Best Ham Radio
Ham radios. The fancy gadgets that have managed to maintain their relevance despite the invention of smartphones. That can be attributed to the fact that ham radios are better at sending and receiving call signs than most smartphones. Meaning that you would rather get stuck in a cave with a ham radio than a cellphone.
However, ham radios are not only useful in times of disasters; they can be educative and fun tools. You and your friends could buy a bunch of ham radios to play around with.
So would you like to be a Ham? Ham is the colloquial term used in the United States for amateur operators of Ham radios. If yes, then our review entails some of the best ham radios that have ever graced the communication industry. We breakdown each Ham radio and give you all there is to know about them to make your buying decision easier.
BAOFENG BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3RD GEN) 8-WATT DUAL BAND TWO-WAY RADIO
Product by BaoFeng Tech. A South Dakota based company that provides reliable technology solutions.
Main Features
- Item weighs 10.1 ounces
- High 8W, Medium 5W, and low 1W power setting
- 65-108 MHz(Commercial FM reception), UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx), VHF: 136-174 MHz( Rx/Tx)
- 2000mAh battery
- Includes a power adaptor, user manual, battery charger, belt clip, earpiece, and hand strap
Improved Functionality
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP is a great improvement from its predecessor, the second generation UV-5R.
First off, this third generation radio has integrated a new state of the art chipset that transmits more power plus offers a variety of services.
This radio offers 128 programmable memory channels that can be added or removed from the scanning list using compatible computer software.
Depending on the power setting, the battery can last you for 18 to 24 hours.
You will blast up the FM radio, use the in-built flashlight and communicate for an entire day without recharging it.
The BF-F8HP radio comes with an in-depth user guide and great concierge support to deliver the ultimate consumer experience.
It also has the latest NSR-340A firmware that isn’t available in other models.
This model is suitable for camping and trekking.
- Comes with 1-year warranty support and complimentary concierge service
- High power from a portable device
- Excellent audio quality
- Comes with a built-in flashlight and FM radio
- Long battery life
- Compatible with all BaoFeng UV-5R accessories
- Doesn’t have a water-resistant cover
What are the customers saying?
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP delivers the best user experience and convenience. If you are a newbie in the Ham radio industry, then you will love how detailed the manual is. It will guide you on how to customize the radio’s options and capabilities to your liking.
You will also love how the battery will last you for a long time despite blasting the FM radio and using the flashlight. It is a great product, and hopefully soon BaoFeng will improve on its water resistance properties to make it the best camping tool.
Product by Yaesu. A Japanese brand of amateur radio equipment.
Main Features
- Item weighs 13.1 ounces
- 2-meter Dual band VHF/UHF
- 70cm Amateur Radio
- Alphanumeric display
- Lighted keypad
- 1400mAh battery
- NOAA weather alerts
- Includes a charger, battery, antenna and belt clips
Best Ham Radio for Campers and Hikers
The Yaesu FT-60R handheld ham radio holds all the features that every hiker and camper needs.
It features a water-resistant plastic frame and a strong aluminum case that’s resistant to cracks.
The FT-60R has wide coverage and can receive 1000 memory channels and emergency channels in the 800-900 MHz frequency range. Furthermore, it transmits frequencies of 144-148MHz and 430-570MHz and receives 108-520 MHz and 700-999.99 MHz
You don’t have to worry about an unplanned power shutdown as the radio has an audio alert that notifies you when the battery is low.
The best part is that it has a password feature to keep off nosey people.
- The radio features a locking mode to prevent accidental changes of frequencies
- Keeps you up to date on weather changes
- Well-built, solid design
- Long battery life
- Water-resistant casing
- Affordable price
- It has an awkwardly positioned volume knob
What are the customers saying?
There is a reason why Yaesu FT-60R is considered a survival tool. Simply because it has properties that would come in handy in times of a disaster. It is water resistant and can withstand heavy impact.
The battery will also take you for up to 3 days on a single charge and more importantly, it has a wide coverage. The inexpensive price is just another thing that will put a smile on your face.
Product by Kenwood Corporation. A Japanese company specializing in developing and marketing radio communications equipment.
Main Features
- Item weighs 3.3 pounds
- 1000 multifunctional memory channels
- VxV, UxU dual reception on the same band
- 50W power output
- EchoLink Memory( Automatic Dialer)
- EchoLink Sysop Mode -Node terminal Operation
Excellent Quality and Reception
The Kenwood Original TM-V71A delivers high performance and is a true dual receiver with both VHF and UHF sides.
The power levels on both bands are 5, 10 and 50 watts.
The radio also features 1000 memory channels which can be tagged with up to six characters.
But you can also manually program frequencies or repeaters into the radio from the front panel.
The radio features a large display that gives the status of the radio and can be adjusted to either green or amber.
Additional features include weather alerts, password lock, scanning, cross-band operation and dual reception on the same band.
