Best Ham Radios and Handheld Options In 2025

Undergoing Some Maintenance

 

Meanwhile

Practical Picks

No hype, no prices, just solid options, mobile, and handheld (HT) radios.

HF / Base & Mobile Favorites

100W • HF/50MHz

Icom IC-7300 (All-around HF Starter-Pro)

Modern SDR receiver with excellent filtering

USB audio for digital modes (FT8, Winlink, etc.)

Great “first serious” HF base rig

Check on Amazon

Yaesu FT-891 (Tiny HF Workhorse)

Compact mobile/base HF with robust DSP

Ideal for go-boxes, portable, or small shacks

Pair with an external interface for digital

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Xiegu G90 (Entry HF with Tuner) 20W
    • Built-in ATU, compact, tunable fun
    • Great for portable HF learning
    Balanced starter for SSB/CW

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VHF/UHF Mobile & Base (Local Comms)
80W • 2m

Yaesu FT-2980R (Simple, Powerful 2m)
    • Loud audio, rugged, fanless heat sink
    • Excellent for repeaters and nets
    Great fixed or in-vehicle rig

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Icom IC-2730A (Clean UI, Dual Receive)
    • True dual-watch VHF/UHF
    • Large, readable display
    Solid everyday mobile performer

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Handhelds (HT) — Portable & Everyday Carry
Dual-Band • Analog

Yaesu FT-65R (Rugged Starter HT)
    • Simple, durable, great audio
    • Perfect for local repeaters & nets
    Budget-friendly first handheld

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Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus (Feature-Rich)
    • Analog + DMR, GPS, robust programming
    • Beloved by repeater & hotspot users
    Big battery, road-ready

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Budget • Dual-Band
Baofeng UV-5R (Ultra-Low Cost)
    • Entry price for learning & backup
    • Works with CHIRP programming
    Great for clubs/spares (check local regs)

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Quick Tips Before You Buy

License
Antenna First
Power Supply
Programming
Local Repeaters

Match to your license:

    • Technicians start VHF/UHF; General opens HF/6m.

Antennas matter:

    • A good antenna often outperforms more wattage.

Power plan:

    • Base rigs need a clean 13.8V supply; mobiles need proper wiring/fusing.

Program smart:

Check local clubs: Nets and mentors speed up your learning curve.

YouTube Channels
https://www.youtube.com/@grumpyoldhams

https://www.youtube.com/@hamradiotech

 

How To Sync Your Xiegu G90 To The HDSDR Software

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5xkKPbmNoY

Check out this website: Ham Radio Tech

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