Top 5 Ham Radio Handhelds for Beginners (2025): Prices, Features & Buy Links
As a newly licensed ham, your first handheld transceiver (HT) sets the tone for years of on-air fun, experimentation, and public-service work. Below are five popular HTs—ranked by price (low → high)—that balance cost with quality, durability, and features you’ll actually use. Here are the top 5 Ham Radio Handhelds (subjective, of course).
1. Baofeng UV-5R Kit — $28.39
A perennial favorite for absolute budget builds. This UV-5R kit (1× UV-5R, spare 1800 mAh battery, high-gain antenna) runs about $28.39 on Amazon Amazon.
- Coverage: 136–174 MHz & 400–520 MHz
- Output: 4–5 W selectable
- Pros: Ultra-cheap, CHIRP-programmable, huge community support
- Cons: Basic plastic chassis, splash-resistant only, marginal receiver front-end, the basics, but will get you something to start with – for the ultra-tight wad.
Good for: Learning programming, loaner radios, basic local-net use.
2. Radioddity GD-77 — $39.99
Digital-voice curious? The GD-77 adds DMR alongside analog FM for about $39.99 on Amazon Amazon.
- Coverage: 136–174 MHz & 400–480 MHz
- Output: Max 5 W (rep rate–limited on digital)
- Features: DMR Tier 2, dual-time-slot, 1,024 channels, 2× 2200 mAh batteries
- Build: Sturdy ABS shell, IP54 splash-proof
Good for: Exploring digital-voice nets without a $300 investment. Cool with open gd-77 firmware!
3. Yaesu FT-65R — $109.95
For a no-compromise analog workhorse, the FT-65R delivers rugged build and long battery life at $109.95 (HRO discount) Ham Radio Outlet.
- Coverage: 144–148 MHz & 430–450 MHz
- Output: 5 W (selectable 2.5 W/0.5 W)
- Durability: IP54-rated splash-proof, robust chassis
- Battery: 1950 mAh Li-ion for ~9 hr operation
- Extras: NOAA weather, clear audio, simple menus
Good for: Weekly nets, parks-on-the-air, and public-service ops. Solid radio from Yaesu, maybe even look at the FT-70DR? C4FM to impress your friends!
4. Icom ID-52A — $649.95
Ready to dive deep into D-STAR, APRS, and modern convenience? The ID-52A packs GPS, Bluetooth, and a vivid color display at $649.95 (HRO discount) Ham Radio Outlet.
- Coverage: 144–148 MHz & 430–450 MHz
- Modes: FM + D-STAR DV & data
- Features: Built-in GPS/APRS, microSD slot, IPX7 waterproof, Bluetooth
- Battery: 3350 mAh Li-ion, fast USB-C charging
Good for: Satellite work, text/data over D-STAR, and emergency communications. Maybe you want to start out fancy? This is a lot of radio for a new ham, very nice! You won’t need to upgrade anytime soon with this baby.
5. Kenwood TH-D74A — $639.95
Tri-band ambition? The TH-D74A adds 220 MHz, APRS, Wi-Fi streaming, and full D-STAR for $639.95 after coupons Ham Radio Outlet.
- Coverage: 144, 220 & 430 MHz
- Modes: FM + D-STAR DV, APRS (1200/9600 bps)
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi for audio/GPS streaming to smartphone apps
- Display & Build: Color TFT, IP54/55 splash-proof, premium feel
- Battery: 1800 mAh Li-ion, up to 11 hr light-use
Good for: Technically hungry hams, serious APRS users, and D-STAR net controllers. Really the top of the line right now in HT’s. Hey, if you can afford to go top of the line as a new ham – Just do it! (sorry Nike)
Which HT Is Right for You?
- Purely Budget-Driven? Baofeng UV-5R gets you on air for under $30.
- Digital-Voice Newbie? Radioddity GD-77 for $40 brings you into DMR.
- Rugged Analog Workhorse? Yaesu FT-65R at $110.
- All-Around Digital? Icom ID-52A at $650 for D-STAR + APRS.
- Feature-Packed Tri-Band? Kenwood TH-D74A at $640 for ultimate handheld flexibility.
What Do You Think?
Will you go ultra-budget and learn the basics on a $30 UV-5R—or invest up front in a digital powerhouse? Drop a comment below and let us know which HT you’ll choose for your first ham radio adventures!