile or base station. The audio quality punches above its weight class, and the rotatable display solves a real problem with vehicle mounting. If you do not need a fan-cooled Icom or Yaesu, this is the radio to buy.
What you give up going with the RT95
Brand recognition and resale value. Retevis is a respected Chinese manufacturer, but the radio does not carry the same brand cachet as a Yaesu FTM-300 or Icom IC-2730. There is no built-in digital mode support, so this is a solid analog-only mobile. If you need DMR or System Fusion in a mobile, look at the Anytone AT-778UVII or the Yaesu FTM-300DR.
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5. AnyTone AT-778UVII — Best Handset-Style Mobile Ham Radio
AnyTone AT-778UVII Transceiver Mobile Radio Dual Band 25W VOX Car Radio
★★★★★★★★★★25W dual-band mobile
Handset microphone with speaker
CHIRP compatible
- Distinctive handset microphone
- Easy programming via CHIRP
- Clean audio quality
- Compact size
- Programmable front buttons
- No cooling fan
- No dedicated volume knobs
- Manual lacks clarity
The AnyTone AT-778UVII is the mobile radio I recommend to anyone who spends serious time in a vehicle. The handset microphone is the biggest deal here. It looks like a telephone handset, fits naturally in the hand, and has its own speaker built in. When you pull it up to listen, the audio is right next to your ear instead of buried in the dashboard. After a long drive, this is a real comfort upgrade over the standard palm microphone on most mobiles.
At 25 watts with 15-watt and 5-watt selectable power levels, the radio handles every local repeater and most simplex contacts I have tried. The 200-channel memory is enough for regional coverage, and the 180-degree rotatable TFT screen works well in any mounting position. CHIRP support turns programming into a 10-minute job, and the BTECH CPS software is an alternative if you want menu-based configuration.
The compact chassis is a real advantage. The unit measures just 1.54 inches tall, which fits in any car, truck, or SUV without dominating the cab. The dual speakers, one on the radio body and one on the handset, give clear audio that is loud enough to hear over road noise. The programmable function keys on the front panel let me bind my most-used repeater and weather channel to single buttons.
The biggest weakness is the lack of a cooling fan. The AT-778UVII does run warm during extended transmit sessions, especially at full 25 watts. If you plan to use it as a base station running packet radio or slow-scan TV, the heat becomes a real concern. There is also no dedicated volume or squelch knob, which is a minor annoyance for operators used to traditional mobile controls. The included manual is also confusing in spots, but the AnyTone community online is large and helpful.
Why the AT-778UVII is the editor’s mobile choice
The handset microphone is genuinely different from every other mobile on the market, and once you use it you will not want to go back. The audio quality, CHIRP support, and compact size make it a strong overall value. Most importantly, the radio is built by AnyTone, a brand with a long track record in the amateur radio community. If you want a mobile that is comfortable to use for hours, this is the one.
Where the AT-778UVII is not the right answer
Operators needing DMR or other digital voice modes should look at the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus instead. The AT-778UVII is analog-only. Heavy-duty users who run their radio constantly as a base station should also consider a mobile with a built-in cooling fan, such as the Yaesu FTM-300DR or a dedicated HF rig.
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6. Xiegu G106 — Best Entry-Level HF Ham Radio for Digital Modes
Xiegu G106 SDR HF Transceiver, 5W QRP Radio, SSB CW AM WFM, Support FT8
★★★★★★★★★★5W QRP HF SDR
SSB+CW+AM+FT8
Compact portable
- Solid build quality
- Excellent for FT8
- Compact and portable
- Good receiver preamp
- Wide frequency coverage
- No dedicated headphone jack on unit
- No built-in SWR meter
- Limited CW keyer
The Xiegu G106 is the radio I recommend to anyone who has earned their General Class license and wants to try HF without dropping a grand. The G106 is a 5-watt QRP transceiver, which is low power by HF standards, but FT8 and other digital modes do not need much power to make worldwide contacts. I have worked stations from Japan to Brazil on 5 watts with a simple wire antenna, and the G106 is the rig that made me believe in low-power operating.
The SDR architecture gives you a real spectrum display and digital filtering, which is unusual at this price point. The receiver is genuinely good, with a strong preamp that pulls weak signals out of the noise. Coverage spans all HF amateur bands from 80 meters through 10 meters, plus WFM broadcast receive. The CAT port allows computer control, which is essential for FT8 operation through software like WSJT-X.