- The radio has 1000 alpha memories
- Durable radio
- Long lasting battery
- Both PC and manually programmable
- Doesn’t work for DSTAR or System Fusion repeater modes
What are the customers saying?
If you have the previous Kenwood ham radio version, the TM-733, then chances are that you noticed that it has a kickass battery life and is generally a great product.
Then the new and improved version Kenwood Original TM-V71A is better, durable and has a longer lasting battery life. It comes with 1000 memory channels that will keep you entertained as there is no chance that you will run through all of the channels in a single road trip.
It also has a small profile that can fit inside your vehicle. This is the best radio for your truck, car or house.
Product by BTECH. BTECH and BaoFeng products are developed marketed under one umbrella of BaoFeng Tech.
Main Features
- Item weighs 8 ounces
- 1500mAh battery
- Tri-band frequency range
- Display synchronization
- Incoming ANI display
- DTMF remote decode
- Includes a wrist strap, belt clip, earpiece kit, CH-5 charger, user manual, and CH-5 110V Adapter
Impressive Budget Ham Radio
The BTECH UV-5X3 was made to improve the quality of information that the users read on the display.
Much emphasis is put on giving the user the most important information at once, and thus display synchronization was birthed.
However, users often found the second display to be of little use since more often than not, the information displayed to be irrelevant at the time.
The UV-5X3 also allows you to enjoy the convenience of only scanning through a fine tuned portion of the receiving band.
You no longer have to suffer through the full frequency band if you only want to monitor activity on only a specific part of the band.
What’s more is that the user can also make modifications by editing channels.
The edits may include adding, removing or changing the piracy tones DCS and CTCSS) or altering the power level, so you don’t have to delete and build a channel from scratch.
- Allows you to scan through a section of a frequency band
- Data synchronization maximizes the information available on a screen
- Users can modify the scanning list
- Long lasting battery
- Decently priced
- Few buttons make programming a bit tedious
What are the customers saying?
The BTECH UV-5X3 is a unique radio with highly functional features. It gives more power to the user as you can add or delete channels without using a computer. Everything can be manipulated from the keypad.
Plus, it allows you the convenience of only scanning in a specific frequency range. It is the best ham radio for businesses and consumers in the United States.
Product by Icom Inc. An international manufacturer of radio communication equipment with headquarters in Osaka, Japan.
Main Features
- Item weighs 6.17 pounds
- Dual DSP chips
- Built-in SD card slot
- Built-in RTTU demodulator and decoder
- SWR graphic display
- Multi-function meter
- DSP controller RF speech compressor
- 505 memory channels
Great All-band Radio
The ICOM IC-7100 is an exquisite multiband and an all mode, HF, VHF and UHF transceiver.
It features a touch screen interface that lets you glide through various functions speedily.
The rear panel on the control head has an internal speaker with jacks for external headphones, microphone, and a CW key. The remote head includes a built-in speaker on the rear side which offers full control of the radio.
The radio is D-STAR ready and provides low-speed data communications.
It also integrates DR mode that lets you control your D-STAR routing depending on where you are talking from and where you are communicating to.
- The radio features voice recording and playback functions
- A large touchscreen that makes operations smooth and easy
- Takes time to set up and gain full operating power
What are the customers saying?
The ICOM IC-7100 is a radio panel that defies the odds by first having a flat control head design that increases your viewing angle. Plus it also provides plenty of typing room for people with large hands.
Moreover, what’s not to love about a touchscreen radio? It not only does it provide information but also gives you fast access and easy control of the settings. Just hang the radio on your window ledge and get how good the speakers are. This product is worth every penny.
FAQ/Buying Guide
Contents:
How far can you communicate with a ham radio?
Ham radios can communicate with other hams that are as far as 20 kilometers away.
What is the best mobile ham radio?
The BaoFeng radios top the charts in almost all ham radio user reviews.
How far can a CB radio transmit?
CB radios typically transmit for up to 15 miles between mobile units.
Do you need a license for ham radio?
Yes, you do. That is if you plan on broadcasting at a specific frequency. But don’t fret. Getting a license is easy. All you have to do is take an exam and then by a small fee to the regulatory authority. Amateur Radio Relay League can help you out with getting a license.
Licenses typically allow you to broadcast at 100 and 1,500 watts on several or a limited number of frequencies. However, you may not be required to obtain a license if you plan on using the ham radio only for emergencies.
What’s the best BaoFeng radio?
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3RD GEN) is the latest addition to the BaoFeng ham radio collection and for that reason is the best. Reason being that it has longer power output, better concierge support, and longer battery life than its predecessors.
As We Wrap Up
There is a world of fun and adventure that you would be missing out on without a ham radio. And if it’s your first time buying one, then you should probably take a look at some of our remarks on the best ham radios before you buy one. You never know. You may learn something new that may save you the headache of a bad investment in a poor quality product. But don’t worry, that’s not the case with any of our five best ham radios. Give them a shot.
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