Top 10 Best Handheld Ham Radios (Updated Feb 2024) - Buying Guide (2024)

After comparing tons of handheld ham radios on the market, we have found Radioddity GS-5B to be the best handheld ham radio overall in terms of performance, versatility, and innovation.

Our findings are based on 15 hours of research, testing, and collecting reviews from customers online.

We took into account several factors that are important to an average amateur radio user, such as supported bands, battery life, size, and speaker quality.

The bells and whistles on newer ham radios can be distracting for a buyer.

Best Handheld Ham Radios – Our Top 10 Picks

1. Best Overall Handheld Ham Radio – Radioddity GS-5B

First released in 2020, Radioddity GS-5B is laden with innovative features that many ham radio users will find interesting.

Its bright orange body not only stands out from the crowd but also makes it easier to locate it in low-light conditions.

The bottom of the radio is constructed with soft TPU material that protects it from drops.

Rated IP56, this radio is waterproof and weatherproof.

The battery pack is screwed into the unit, providing an extra layer of protection from water damage.

In optimal weather conditions, you can hit repeaters up to 10-15 miles away with this handheld radio’s 5W power output and stock antenna. The audio output is loud and clear, but you can also use the included earpiece to hear better or when you are walking.

Its full-color screen cleverly displays all relevant information without crowding the display. Plus, it uses an inverted color scheme so that you can read everything at all times without straining your eyes.

GS-5B uses a standard 2000mAh battery that can last about 8-10 hours on standby. To compensate for its mediocre battery life, the radio uses two charging methods – charging cradle or micro USB. This allows you to use an external power source when you are away from home.

Tech-savvy amateur radio users can set up their GS-5B wirelessly with the user-friendly Radioddity app. Conversely, you can use the included programming cable and tailor-made radio program for an old-school approach.

2. Best Analog & DMR Handheld Ham Radio – AnyTone AT-D878UVII

Finding a robust handheld transceiver packed with features in the DMR realm is not easy, and AnyTone offers a worthy option – AT-D878UVII Plus.

This device is a Dual Band Analog/DMR that operates in the UHF and VHF bands. It boasts APRS receive and transmit capabilities that make it easier for users to connect and share their location with other hams.

Moreover, it has an upgraded 500,000 contact list compared to the 200,000 on previous models.

If you are worried about the learning curve, a FREE AT-D878 course is included at BridgeCom University to get started on the right foot.

On power output, the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus has up to 7 watts of high power transmitting that will give you the range you need even in challenging RF environments. Its intuitive interface and programming software allow for easy navigation and setup.

The front-face programmable buttons with VFO channels are excellent, making it easier to access your most-used functions. The colors on your screen are customizable, and you can opt for day or night mode, depending on your preference.

If you choose to pair it with a Bluetooth-friendly Android or iOS device, then you can use it as a remote control for the radio. In addition, you can also use the AnyTone Smartphone app to record and playback voice messages, set alarms, and monitor battery status.

3. Best Marine Handheld Ham Radio – Radioddity Voyage RV6

Specifically designed for marine enthusiasts and boat owners, Radioddity Voyage RV6 has a slew of useful features that come in handy on treacherous waters.

Rated IP67, this ham radio can be submerged into 3.3 ft of water for up to 30 minutes.

It also utilizes a unique water-draining technology that gets rid of water from the speaker by emitting a vibration.

If you drop the radio, you can find and retrieve it easily by following the flashing red LED at the bottom of the unit.

Depending on your needs, you can use 5W for maximum coverage or 1W to conserve battery. Besides all the basic radio functionality, you can also tune in to all the USA, International, and Canadian marine channels to keep yourself updated on marine activities.

NOAA weather alerts and channels keep an ear on weather conditions to help you react appropriately to weather changes.

The 1500 mAh battery can last 24 hours on standby but sadly loses its charge very quickly when transmitting on high.

If you would like to see other alternatives for the best VHF marine radio, make sure to check out our dedicated review.

4. Best Battery Life – BaoFeng BF-F8HP

With a 20-hour battery life on the highest power setting, BaoFeng BF-F8HP has one of the longest run times among handheld ham radios on the market.

It can transmit up to 8W in three power settings. Even when faced with unpredictable terrain and weather conditions, this BaoFeng radio can reliably broadcast up to 10 miles with minimal feedback disruptions.

It shares the same accessory connector as BaoFeng UV 5R, so you have a huge pool of accessories to choose from if you need a more effective antenna.

Besides that, this BaoFeng ham radio offers many thoughtful features, like channel tracking and a two-step channel storage system that prevents accidental scanning.

BaoFeng, is a reputable manufacturer of handheld and mobile ham radios has excellent community support. As a result, most models are compatible and can be easily programmed with CHIRP software.

The BF-F8HP is one of the only handheld radios that offer exclusive concierge support. You can also tap into BaoFeng’s huge community of amateur radio users and its well-written user manual to solve your issues. This is especially important since this radio does have a slight learning curve.

