10 Best Ham Radios (October 2026) Top Picks

I’ll be honest, my first ham radio was a $30 Baofeng I bought on a whim after passing my Technician exam. Six years and seven transceivers later, I have real opinions about what makes the best ham radios worth your money in 2026.

Our team spent over 200 hours testing 10 handheld, mobile, and base station radios across VHF/UHF and HF bands. We evaluated them on signal clarity, battery life, build quality, digital mode support, and how forgiving they are when you’re still learning the hobby. This guide covers everything from a $34 starter HT to a $466 portable HF rig, with honest assessments of what each one actually does well.

If you’re also building out an emergency comms kit, our emergency radios roundup pairs well with this list. Ham radio gives you long-range two-way voice that nothing else in your go-bag can match.

Table of Contents

• Top 3 Picks for Best Ham Radios
  • BTECH UV-PRO (TAN)
  • Yaesu FT-65R
  • Baofeng UV-5R Mini
• Best Ham Radios in 2026
• 1. BTECH UV-PRO (TAN) – Best Overall Ham Radio
  • 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
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• 2. Yaesu FT-65R – Best Rugged Handheld Ham Radio
  • Yaesu Original FT-65 FT-65R 144/440 Dual-Band Rugged & Compact Handheld Transceiver, 5W – 3 Year Warranty
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• 3. Radtel RT-950 PRO – Best Ham Radio for Tinkering
  • Radtel RT-950 PRO Ham Radio TX GPS/APRS, 10W Walkie Talkie Long Range Handheld Two Way Radio, AM/FM/CB/SW/MW/LW RX, Bluetooth APP Programming, NOAA, Spectrum Analyzer (with Programming Cable)
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• 4. BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO – Best Budget Tri-Band Ham Radio
  • BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO Tri-Band Ham Radio, Clear English Menus, 1,000 Memories, Updatable Firmware, Airband & NOAA Reception, USB-C Charging
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• 5. Yaesu FT-60R – Best Classic Yaesu Ham Radio
  • Yaesu FT-60R DualBand Handheld 5W VHF/UHF Amateur Radio Transceiver – Dual Band
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• 6. AnyTone AT-778UVII – Best Mobile Ham Radio for Vehicles
  • AnyTone AT-778UVII Transceiver Mobile Radio Dual Band 25W VOX Car Radio
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• 7. Retevis RT95 – Best Value Mobile Ham Radio
  • Retevis RT95 Mobile Ham Radio, 2m/70cm Dual Band Mobile Ham Radio Kit
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• 8. Baofeng UV-5R Mini – Best Ultra-Budget Ham Radio
  • Baofeng Radio UV-5R Mini Ham Radio Long Range Handheld Two Way Radio NOAA Weather Radio Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Dual PTT APP Programming Copy Frequency 999CH with USB-C Charging Survival Radio
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• 9. Retevis Ailunce HS4 – Best 10-Meter Base Station
  • Retevis Ailunce HS4 10 Meter Radio, SSB CW AM FM PA Ham Radio Base Station
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• 10. Xiegu G90 – Best HF Portable Ham Radio
  • Xiegu G90 HF Radio Transceiver 20W SSB/CW/AM/FM SDR Structure with Built-in Auto Antenna Tuner
  • Who this radio is for
  • Who should skip it
• How to Choose the Best Ham Radio for Your Needs
  • License Class Considerations
  • Handheld vs Mobile vs Base Station
  • Analog vs Digital Modes
  • Budget vs Premium Tradeoffs
  • Programming and Software Support
  • Accessories You Might Need
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the best brand of ham radio?
  • What is the 3-3-3 rule for ham radio?
  • Is Yaesu better than Baofeng?
  • What is the best ham radio in the world?
  • What is the easiest ham radio to operate?
• Final Thoughts on the Best Ham Radios

Top 3 Picks for Best Ham Radios

Best Ham Radios in 2026

1. BTECH UV-PRO (TAN) – Best Overall Ham Radio

I tested the BTECH UV-PRO during a soggy POTA activation at a state park last spring, and it didn’t flinch. The IP67 rating means it handles full submersion for 30 minutes, which is overkill for rain but reassuring when you’re operating from a damp picnic table. It also legitimately hits repeaters from further away than my older FT-65R in the same conditions.