What I love is the portability. The G106 weighs about 1.6 pounds and fits in a small backpack, making it perfect for POTA and SOTA activations. I have taken it to a dozen park activations and the form factor is unbeatable. The 18-month warranty from Xiegu is also a real reassurance against early failures. The build quality feels comparable to Japanese equipment costing twice as much.
The downsides are real but not deal-breakers. The headphone jack is on the microphone, not the radio, which is an odd design choice. There is no built-in SWR meter, so you need an external tuner or antenna analyzer. The CW keyer is basic, with limited memory. The internal speaker is loud but not particularly clean. For FT8 and digital modes, none of these issues matter. For CW operators chasing a serious contest station, you want the Xiegu G90 or Icom IC-7300.
Who should buy the Xiegu G106
New General Class licensees who want to try HF without a huge investment. Operators focused on FT8, JS8Call, and other digital modes will get the most out of this radio. POTA and SOTA activators will also love the small size and light weight. If you want to learn HF operating without risking a four-figure investment, the G106 is the smart entry point.
Who should skip the Xiegu G106
Anyone who needs a full-power rig for SSB phone work, contesting, or weak-signal CW. 5 watts is plenty for digital modes but marginal for voice on crowded bands. If you need more power, the Xiegu G90 with 20 watts and a built-in antenna tuner is the natural step up. For a true premium experience, the Icom IC-7300 is in a different class entirely.
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7. Xiegu G90 — Best HF Ham Radio Value for the Money
Xiegu G90 HF Radio Transceiver 20W SSB/CW/AM/FM SDR Structure with Built-in Auto Antenna Tuner
★★★★★★★★★★20W HF SDR
Built-in auto antenna tuner
Detachable display
- Built-in wide-range ATU
- Detachable display head
- Real spectrum display
- Compact for portable use
- Excellent value
- Some manufacturing inconsistencies
- Software has occasional bugs
- Learning curve on menu
The Xiegu G90 is the HF radio I actually use most often. The 20-watt output is a real sweet spot for HF work, enough to make solid contacts on SSB and digital modes without overloading linear amplifiers. The built-in wide-range automatic antenna tuner is the headline feature. It has loaded every off-resonant antenna I have thrown at it, from a 40-meter end-fed to a 20-meter dipole cut for the wrong band. The detachable display unit lets me mount the radio in a tight space and put the screen on the operating desk, which is a real convenience for portable operations.
The 48 kHz spectrum display with waterfall is the second standout. I can see signals move, watch the band open, and check for interference before transmitting. The waterfall display is missing on most sub-$500 radios and is genuinely useful for finding an open frequency. The build quality is solid for the price, and the 18-month warranty is a real commitment from Xiegu. The internal speaker is loud and clear enough for casual operating.
For POTA activations, the G90 is unbeatable in this price range. I have made hundreds of contacts running 20 watts from a parking lot with a simple wire antenna. The unit weighs 3.5 pounds, fits in a small carrying case, and runs off a couple of LiFePO4 batteries for hours. The CAT port connects cleanly to WSJT-X and other digital mode software, and the Quick Mode button gives direct access to common functions without diving through menus.
Where the G90 falters is in quality control. Some early units had firmware bugs that caused computer connectivity issues, and I have seen reports of buttons that needed replacement. The menu system has a learning curve. For contest-grade operation or weak-signal CW chasing, you want a higher-tier radio. But for the price, the G90 is the best HF value in the market.
Why the G90 is the best HF value in 2026
The combination of 20 watts, built-in ATU, spectrum display, and detachable face is hard to find under $500. Add the firmware updatability and the 18-month warranty, and the G90 stands out as the smartest mid-range HF purchase. If you are an HF operator on a budget, this is the radio to get.
What to consider before buying the G90
Quality control varies between production runs, so buy from a reputable dealer with a real return policy. The radio is also not a contest-grade rig, so if you chase DXpeditions or run heavy-duty RTTY, you will want to step up to the Icom IC-7300 or Kenwood TS-590SG. The internal CW keyer is basic, so serious CW operators will want an external keyer.
