Learning about the ham radio takes time. You also have to be really interested in it. Of course, you’d also need a ham radio of your own.
But with tons of ham radios on the market, choosing your first ham radio can be overwhelming.
In this list, you’ll find the best ham radios for beginners. But first, here are some tips before devoting your time to this hobby.
- Do some research by interacting with other hobbyist and by reading reliable reviews
- Get quality equipment because you may end up wasting your money from buying used ones
- Buy necessary accessories like antennas, power supplies, and ground rods
- Join a club with experienced hobbyists to widen your knowledge about your new hobby
If you’re ready, it’s now time to read through the list of the top 10 ham radios for beginners.
BaoFengBF-F8HP
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP is a handheld radio that’s considered one of the best of its kind. You’ll get increased range and frequency because it’s a dual-band radio.
It’s a great product for beginners since it comes with a battery and a full kit. The package includes a 7.4V 2000-mAh Li-ion battery pack, a V-85 antenna, and all sorts of accessories.
This radio has a durable casing that feels impressive when held. It also contains a better chipset compared to its predecessor.
You can choose between three power levels (8-watt, 4-watt, and 1-watt). Its high-gain antenna is reliable with receiving signals fast.
On top of that, it offers up to 30% longer battery life. It can last for about 20 hours when using it with an 8-watt power range.
PROS:
- User-friendly especially for beginners
- Good sound quality and power transmission
- Long battery life
- User manual contains all the important information
CONS:
- Needs a computer and a USB cable to configure
- Display may be difficult to read when using polarized glasses
- Doesn’t have an automatic offset
- The memory mode doesn’t store offset and PL code
Click the Product Link for the best price: BaoFeng BF-F8HP
TYT TH-9800
Next on the list is the TYT TH-9800. It’s one of the best ham radios for beginners which they can use in your car.
It has over 800 channels that prevent you from searching for frequencies every time it’s turned on. You can quickly scan and find the channels you want.
Also, it’s a 50-watt, quad-band radio. This means that you’ll get impressive clarity and range compared to single and dual-bands.
The TH-9800 also has a separate squelch function that can remove annoying noises. Other features that make it stand out are the twin display, Crossband repeater mode, and full keypad microphone.
You don’t have to worry about the TH-9800 getting too hot. It has a built-in cooling fan making it withstand areas with high temperatures.
PROS:
- Has four bands
- Comes with a mounting head, a separation kit, and programming software
- Easy to configure
- Clear and loud audio reception
CONS:
- Built-in fan may not be enough for extremely high temperatures
- May not be as durable as other radios
Click the Product Link for the best price: TYT TH-9800
TALKCOOP KT-8900
TALKCOOP has recently focused on making radios for beginner and intermediate users. Their KT-8900 is one of the easy-to-use radios they made.
It can work in 25-watt and 20-watt modes. It also gives a flexible communication space. The range of frequency of the KT-8900 is 400- 480 MHz for UHF and 136-174 MHz for VHF.
Unlike the TYT TH-8900 which has 800 channels, the KT-8900 only has 200. But, you can change the names of the channels to make scanning easier.
It also has remote stun and kill options, an FM radio feature, and an auto-lock function. This ham radio has all the needed features a beginner should learn.
The TH-8900 comes with accessories like a speaker microphone and a programming cable. It also has a 6-foot DC cable with a cigarette plug connector.
PROS:
- Decent transmit and receive audio
- Easy-to-use frequency programming software
- Has a loud speaker
- Easy to bring anywhere because of its compact design
CONS:
- Frequencies need to be programmed manually
- May be vulnerable to radio-frequency interference
Click the Product Link for the best price: TALKCOOP KT-8900
BaoFeng UV5RA
The BaoFeng UV5RA may be the best portable radio on the list. It has a 4-watt power output with 136-274 and 400-480 MHz frequency ranges.
You can enjoy your favorite FM radio with its economical HT which includes a 65-108 MHz VHF band. Apart from this, you’ll have 128 channels to scan through.
One of the key functions of the UV5RA its battery saving feature. Its 1500 mAh Li-ion battery may last longer than other portable ham radios.
The RF power is switchable between 1 watt and 4 watts. Also, it has a built-in VOX (Voice Operated Exchange) function that turns on the radio when you speak loud enough.
It has a 104 CDCSS and 50 CTCSS tones, so you can have a clear reception every time. You also can choose frequency steps of your preference that ranges from 2.5-25 kHz.
If you purchase the UV5RA, you’ll get freebies like an antenna and a 110V-240V desktop charger.
PROS:
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to program and understand for beginners
- Dual-band on all frequencies
CONS:
- Has lower power options compared to other hand-held radios
- Some features like the alarms and light may not be very useful
Click the Product Link for the best price: BaoFeng UV5RA
BTECH UV-5X3
The BTCH UV-5X3 is just in the middle of the common dual and quad-band radios. It’s a tri-band ham radio that still provides good range and clarity.
Most old radios with a dual line LCD display only shows two frequencies that you monitor. But, the UV-5RX can show you the channel’s name and frequency at the same time.
Another useful feature it has is the scanning list modifier function. You can now add or remove channels from your scanning list without using a computer. The convenient and simple menu is easy to understand.
BTECH also thought of new ham radio hobbyists in mind when they created the UV-5X3. That’s why they included a channel modification feature. This will allow you to add, change, and remove privacy tones and power levels.
You won’t need to scan through the entire frequency band you’re using. Another feature this radio has is the option to scan a specific frequency range. It’s a practical and time-saving feature you’ll get with the UV-5X3.