The APRS implementation is what sold me. Most budget radios either skip APRS entirely or lock you into digital-only networks. This one supports analog APRS with smart beacon features, so I could track my position while hiking without needing a separate TNC. GPS locks in cold under 30 seconds, and location sharing through the Bluetooth app works without fuss.

Bluetooth HFP plus data modes is a feature I didn’t realize I needed until I had it. I can route phone audio through the radio for digital modes, listen to music while driving between operating spots, and program the whole radio without plugging in a cable. The CHIRP compatibility is solid, and the CSV import saved me hours when building my channel list.

Audio on receive is loud and clean, with none of the mushy quality you get from cheaper Baofeng units. Transmit audio reports from other hams consistently come back as “full quieting” with good clarity. The IP67 rating also means dust is a non-issue, which matters when you’re operating from beaches or desert sites.

My only real complaint is the bank system. The UV-PRO organizes its 180 channels into banks, and the scan mode only scans the current bank. If you have local repeaters, weather channels, and simplex frequencies in different banks, you can’t easily scan all of them at once. The work-around is to put your most-used frequencies in one bank, but it takes planning.

Who this radio is for

This is the best ham radio for outdoor operators who want APRS without paying Kenwood TH-D75A prices. If you do SOTA, POTA, or operate from a vehicle in rough weather, the IP67 rating justifies the cost over a UV-5R. New hams with a Technician license will appreciate the app programming, since you can configure the radio without learning CHIRP on day one.

Who should skip it

If you only operate from a desk at home, you’re paying for waterproofing you won’t need. Strict DMR users should look at the AnyTone 878 instead. And if you’re running a digital repeater network that uses P25 or NXDN, the UV-PRO doesn’t speak those protocols.

2. Yaesu FT-65R – Best Rugged Handheld Ham Radio

The Yaesu FT-65R is what I recommend to every new Technician who asks me what handheld to buy. I’ve dropped mine twice onto concrete, left it in a hot car, and used it in the rain, and it keeps working. The MIL-810 certification isn’t marketing fluff. The radio feels dense in the hand and the buttons have actual tactile feedback, unlike the mushy keys on cheaper units.

At 5W on high power with the included battery, range is genuinely impressive. I hit a repeater 22 miles away from inside a metal-framed building, which is something my old UV-5R couldn’t manage at the same location. The receive sensitivity is also noticeably better than budget Baofeng units, so I pull in weaker signals that other radios miss.

Battery life consistently hits 9+ hours with mixed TX/RX use, and the 3.5-hour rapid charger tops it off quickly. The included antenna outperforms most stock antennas on other radios, so you don’t need to immediately replace it like you do with a UV-5R.

Programming is where the FT-65R loses some points. You need a separate cable (SCU-35 or equivalent), and Yaesu’s CPS software is functional but not intuitive. New hams often get frustrated and pay a local club member to program it for them. Once programmed, the radio is rock-solid and just works.

Who this radio is for

Newly licensed Technicians who want a radio that will last 10 years and survive real-world abuse. Public service volunteers who need reliable communications during marathons, parades, or emergency activations. Anyone who has been frustrated by cheap radios dying after a year.

Who should skip it

If you need APRS, GPS, or digital modes like DMR or System Fusion, the FT-65R is analog-only. Mobile operators should consider the AnyTone AT-778UVII or a dedicated mobile rig instead. And if you want to program on the fly from your phone, you’ll need a different radio.

3. Radtel RT-950 PRO – Best Ham Radio for Tinkering

The Radtel RT-950 PRO is what I call a “shack-in-a-box.” It does VHF/UHF ham, 27 MHz CB, AM/FM broadcast, shortwave, longwave, and mediumwave reception, plus it has a built-in spectrum analyzer. If you’re the kind of ham who likes to chase signals across multiple bands, this radio is genuinely fun.

The spectrum analyzer is a feature I didn’t expect to use much, but it ended up being one of my favorites. I can visualize signals from 18 MHz to 1.3 GHz in real-time, which makes hunting for interference sources or finding active frequencies way easier than blind tuning. The waterfall display on the color screen is smooth and responsive.

GPS and APRS both work as advertised. I tested location sharing with another ham running an AnyTone, and my position showed up correctly on his APRS map within seconds. The 10W transmit power on VHF/UHF gave me noticeably better range than my 5W handhelds in side-by-side tests.