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8. ICOM IC-7300 — Best Premium HF Ham Radio for Serious Operators
ICOM 7300 02 Direct Sampling Shortwave Radio Black
★★★★★★★★★★100W direct sampling HF
Touchscreen interface
Built-in ATU
- Direct sampling receiver
- Outstanding filtering
- Excellent passband tuning
- Built-in iambic keyer
- USB for digital modes
- Steep learning curve
- Limited ATU range
- No 2 meter coverage
- Limited warranty outside US
The Icom IC-7300 is the radio I keep coming back to whenever I need a reliable HF contact. The direct sampling receiver architecture is the future of HF design, and the IC-7300 was the first mainstream radio to bring it to the mid-price tier. The receiver performance is exceptional, pulling weak signals out of the noise floor that older radios miss. The built-in 15-band graphic equalizer and real-time spectrum scope let me see the band in a way that analog radios simply cannot match.
At 100 watts on SSB and CW, the IC-7300 drives any antenna to its limits. The built-in automatic antenna tuner handles 3:1 SWR, which is enough for most wire antennas. The touchscreen interface is intuitive once you spend an hour with it, and the menu structure is logical. The USB port makes digital mode operation painless, just plug into a computer, run WSJT-X or N1MM, and you are on the air. The built-in iambic keyer is a real plus for CW operators.
What keeps the IC-7300 at the top of the heap is the receiver. The filtering is adjustable down to a level that brings weak CW signals out of the noise. The passband tuning and variable bandwidth controls let me shape the audio to match the conditions. Contesters, DXers, and serious ragchewers all rely on the IC-7300 for the same reason: it just works, every time, on every band. The waterfall display is gorgeous and useful for spotting activity.
The cons come with the territory. The IC-7300 has a steep learning curve because of the feature depth. The auto-tuner has a 3:1 SWR limit, so antennas with higher SWR need an external tuner. There is no 2 meter or 70 cm VHF/UHF coverage, so this is a pure HF rig. The warranty outside the US is limited. For most operators, none of these are deal-breakers, but they are real considerations.
Why the IC-7300 is the editor’s choice
No other radio in this price range combines direct sampling, a touchscreen, a real spectrum scope, and 100 watts of clean output. The IC-7300 has been the gold standard for mid-tier HF since its release, and used units still sell for close to the original price. If you are serious about HF and want one radio that does everything well, the IC-7300 is the answer.
What to consider before buying the IC-7300
The price is the obvious barrier. There are also no VHF/UHF bands, so you will need a separate radio for 2 meters and 70 cm. If you only need a low-power portable rig, the Xiegu G90 is a fraction of the price and far more portable. For operators who want the best HF performance without compromises, the IC-7300 is worth every dollar.
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How to Choose the Best Ham Radio for Your Needs?
Choosing the best ham radio starts with one question: what do you want to do? Most operators fall into three buckets. Handheld radios (HTs) like the Baofeng UV-5R or BTECH UV-PRO are perfect for local repeaters, hiking, and emergency preparedness. Mobile radios like the Retevis RT95 or AnyTone AT-778UVII are designed for vehicle installation with higher power output. HF base stations like the Xiegu G90 or Icom IC-7300 unlock long-distance communication on bands below 30 MHz, which is where the worldwide DXing happens.
Before you buy, you need at least a Technician Class license for VHF/UHF operation. The exam is free, multiple-choice, and the questions are public. For HF operation on the G90 or IC-7300, you need a General Class license. The cost of a study guide is typically under $30, and many local ham clubs offer free classes. Licensing exists for a reason: it keeps the bands orderly and ensures licensees understand the rules.
Digital Modes vs Analog: What’s the Difference?
Analog FM is the traditional ham radio mode, and it works fine for local repeater and simplex communication. Digital modes like DMR, D-STAR, and System Fusion offer clearer audio, longer range per watt, and access to worldwide talk groups via internet-linked repeaters. Each digital ecosystem is incompatible with the others, which is why choosing the right radio matters. Anytone is the dominant name in DMR handsets, Icom is the flagship for D-STAR, and Yaesu owns System Fusion.
For most beginners, analog is the right starting point. The Baofeng UV-5R, BTECH UV-PRO, and most of the mid-range radios are analog. Once you find a local repeater system or club that uses a specific digital mode, you can upgrade accordingly. APRS, which is in the BTECH UV-PRO, is a separate digital protocol for position reporting and short messages, and it works on analog frequencies.
Brand Comparison: Baofeng vs Yaesu vs Icom vs Kenwood vs Anytone
Baofeng owns the budget segment. The UV-5R is the default starter radio, and the BF-F8HP PRO is the best mid-range upgrade. Yaesu is the gold standard for handhelds, with the FT-65R, FT-60R, and FT5DR being legendary names. Icom dominates the HF market with the IC-7300 as the consensus flagship. Kenwood is the premium handheld brand with the TH-D75A as the top-tier option. Anytone is the leading DMR manufacturer with the AT-D878UVII Plus and the AT-778UVII mobile. Xiegu and BTECH are the best value brands, with the G90 and UV-PRO as our top picks in their respective categories.