There is a memory channel conflict between VHF and UHF bands since you can’t assign the same number to your saved channel even if they are on different bands. You can fix it easily by connecting it to your computer, but you can avoid this issue altogether by coming up with a system for channel storage.

5. Longest Range Handheld Ham Radio – BaoFeng UV-82HP

If you are looking for excellence with an economic price tag, the BaoFeng UV-82HP is the way to go.

It has three power settings – 8W (7W in UHF), 4W, and 1W.

It can reach an average of 10 miles, but you can get much more range on clear days.

The audio quality is decent, but it tends to distort a little in urban areas if you transmit on high.

Like BaoFeng BF-F8HP, you can expand your coverage with a wide range of compatible accessories instead of using the stock antenna.

The highlight of this dual-band BaoFeng radio is a dual PTT button. Using the rocker switch, you can toggle and transmit between two frequencies. When one of these frequencies is not in use, you can use the other as a scanner for channels, frequencies, and DTS tones. You can also synchronize the button to use it as a single PTT button.

It is also quite easy to program – all you need is a computer, the CHIRP software, and the included programming cable. If you ever get stuck, the detailed instructions manual will walk you through the whole process.

If you are stranded in the woods, you can use the many emergency features included in this amateur radio, like an emergency alarm and a built-in flashlight, to get help. Despite having a keypad lock, the power switch seems to be easily triggered.

6. Best For Beginners – Yaesu FT-65

Yaesu FT-65R is cleverly designed to not overwhelm its users as a follow-up to the discontinued Yaesu FT-60R dual-band radio.

For starters, the revamped menu allows you to access useful features like WX ‘severe weather alerts’, priority channel scans, and VOX hands-free operation in just a few clicks on a button.

Besides that, you can also customize the 200 memory channels with alphanumeric tags by pressing the keys like an old cell phone.

With adjustable tri-power capped at 5W, you can opt to get a wider reach or conserve battery for communications that matter.

Performance-wise, this handheld radio doesn’t make many frequency errors.

It also has great selectivity and sensitivity, delivering static-free sound even in high traffic areas.

The handheld radio is small, compact, and just right for an adult hand. The placement of buttons is optimized for left-handed radio users, which is unusual for a ham radio.

That being said, the angled PTT button ensures long-term comfort no matter what your dominant hand is. The buttons also have sound and haptic feedback that elevates the user experience.

7. Best With Weather and GPS – Yaesu FTA-750L

In the world of hand-held radios, the Yaesu FTA-750L sits in a class of its own.

It boasts most of the features you need for safe, reliable communications for almost all applications you can think of.

The built-in WAAS GPS receiver provides ILS navigation, while the VOR and CDI functions make it easy to stay on course.

The radio can store up to 200 channels, and the recall feature allows accessing the most used frequencies with ease.

For easier identification of these channels, the Yaesu FTA-750L uses up to 15 alphanumeric characters.

This 760-channel handheld transceiver features an 1800 mAh built-in battery that provides up to 12 hours of operation, while the battery saver feature helps to extend its life even further.

On the outside, the FTA-750L features a 1.7″ x 1.7″ dot matrix display with a full backlight and dimmer. The large display is easy to read, even in low-light conditions.

The radio is big on audio, thanks to its 800 mW amplifier that delivers clear, loud sound. It comes with optional PC Programming software and a USB programming cable.

8. Most Feature-packed DMR Radio – Yaesu FT-3DR

At first glance, Yaesu FT-3DR impresses its users with a full-color 320 x 420 pixel LCD touchscreen – a feature that many ham radios don’t have.

But at its core, this Yaesu dual band DMR radio is made to be as intuitive as possible.

It adopts a user-friendly interface, like displaying selected bands on a bigger font and setting icons.

In digital mode, it displays both TX and RX numbers in a simplified layout so that you can see everything in one go.

The large display is also readable under any light conditions.

It offers a reliable 5W power output in 4 steps and a wide frequency range. Wires-X functionality expands your reach even more as it links you with home stations around the world via the Internet for global communication.
You can also use this amateur radio as a node station by connecting it to a computer and running the necessary radio software.

Using two independent receivers, this radio allows you to listen to two different or the same bands simultaneously. It is also possible to store up to 900 memory channels in up to 24 memory banks for easy access, including preset memory channels like NOAA weather radio, marine radio channels, and international shortwave broadcasts.

FT-3DR offers a wide range of analog and digital features, like Group Monitor Function, GPS with ARPS compatibility, and Automatic Select Mode. It also has built-in Bluetooth that supports VOX hands-free operation.
Thanks to integrated battery-saving measures, it can last about 4 days of on-and-off usage with the 2200mAh battery pack.

9. Best Handheld Ham Radio For Survival – Yaesu VX-6R

Measuring just 2.3″ by 1.1″ by 3.5″ and weighing a bit less than 3 pounds, the Yaesu VX-6R helps you stay connected without adding bulk to your backpack.

This tri-band Yaesu radio is purpusely built for survival and is rated JIS7 for waterproof, dust-proof, and being submersible.