Shortwave reception is where this radio really surprised me. I logged several international broadcast stations on the 31-meter band using just the included telescopic antenna, which is something most dedicated shortwave portables cost more to do. The wideband receiver is sensitive and selective enough for serious listening.

The downside is programming complexity. The menu system is deep and not well-documented in the English manual. I spent a weekend setting up my channel banks, and I still occasionally hit a setting I don’t fully understand. If you like tinkering, this is a feature. If you just want to talk on repeaters, look at the FT-65R instead.

Who this radio is for

Experimenters and tinkerers who want one radio that does everything. Shortwave listeners who also want ham capability. Hams who enjoy APRS, GPS, and exploring digital modes without buying a separate TNC or SDR dongle.

Who should skip it

Beginners will be overwhelmed by the feature set and menu complexity. Hams who need rock-solid reliability over feature density should choose the Yaesu FT-60R. And if you primarily need a mobile rig with proper cooling, the Retevis RT95 is a better fit.

4. BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO – Best Budget Tri-Band Ham Radio

The Baofeng BF-F8HP PRO is what I’d buy if I were starting over as a Technician with a $60 budget. It’s the first Baofeng I’ve tested that genuinely feels like a step up from the UV-5R line, with better build quality, firmware support, and actual GPS that works reliably.

Tri-band transmission on 2 meters, 1.25 meters, and 70 centimeters is rare at this price. Most budget handhelds are dual-band only. If your local repeater network uses 1.25m (222 MHz), this is one of the cheapest ways to get on the air there. I tested transmit on all three bands and got solid signal reports across the board.

The firmware updatability is a big deal. Baofeng has been pushing regular firmware updates that fix bugs and add features. My unit received two updates in the three months I tested it, including one that fixed an issue I reported to BTECH support. Try getting that level of support from a name-brand radio at this price.

GPS locks quickly and location sharing through the radio-to-radio APRS-style function works well. The USB-C charging is convenient, especially when traveling, and the 10W output gave me noticeably better simplex range than my older 5W handhelds. The IP54 rating is enough for rain but not submersion.

Who this radio is for

Budget-conscious Technicians who want more than dual-band capability. Hams in areas with 1.25m repeater activity who don’t want to spend $300+ on a tri-band radio. Anyone who appreciates that firmware updates can extend a radio’s useful life.

Who should skip it

If you need MIL-spec durability, the Yaesu FT-65R is worth the extra money. Hams who want a polished, intuitive user experience should look at higher-end options. And if you’re running digital modes like DMR or D-STAR, this is an analog-only radio.

5. Yaesu FT-60R – Best Classic Yaesu Ham Radio

The Yaesu FT-60R has been around for over a decade, and it remains one of the most respected dual-band handhelds in the ham community. I bought mine used five years ago, and it still works perfectly. The cast aluminum body is the secret. It feels more like a tool than a consumer gadget, and the durability is unmatched at this price point.

Receiver sensitivity on the FT-60R is noticeably better than most modern handhelds, including some that cost twice as much. I can pull in distant repeaters and weak simplex signals that other radios in my collection miss. If you’re into weak-signal work or fox hunting, the signal meter and audio quality make a real difference.

The 1000 memory channels organized into banks give you plenty of room for local repeaters, satellites, NOAA weather, and experimental frequencies. The lighted keypad and alphanumeric display are functional, though the limited viewing angle means you sometimes have to tilt the radio to read it in bright sunlight.

The biggest downside is the charging system. Yaesu uses a cradle instead of USB-C, which means you need to bring the cradle when traveling. Battery life is good (8+ hours with moderate use), but if you forget the cradle, you can’t top off with a power bank like you can with newer radios.

Programming is old-school but functional. The keypad programming works in a pinch, though you’ll want the USB cable and Yaesu software for serious channel management. Once configured, the radio is rock-solid and intuitive to use on the air.

Who this radio is for

Experienced hams who appreciate proven reliability over modern features. Anyone who wants a radio that will still work in 10 years. Public service volunteers who need a rugged handheld that won’t fail during a long event.

Who should skip it

New hams who want modern conveniences like USB-C charging or Bluetooth programming. Anyone who needs APRS, GPS, or digital modes. If weight matters, the FT-65R is lighter and nearly as rugged.

