Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026, and your inbox is about to fill up with “radio deals.” Some are great. Some aren’t ham radios at all, even when the listing says they are.
This guide covers four handhelds worth watching, the accessories that usually do more for you than a new radio, and the lookalike deals to skip. New to all this? Start with our guide to the best entry-level ham radios or our list of top ham radios.
How we put this list together: we haven’t bench-tested these radios. The specs come from manufacturer and retailer listings, and the downsides come from buyer reports. Prices move constantly in November, so we don’t quote them here. Check the listing on the day, and read the variant you’re buying, because the same radio is often sold in several versions.
Best Ham Radio Black Friday Deals to Watch in 2026
All four of these are dual-band handhelds, which means they cover the 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands that local repeaters use. You’ll need an amateur license to transmit on them, though you can listen without one.
TIDRADIO TD-H8
Best for: anyone who’d rather program a radio from their phone than fight with a keypad.
Pros
- Advertised 10W output
- Program it by phone with the Odmaster app, or use a computer
- 2500mAh battery on most listings
Cons
- Some buyers report noise on VHF transmit
- Some buyers report heat during long transmissions
- Not water resistant
The app is the reason to buy this one. It lets you manage channels and repeater lists from your phone, which is a lot friendlier than the button-pressing most budget handhelds demand.
One thing to check: the TD-H8 also comes in a GMRS version, and that’s a different radio. Make sure the listing says HAM before you buy.
BAOFENG UV-5R
Best for: the lowest-cost way onto your local repeater.
Pros
- Usually among the cheapest dual-band handhelds you can buy
- Huge community, so help is easy to find
- Works with CHIRP, a free programming program
Cons
- Programming from the keypad is slow going
- The manual isn’t much help
- Advertised wattage varies by version, so treat it with caution
There are a lot of UV-5R variants out there, and specs differ between them. This listing is a two-pack, which is handy if you want to practice with a friend or family member. Budget for a programming cable if one isn’t included. It makes setup far less painful.
Tenway UV-5R Pro
Best for: buying one box with most of the extras already in it.
Pros
- Listed with a programming cable and speaker mic
- Also listed with an AR-771 upgrade antenna
- Programs with CHIRP
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Some buyers struggle with the manual
- 1800mAh battery is smaller than others on this list
The extras are the real value here. A programming cable and a better antenna are the first two things most new owners buy anyway, so check what’s in the box before you compare prices.
Radioddity GA-510
Best for: long days away from a charger.
Pros
- Comes with two 2200mAh batteries
- Three power levels
- Programs from the keypad or a computer
Cons
- Advertised as 10W, but some buyers measure closer to 8W
- Radioddity’s 12-hour battery figure assumes you mostly listen, not transmit
Having a spare battery in the box is the big win. Heavy transmitting will run a battery down much faster than the headline figures suggest, so that second one earns its keep.
Accessories Often Beat a New Radio
If you already own a radio, this is usually the smarter place to spend. We cover these in more detail in our guide to ham radio accessories.
- A better antenna. The stock antenna is the weakest part of most handhelds. An upgrade improves what you hear and how far you reach, and it usually costs less than a new radio.
- A good headset or microphone. Clear audio makes every contact easier, especially on a busy band.
- An SWR meter and decent coax. Not glamorous, but it’s how you find out whether your antenna is actually working.
- A reliable power supply. You’ll want one if you’re moving from a handheld to a mobile or base radio.
Deals That Look Like Ham Radios, But Aren’t
Black Friday listings get loose with the word “ham.” Read these twice before you click buy.
- GMRS radios. GMRS is a separate radio service with its own FCC license. A GMRS radio is not a ham radio, even when the listing says it is.
- AM/FM and shortwave portables. They’re fine for listening, but they can’t transmit, so they won’t get you on the air.
- Bundles stuffed with extras. A bundle with a better antenna or a programming cable is good value. One padded with things you’ll never use isn’t.
How to Spot a Real Black Friday Deal
- Set a budget first. It’s the easiest way to avoid an impulse buy.
- Compare prices. Not every “deal” is the lowest price of the year. Check a couple of retailers, and look at a price tracker for Amazon listings.
- Match the radio to your license and your plans. A handheld is great for local repeaters. For long-distance HF contacts, you’ll need a different kind of radio and a General class license or higher for most of the bands.
- Check the exact version. Battery size, wattage and accessories can all change between listings for the same model. If you’re torn between brands, our Baofeng vs Yaesu comparison can help.
Buying for someone else? Our ham radio gift ideas are a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday is November 30. Some radio sales have started earlier in past years, so it’s worth looking a week or so ahead.
Where should I look for ham radio deals?
Amazon is a good place to check budget handhelds. For higher-end radios and antennas, look at specialist ham retailers such as DX Engineering, Ham Radio Outlet and GigaParts, along with the manufacturers’ own sites.
Do I need a license to use these radios?
In the US, yes, if you want to transmit on the ham bands. You can listen without one. A Technician license is the usual starting point, and it gives you the 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands these handhelds use.
Is a GMRS radio the same as a ham radio?
No. GMRS is a separate service with its own FCC license and its own frequencies. Your ham license doesn’t cover it, and a GMRS license doesn’t cover the ham bands.
Should I buy a new radio or an accessory this Black Friday?
If you already have a working radio, start with the antenna. It improves both receiving and transmitting, and it usually costs less than replacing the radio.