PROS:
- Give full power in all three bands
- Made with durable hardware and reliable internal electronics
- Has a lock mode to prevent changing channels by accident
- Includes a squelch function
CONS:
- You need to switch between the two antennas when using different frequency bands
Click the Product Link for the best price: BTECH UV-5X3
Yaesu FT-60R
Looking for dual-band transceiver that’s easy to use? Then the Yaesu FT-60R might be for you. It can operate on VHF and UHF.
Its illuminated keypad and alphanumeric display are easy to read and understand. It also has a scan mode feature that will let you adjust its settings or choose channels.
This radio isn’t too heavy or light. The buttons on the keypad may seem small, but they’re spaced well so there’s no need to worry about pressing two buttons at once.
It can transmit on 144-148 MHz and 430-470 MHz frequencies. And, it received at 108-520 and 700-999.9 MHz frequencies.
The FT-60R also has a lock more function, so your channel won’t change by accident.
But one of the most impressive features of the FT-60R is its memory channel of 1,000. It’s huge compared to others on the list. You’ll have easy-access to NOAA emergency reports and other emergency channels in 800-900 MHz.
PROS:
- Easy to manually program
- Alerts you when scanning stops
- Decent battery life
- Uses a knob to adjust squelch settings
CONS:
- It’s difficult to fit the charger in
Click the Product Link for the best price: Yaesu FT-60R
LEIXEN LX VV-898
With 120x90x40 mm dimensions, the LEIXEN LX VV-898 is a tiny amateur radio that packs a punch.
Its casing is made from heat sink aluminum that can handle the radio’s power. You’ll get a mounting bracket and an antenna that’s either a BNC or SO-239.
It’s a powerful vehicle radio that’s flexible and powerful with 4 to 10-watt power outputs. It has accurate receiver sensitivity, but its audio can be too high-pitched.
Still, its audio quality is undistorted and clear. You can opt to use a speaker if you’re disturbed with the high-pitched audio.
A great feature of the VV-898 is the PTT IS that allows you to conduct selective or group calls. It also has an RX and RXTX inhibit as well as an emergency alarm.
The VV-898 has a microphone with a keypad which is practical and easy to use. You can also do a manual or automatic lock on its keyboard and put a password on its menu functions.
PROS:
- Easy-to-carry and compact
- Lightweight, yet durable casing
- Impressive sensitivity and audio quality
CONS:
- May get RF interference in certain areas
Click the Product Link for the best price: LEIXEN LX VV-898
BaoFeng UV-82HP
Another product from BaoFeng that made it on the list is the UV-82HP. It’s quite similar with most BaoFeng radios.
It has an FM radio, an alarm mode, a flashlight, and an improved antenna compared to the UV-5R inclusion.
It features the dual push-to-talk switch that lets transmission on two different frequencies.
You can switch between three power modes – 7-watt (high), 5-watt (medium), and 1-watt (low). The clear LCD display will enable you to use it even when it’s dark.
Programming and using this radio is as easy as it gets. Its hardware and software are both upgraded which will let your learning experience worthwhile.
PROS:
- Durable and easy to use
- Improved hardware and software
- Impressive battery life
CONS:
- No DC charging available
- Can only be programmed using a computer
Click the Product Link for the best price: BaoFeng UV-82HP
ICOM 2300H
The ICOM 2300H can supply a stable 65-watt power output. It’s a handheld radio that is not only powerful but has loud and clear audio.
If you’re looking for a radio that will last for a long time, the 2300H is perfect for you. This radio has been proven and tested with the mil-std-810 g specs. Unlike other radios, the 2300H’s heat isn’t alarming.
It only weighs 2lbs 6oz and compact which fits any portable kit. Its faceplate is detachable so you can attach it to your vehicle without the hassle.
You’ll have a lot of fun with its 207 memory channels which are easy and fast to access. Its 3-inc LCD display is also a great factor making it convenient to use in the dark.
Apart from all its amazing features, the most important thing is that the 2300H is user-friendly. It’s also easy to program even for beginners.
PROS:
- User-friendly interface
- Compact and lightweight
- Outstanding handheld microphone
CONS:
- Squelch and volume controls may not be too reliable
Click the Product Link for the best price : ICOM 2300H
Yaesu VX-6R
The final ham radio on the list is the Yaesu VX-6R. If you’re a frequent hiker or climber, you would want this radio.
It offers an AM/FM radio option and a wide-band 504 kHz to 998.99 MHz frequency coverage.
Its EAI feature allows you to configure the radio when used outdoors. It also has an emergency function that can transmit a call sign and flash the CW ID in a bright light.
The VX-6R has also been tested to last about 30 minutes in 3-feet waters, so it’s basically waterproof.
The 430 and 144 bands are supplied with a 5-watt power output. This may last up to 7 hours of continuous use, but it still depends on the conditions of your use.
It comes in 2nd to the Yaesu FT-60R’s memory channel capacity on the list. The VX-6R has 900 memory channels which you can give specific alphanumeric labels. This will let you identify your favorite channels fast.
PROS:
- Waterproof feature
- Large and readable LCD display
- Wide-band receive range
- Emergency features
CONS:
- Only supplies 1.5 watts power on 222 MHz
- Hard to program without a cable and software
- Mediocre stock antenna quality
Click the Product Link for the best price: Yaesu VX-6R https
CONCLUSION
You might still feel overwhelmed with the list of the top ham radios on the market. But if you put your mind into it, you’ll be able to operate your own ham radio in no time.
Remember that studying and researching is the key to be successful in anything you want to do. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from expert ham hobbyists when in doubt.