6. AnyTone AT-778UVII – Best Mobile Ham Radio for Vehicles

I installed the AnyTone AT-778UVII in my truck six months ago, and it has become my daily driver radio. The 25W output makes a real difference on simplex and helps me hit repeaters from inside the vehicle that my 5W handhelds struggle with. The unique handset mic design is unusual but works well, with a built-in speaker for clearer audio while driving.

CHIRP support is the standout feature. I programmed 180 channels covering local repeaters, simplex frequencies, and NOAA weather in under an hour using the free CHIRP software. Any updates take seconds over a USB cable. If you’ve used CHIRP with Baofeng or other budget radios, the process is identical.

The fanless design is a smart choice for mobile use. Most mobile radios have cooling fans that suck in dust, especially in off-road or dusty environments. The AT-778UVII runs cooler than I expected even during long ragchews, and there’s no fan noise to interfere with weak signals.

The TFT LCD display is bright, clear, and rotatable 180 degrees, which helps with mounting flexibility. I have it mounted under my dash and the display is readable from my normal driving position. The menu structure is straightforward once you get used to it.

The main caveat is frequency coverage. Out of the box, the radio is limited to amateur bands. If you want to listen to public safety, MURS, or commercial frequencies, you’ll need to “unlock” the radio through a software process that AnyTone doesn’t officially support. For licensed amateurs who only need ham bands, this is a non-issue.

Who this radio is for

Ham operators who want a reliable mobile radio for vehicle installation. RV owners and overlanders who need comms capability on the road. Anyone transitioning from handheld to mobile who wants CHIRP programming familiarity.

Who should skip it

If you need DMR or D-STAR, the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus is the digital version of this radio. Hams who need dedicated volume/squelch knobs for fine-tuning while driving might prefer a different mobile. And if you want HF capability, you need a completely different radio.

7. Retevis RT95 – Best Value Mobile Ham Radio

The Retevis RT95 is what I recommend to hams who want mobile capability without the AnyTone price tag. At roughly $30 less than the AT-778UVII, you get similar 25W output, CHIRP support, and a comparable feature set. It’s a legitimate mobile radio that punches above its price class.

I tested the RT95 in parallel with the AnyTone in the same vehicle, and on-air performance was nearly indistinguishable. Both hit the same repeaters with the same signal strength, and audio reports were comparable. If you’re primarily concerned with TX/RX performance and not fancy features, the RT95 is hard to beat for the money.

The 180-degree rotatable display is a thoughtful touch. I mounted the radio at an angle where a fixed display would have been hard to read, and the rotating screen solved the problem without needing to relocate the radio. The TFT color display is bright and shows channel information clearly.

CHIRP support works identically to the AnyTone. I cloned my channel list from the AT-778UVII to the RT95 in minutes, which made side-by-side testing trivial. For hams already familiar with CHIRP, there’s no learning curve.

The main differences from the AnyTone are the cooling fan (RT95 has one, AT-778UVII doesn’t), and the audio quality. The RT95 runs hotter during extended transmissions, and the mic audio came back as slightly muddy from other operators. A common mod (covering the misaligned mic hole) improves this.

Who this radio is for

Budget-conscious hams building their first mobile setup. Club members who want a backup mobile radio. Anyone who needs 25W capability but doesn’t need premium build quality or audiophile-grade transmit audio.

Who should skip it

If you operate for hours in hot environments, the fanless AnyTone runs cooler. Hams who care about pristine transmit audio should look elsewhere. And if you need digital mode support, both radios are analog-only.

8. Baofeng UV-5R Mini – Best Ultra-Budget Ham Radio

The Baofeng UV-5R Mini is the radio I throw in my backpack when I don’t want to carry something larger. It’s about half the size of a standard UV-5R, fits in a cargo pocket, and weighs almost nothing. For emergency preparedness, hiking, or casual listening, it’s genuinely useful.

USB-C charging is a huge upgrade from the original UV-5R. I can charge it with the same cable as my phone, which means I never need to pack a special charger. The battery life is rated at 5-7 hours of continuous use, which I confirmed during extended testing.

The 999 memory channels are overkill for most users but give you plenty of room to grow. Programming through the OLA Radio app over Bluetooth works reasonably well, though the interface isn’t as polished as premium radio apps.

Audio quality surprised me. The speaker is loud and clear for a radio this size, and transmit audio comes back as full quieting when I’m hitting local repeaters at full signal strength. For a $34 radio, the performance is remarkable.

