Best Portable Ham Radios (HTs) Today
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If you just earned your Tech or you’re upgrading your go-bag, these handhelds nail the big stuff: reliable RF, easy programming, and real warranties from brands hams trust.
How I researched
I verified specs, warranties, and exact model numbers on manufacturer pages/manuals and matched them to the corresponding U.S. Amazon listings (when available). What this guide does better: I call out warranty terms and install/ownership trade-offs right next to the use-case so you don’t buy blind.
Top picks
Yaesu FT-70DR — Best for analog + digital (System Fusion) starters
A rock-solid first HT that does both FM and C4FM without the “learning cliff.”
Why it wins: Simple menuing, loud audio, IP54, and a 3-year Yaesu warranty.
- IP54 Rating (Dust/ Water Protection) construction * Wide band receive coverage of 108 - 579.995MHz * Versatile Scanning Capabilities such as Programmable VFO Scan
- Memory Scan * Priority Channel Scan * External DC Jack for DC Supply Operation and to Charge the Battery
- Mini USB port for convenient programming and software updates * CTCSS/ DCS Operation * Automatic Power Off (AFO) feature
Pros
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FM + C4FM in one body
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IP54, tough for field use
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700 mW front speaker, clear
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3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
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No APRS built in
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Charger dock sold separately
Trade-offs / Who should skip
Skip if your club is all-in on DMR or D-STAR—you’ll want a DMR/D-STAR model below.
Scores: Performance 4.5/5 · Digital voice 4.5/5 · Ease of Use 4.5/5 · Value 5/5
Warranty/returns: 3-year manufacturer warranty (radio).
Shadow alternate: Yaesu FT-5DR — more features and APRS, higher price.
Yaesu FT-65R — Best analog budget from the “big three”
If you want a no-drama, analog-only HT with better QC than ultra-budget imports.
Why it wins: MIL-STD build, IP54, loud audio, 3-year warranty at an entry price.
- VHF/UHF Commercial Grade Dual Band Handheld Transceiver - Compact Design, Measuring W 2.1” x H 4.1” x D 1.2” (52.5 x 104.5 x 31 mm) - Rugged Construction; Meets IP54 Rating (Dust/Water protection) , MIL-810-C,D and E - One Watt Powerful Audio Output and Clear Audio from the Big Front Speaker - 5 Watts of Reliable RF Power within a Compact body
- Three Selectable TX Power settings (5 W (High)/2.5 W (Middle)/0.5 W (Low)) - Over 9 hours Operating time with Supplied 1,950 mAh Li-Ion Battery pack *1 - Optional High-capacity 2,500 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack (SBR-26LI) provides over 11.5 hours of Extended Operating Time *1 - 3.5-Hour Rapid Charger (SBH-22) Included (Using SBR-25LI) - QRK (Quick Recall Key) : Four User Programmable Keys for Quick Access to Favorite Functions
- Large White LED Flashlight, Alarm and Quick Home Channel Access for Emergency Signaling - Versatile Scanning Capabilities : Programmed VFO Scan, Memory Scan, Priority Channel Scan, Weather Alert Scan - WX Channels with "Severe Weather" Alert (US Version) - VOX Operation with Optional VOX Earpiece Microphone (SSM-512B) - PC Programmable with Optional Programming Cable (SCU-35)
Pros
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IP54 + MIL-810 C/D/E
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5/2.5/0.5 W selectable
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1 W speaker, very clear
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3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
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Analog only (no C4FM)
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Basic display, minimal niceties
Trade-offs / Who should skip
Skip if you need a digital voice mode today; otherwise it’s a fantastic analog workhorse.
Scores: Performance 4/5 · Ruggedness 4.5/5 · Ease of Use 4/5 · Value 4.5/5
Warranty/returns: 3-year manufacturer warranty (radio).
Shadow alternate: Baofeng UV-5R — ultra-cheap, but QC/adjacent compliance trade-offs.
AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus — Best for DMR + APRS power users
The DMR handheld most U.S. hams recommend when you want deep features.
Why it wins: True dual-band DMR Tier I/II, APRS RX/TX, huge contacts, strong community.
- What's included: AT-D878UVII Plus Radio, 3100 mAh External Battery w/ Belt Clip, Charging Cable, AC Adapter, Charger Base, PTT Button, Programming Cable, Wrist Strap
- NOW includes the USB-C rechargeable Battery! You can now charge your battery on the go with the New USB-C Battery from AnyTone.
- Communicate over world-wide IP Based DMR digital radio networks. Frequency Range: Part 97 Amateur RX: 136-174MHz (VHF) , 400-480MHz (UHF), TX: 14-148MHz (VHF) , 420-450MHz (UHF)
Pros
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DMR + analog in one
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APRS receive/transmit
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Up to 7 W VHF / 6 W UHF
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Massive contact capacity
Cons
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Programming curve is real
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Heavier than basic HTs
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If your club runs Fusion or D-STAR, you’ll get more plug-and-play with those ecosystems.
Scores: Performance 4.5/5 · DMR capability 5/5 · Ease of Use 3.5/5 · Value 4.5/5
Warranty/returns: 18 months on the radio, 6 months on accessories (typical).
Shadow alternate: Alinco DJ-MD5X — smaller, simpler, less APRS depth.
Buying guide
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Digital voice vs analog: Check what your local repeaters use. Fusion (C4FM)? Go FT-70DR. DMR? AnyTone 878. D-STAR? Icom ID-52A/ID-50A.
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Ruggedness/IP rating: If you’ll hike or volunteer for events, IP54-rated bodies (and MIL-STD claims) survive the abuse better than ultra-budget sets.
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APRS: If you want live location/texts for events or SOTA, prioritize radios with full APRS (Kenwood TH-D75A), or ensure your DMR model supports APRS RX/TX.
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Programming & support: Big-three (Yaesu/Icom/Kenwood) tend to have clearer manuals and long-term parts support. DMR sets are feature-rich but need software time.
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Warranty expectations: Yaesu handhelds commonly carry 3-year coverage in the U.S.; Icom/Kenwood amateur HTs are typically 1-year via U.S. retailers; AnyTone states 18 months on the radio and 6 months on accessories. If that matters to you, buy where extended protection is available.
FAQs
Q: Will an HT hit a repeater 20+ miles away?
A: Maybe. Height and antenna matter more than wattage; from ground level with a stock whip, assume a few miles. Get elevation or a better antenna for more.
Q: Do I need a license for these?
A: Yes—these are amateur radios. At minimum you need a Technician license to transmit legally in the U.S. (listening is fine).
Q: Why not just get the cheapest Baofeng?
A: They work for learning, but QC, support, and documentation lag behind the brands above. If you go that route, know the trade-offs.
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