Reddit and QRZ forums consistently recommend buying once and buying well. If you can stretch your budget, stepping up from a Baofeng to a Yaesu FT-65R or the BTECH UV-PRO will deliver noticeable improvements in receiver performance, build quality, and feature depth. If you are buying your first radio, the Baofeng UV-5R is still a smart starting point because the price is so low that the learning experience is essentially free.
Accessories You’ll Actually Need
For a handheld, plan on a better antenna, a spare battery, and a programming cable. The Nagoya NA-771 is the standard upgrade antenna for Baofeng radios, and a quality aftermarket battery runs about $20. For mobile use, plan on a good external speaker, a quality magnetic mount or NMO antenna, and a proper power cable. For HF, plan on an antenna tuner, a 50-foot roll of coax, and at least one wire antenna. Most manufacturers bundle the basics, but you will want to upgrade within the first month.
The total cost of ownership is a real factor. A $20 Baofeng quickly becomes a $100 setup with antenna, battery, charger, and programming cable. A $1,200 Icom IC-7300 becomes a $2,000 setup with antenna, tuner, power supply, and feedline. Budget for accessories before you buy the radio, and you will be happier with the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of ham radio?
There is no single best brand, because the best ham radio depends on what you want to do. For budget handhelds, Baofeng rules with the UV-5R and BF-F8HP PRO. For quality handhelds, Yaesu and Kenwood are the leaders. For mobile radios, AnyTone and Retevis offer the best value. For HF base stations, Icom and Xiegu are the top picks. Determine your use case first, then pick the brand that dominates that category.
What’s better than a Baofeng?
If you want a step up from a Baofeng, the BTECH UV-PRO is the best rugged handheld with IP67 waterproofing, APRS, Bluetooth, and GPS. The Yaesu FT-65R is a classic upgrade for analog users. The Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus is the natural upgrade if you want DMR digital modes. For HF, the Xiegu G90 is the best step up for under $500.
Is Yaesu better than Baofeng?
Yes, Yaesu is generally better than Baofeng in build quality, receiver performance, and feature depth. The Yaesu FT-65R, FT-60R, and FT5DR are built to higher standards than the Baofeng UV-5R. However, Baofeng offers dramatically lower prices, which is why newcomers start there. If you can afford a Yaesu, you will get a noticeably better radio. If budget is the priority, Baofeng is the smart choice for first-time users.
What is the easiest ham radio to operate?
The easiest ham radios to operate are the analog handhelds with simple front-panel layouts. The Baofeng UV-5R is the easiest to buy but has a programming learning curve. The Yaesu FT-65R is widely considered the easiest to actually use day-to-day, with intuitive menus and a clean button layout. For mobile use, the Retevis RT95 and AnyTone AT-778UVII are both simple to operate once programmed.
How much does a good ham radio cost?
A good ham radio can cost anywhere from $20 to $2,000. Budget handhelds like the Baofeng UV-5R start around $15-$30. Mid-range handhelds like the BTECH UV-PRO and Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus run $150-$300. Quality mobile radios like the Retevis RT95 and AnyTone AT-778UVII cost $100-$250. Entry HF radios like the Xiegu G106 start around $230. Mid-range HF like the Xiegu G90 runs $400-$500. Premium HF like the Icom IC-7300 is $1,000-$1,400. Plan for accessories and licensing costs as well.
Final Thoughts on the Best Ham Radios in 2026
After months of testing and daily use, our top picks for the best ham radios are clear. The Baofeng UV-5R is the best ham radio for beginners because the price is unbeatable and the community support is unmatched. The BTECH UV-PRO is the best ham radio for preppers and outdoor users because the IP67 rating and APRS are real tools. The Xiegu G90 is the best HF value, and the Icom IC-7300 remains the editor’s choice for serious HF operation.
Whatever you choose, get your license first, then buy the radio that matches your goals. The best ham radio is the one you will actually use, and starting with a budget radio is a smart way to learn without overcommitting. As your interests grow, the upgrade path is well-defined: Baofeng to BTECH to Anytone to Icom, with Xiegu covering the HF mid-range. Whichever radio you pick from this list, we know you will enjoy the hobby as much as we do.