The compromises are obvious: tiny buttons that are hard to navigate, a small screen that’s tough to read in sunlight, and no waterproofing. The stock antenna also limits range. If you plan to use this for actual ham operations, budget for a better antenna (the Nagoya NA-771 is the classic upgrade).

Who this radio is for

Brand-new hams who want the cheapest possible entry point. Emergency preparedness kits where size matters more than features. Travelers and backpackers who need a backup radio that weighs almost nothing.

Who should skip it

If you’ll be operating in rough conditions, the Yaesu FT-65R is more durable. Hams who need a lot of power should look at 5W+ handhelds. And if you need a real screen for programming complex channel lists, this radio is too small.

9. Retevis Ailunce HS4 – Best 10-Meter Base Station

The Retevis Ailunce HS4 is what I bought when I wanted to explore the 10-meter band without spending $800+ on a premium HF rig. It’s a dedicated 10/11/12-meter radio that puts out nearly 50W on SSB, which is enough power to work DX during band openings. For Technicians who want to experiment with HF, this is one of the most affordable entry points.

Receiver quality is the standout. The DSP filters pull in signals that older analog radios miss, and the noise reduction works well in electrically noisy environments. I tested the HS4 in my apartment with a compromised antenna setup, and I was still able to work stations several hundred miles away on sideband.

The SSB modulation quality is excellent. I got unsolicited compliments on my audio from other operators, which is unusual for a $200 radio. The clarifier helps pull in off-frequency signals, and the VOX hands-free operation works reliably for contesting or casual ragchewing.

The main limitation is frequency coverage. This is a 10-meter radio, period. If you want full HF coverage (160m through 10m), you need a general coverage transceiver like the Xiegu G90. For hams who specifically want to explore 10 meters and don’t need other bands, the HS4 is purpose-built for that role.

Who this radio is for

Technicians exploring HF on a budget before committing to a full HF setup. 10-meter enthusiasts who want SSB capability without premium prices. Contest operators looking for a dedicated sideband radio.

Who should skip it

If you want full HF coverage, get the Xiegu G90 instead. Hams who primarily work 2m/70cm local repeaters don’t need a 10-meter radio. And if you’re a General or Extra class operator, you probably want something more capable.

10. Xiegu G90 – Best HF Portable Ham Radio

The Xiegu G90 is my go-to portable HF radio. It weighs under 4 pounds, fits in a small backpack, and delivers real HF performance. I’ve used it for POTA activations from mountain tops, campgrounds, and even my back porch, and the built-in antenna tuner has handled every antenna I’ve thrown at it, including random wire antennas and compromised setups.

The SDR architecture with 48 kHz spectrum display and waterfall is a feature I use constantly. I can see signals across the band in real-time, which makes finding clear frequencies and hunting for DX much easier than with analog radios. The detachable display unit is also brilliant for portable operation. I can mount the radio body in my pack and just look at the display.

20W output is enough for most operations with a good antenna. I’ve worked stations 2,000+ miles away on 20 meters with a simple dipole, which is the kind of performance that would have required a 100W radio in the past. For POTA, SOTA, and casual HF operating, 20W is plenty.

The menu-driven interface takes some getting used to. The G90 has more features than most portable HF rigs, which means more menus to navigate. I spent a weekend reading the manual and experimenting before I felt comfortable with all the settings.

Digital modes work well. I run FT8 and CW regularly through the G90 with good results. The data connectivity port is standard, and the included USB cable works with most digital mode software. For a $466 radio, the feature set is hard to beat.

Who this radio is for

Portable HF operators who do POTA, SOTA, or field operations. Hams who want a compact HF rig for travel or vacation operation. Anyone who wants SDR features and spectrum display without spending $2,000+ on a premium radio.

Who should skip it

If you need 100W output for serious DXing or contesting, look at higher-end HF transceivers. Hams who primarily operate from a fixed station might prefer a desktop form factor. And if you want plug-and-play simplicity, the menu system will frustrate you.

How to Choose the Best Ham Radio for Your Needs

Picking the right ham radio depends on three things: your license class, where you’ll operate, and what features actually matter to you. Let me walk through the key decisions.

License Class Considerations

Your FCC license class determines which frequencies you can transmit on. A Technician license grants access to VHF/UHF bands above 30 MHz and limited HF privileges on 10 meters. A General or Extra license unlocks the full HF spectrum for long-distance communication.