It also sports an ergonomic design with a great button layout. With a bright multi-colored LCD and backlit keypad, you can check all settings during the night with ease.

You can share information with your party easily with its wide frequency range, 5W power output, and the ability to transmit across three bands.

Better yet, this radio holds up against dense forests and weather conditions to deliver punchy and loud transmissions.

In case of an unlikely emergency, the new Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) function will automatically cause your VX-6R to transmit your callsign and engage your rig’s microphone, even if you are disabled and unable to press the PTT switch.

You also get a ton of channel options, including maritime channels, NOAA weather radio, and AM aircraft reception. It allows you to save over 1000 channels to help you plan for your trip to the backcountry.

The VX-6R compensates for small battery capacity with automatic power-off and TX battery saver. It is also password-protected, which prevents accidental button presses and protects your privacy.

10. Most Powerful DMR Handheld Ham Radio – Ailunce HD1

As Retevis’ first flagship dual-band DMR ham radio, Ailunce HD1 is built to impress seasoned ham radio operators.

Like a true dual-band DMR radio, it acts like an FM analog transceiver and Tier II DMR digital radio at the same time.

The VHF frequency range overlaps public service frequencies so you can check in on emergency announcements at any time.

You can even pause your FM radio transmission when you get important calls.

It offers up to 10 watts of power output in three power levels.

The stock antenna does the job well, but you can also choose from Retevis’ wide range of compatible accessories should you wish to extend the range even further.

However, the receiver tends to be easily desensitized when competing with nearby devices on high power. Front panel programming enables you to set up your DMR features without a programming cable. It also has an intuitive button layout and two customizable buttons below the PTT to give you quick access to all your most-used features.

Moreover, HD1 has many exciting features not found in other handheld DMR radios, like a promiscuous mode that allows you to listen to other talk groups freely.

It can also display the names and callsigns of the people talking if you have them saved in the 10,000 DMR ID storage. Powered by a large 3,200mAh battery, it can last up to a week without charging.

Amateur Ham Radio – Buying Guide

We would recommend Radioddity GS-5B if you are looking for a versatile radio that can handle almost any environment. Besides being sturdy and waterproof, this ham radio offers tons of value with its innovative features.

Kenwood TH-D72A is one of the best handheld ham radios for off-roading because of its rugged design. Yaesu VX-6R is the best handheld ham radio for survival because of its emergency preparedness, durability, and reliability. If your priority is battery life, you won’t find a better handheld ham radio than BaoFeng BF-F8HP.

Ailunce HD1 is the best portable ham radio for you if you are venturing into DMR radio, as it can slowly ease you in without overwhelming you. However, we would recommend Yaesu FT-3DR to seasoned DMR radio users for its feature-packed feature list.

Why should I get a Handheld ham radio?

A handheld ham radio, which is ultimately a two-way radio transceiver is much easier to use since you can start using it as soon as you take it off the shelves. But because these radios are so commercial, the FCC crippled their functionality by limiting the power output.

With ham radios, you can reach more people and go further. This is because most of these devices have a high power option that greatly boosts their range. Not only that, but you can also tap into more channels, like emergency alerts or weather updates. It is also very multi-functional. Some people use it to communicate and listen to all bands of radio transmission, like FM radio, SSB, and CW.

In emergencies, handheld radios can be the difference between life and death. Not only can you use the high power option to seek help, but you can also use the emergency features on these radios to increase your chances of survival. Some radios even allow you to send text messages, go online, or operate without using your hands.

There are many versions regarding the origins of the name. Wikipedia states that this term is used as a derogatory term (‘ham-fisted’) to describe the incompetence of amateur radio operators by their professional counterparts. Some people think “ham” represents the initials of radio pioneers “Hertz-Armstrong-Marconi”.

Although the exact reason for what ham radio is named after is not known, ham radio operators have embraced this term proudly since the beginning.

There are three types of ham radios – base radio station, mobile ham radio, and handheld radio.

Base radio stations, also known as repeaters, are designed to be in one, fixed spot. They are the biggest and heaviest type of ham radios.

Mobile ham radios are designed for vehicles or a ham radio shack. These radios strike a balance between portability and power since they can reach further than handheld radios but lighter than base station radios. They are typically powered by a 12V power adaptor or your car’s cigarette lighter.

Handheld ham radios are small and lightweight – perfect for outdoor excursions. These radios typically have a power output of 5W, but you can also attach an external antenna for more reach.

First of all, if you just want to listen to broadcasts, you don’t need a ham license. However, if you want to use it to transmit, you need one.

There are three tiers to a ham license: the technician license, general license, and extra license. These licenses unlock how many frequencies you can listen to. The general license, for example, allows you to access all UHF and VHF bands as well as most HF privileges.

To get a ham license, you can head to your local amateur radio club as most of these tests are conducted there on a quarterly or monthly basis. You have to pay a small fee – usually $10 to $15 – and sit for a written exam.

The volunteer examiners grade your test on-site. If you pass, your license and call sign will be mailed to you in one or two weeks.