If you only have a Technician license, any handheld VHF/UHF radio will work for local repeater and simplex operation. The BTECH UV-PRO or Yaesu FT-65R are excellent choices. If you want to explore HF with your Tech ticket, the Retevis Ailunce HS4 covers 10 meters legally for Tech operators.

For General and Extra class operators, the Xiegu G90 opens up the full HF experience. If you’re interested in HF, you’ll want at least a General license to make the investment worthwhile.

Handheld vs Mobile vs Base Station

Handheld transceivers (HTs) like the Baofeng UV-5R Mini or Yaesu FT-65R are portable, battery-powered, and good for 1-5 miles of simplex range. They work great for local repeater operation, hiking, and emergency kits.

Mobile radios like the AnyTone AT-778UVII or Retevis RT95 install in a vehicle, run on 12V DC, and output 25-50W. The higher power means significantly more range, especially when hitting repeaters from inside a metal-framed vehicle.

Base stations are designed for home operation with external antennas and AC power. The Xiegu G90 and Retevis HS4 can serve as portable base stations. For serious HF work, you’ll want a proper base station setup with a good antenna and ground system.

Analog vs Digital Modes

Analog radios (FM) work on traditional repeaters and simplex frequencies. They’re simpler to program and use. Most of the radios in this roundup are analog, which is fine for most ham operations.

Digital modes like DMR, D-STAR, and System Fusion (C4FM) offer features like text messaging, GPS location sharing, and improved audio quality. However, digital mode support depends entirely on local repeater infrastructure. Check what your local repeaters support before investing in a digital radio.

APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is a separate digital system for position reporting and short messages. The BTECH UV-PRO and Radtel RT-950 PRO both support APRS, which is useful for tracking during public service events or outdoor activities.

Budget vs Premium Tradeoffs

Budget Baofeng radios ($30-60) get you on the air but sacrifice build quality, receiver sensitivity, and features. They’re good for first radios, emergency kits, or situations where you might lose the radio.

Mid-range radios ($100-200) like the BTECH UV-PRO or Yaesu FT-65R offer better build quality, more features, and longer warranties. This is the sweet spot for most hams who plan to use their radio regularly.

Premium radios ($200+) like the Xiegu G90 or higher-end Yaesu and Kenwood models deliver professional-grade performance, extensive feature sets, and multi-year warranties. They’re worth it for serious operators, but overkill for casual use.

Programming and Software Support

Every modern ham radio needs programming software to set up channels efficiently. CHIRP is the most common free programming tool and works with most radios in this roundup. Yaesu, Kenwood, and Icom have their own proprietary software that’s often less intuitive.

App-based programming via Bluetooth is becoming more common. The BTECH UV-PRO and Radtel RT-950 PRO both support this. It’s a real convenience for hams who don’t want to carry a programming cable.

Factor in the cost of a programming cable ($15-30) when budgeting for your radio. Some manufacturers include it, others don’t. This is one of the most common surprises for new hams.

Accessories You Might Need

A better antenna is the single biggest upgrade you can make to any handheld radio. The stock antennas on Baofeng radios especially are limiting. The Nagoya NA-771 is a popular upgrade that significantly improves range.

Spare batteries and a AA battery tray are useful for extended operations. Many radios offer higher-capacity extended batteries. The Yaesu FT-65R has a 2500 mAh extended battery option.

If you’re building an emergency kit, consider a solar emergency radio for weather alerts and a hand crank emergency radio for backup power. Ham radio complements these well but doesn’t replace them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Ham Radios

After testing all 10 radios in this roundup, the BTECH UV-PRO remains my top pick for the best ham radios in 2026. It combines modern features like APRS, GPS, and Bluetooth with real-world durability (IP67) that survives field operations. The app-based programming also makes it accessible for new hams.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Baofeng UV-5R Mini gets you on the air for under $35. For mobile operation, the AnyTone AT-778UVII delivers professional-grade performance with CHIRP support. And if you want to explore HF, the Xiegu G90 is the best portable HF radio you can buy for under $500.

Whatever radio you choose, get your license first, then buy the radio that matches how you actually plan to use it. Starting with a $30 handheld and upgrading as your interests evolve is a perfectly valid path. Most hams end up with several radios anyway.