Looking for the best ham radio 2026 has to offer? Whether you're a brand-new Technician licensee, a General upgrading to HF, or a seasoned operator building out your shack, this guide covers the top 10 radios worth your attention right now.
How We Chose These Radios
This list isn't pulled from thin air. Every radio here has been ham-tested — some we've used ourselves, others have earned consistent, repeated praise from the ham radio community across ARRL discussions, QRZ forums, and active operators. We focused on radios that are actively being sold and supported, with coverage across every budget level and use case.
Best Ham Radio 2026 — Our Top 10 Picks
1. Baofeng UV-5R — Best Budget Ham Radio 2026
The Baofeng UV-5R remains the most popular beginner ham radio for one simple reason: it costs less than a tank of gas and gets you on the air immediately. Dual-band (2m/70cm), 8 watts of power, and programmable with the free Baofeng UV-5R programming guide on this site.
At roughly $25 no other radio comes close on pure value. It is not perfect—the build quality is plastic, the speaker mic is tinny, and you will want a better antenna eventually—but for a first radio, the UV-5R is still the one to beat in 2026. Heck, at that price buy a 6-pack of them and you'll always have a radio handy when you need one.
Price: $15–$35 | Bands: 2m/70cm | Power: 8W
2. Yaesu FT-710 — Great mid-range HF Powerhouse
The FT-710 is Yaesu's current-generation HF base station, delivering 100 watts on all HF bands plus 6 meters. It features an SDR-based receiver with a real-time spectrum scope, built-in antenna tuner, and a color touchscreen interface — all in a compact desktop form factor that fits any shack without taking over the room.
If you're upgrading from a Technician-only setup to General class and ready to get on HF, the FT-710 is one of the cleanest entry points into Yaesu's ecosystem right now. It gives you modern features at a price that undercuts the flagship competition. This the radio I personally use for DX and POTA, and I've been very happy with it.
Price: $1,100–$1,200 | Bands: HF + 6m | Power: 100W
3. Yaesu FTM-510 — Mobile Dual-Band Magnificence
The FTM-510 is Yaesu's latest dual-band mobile radio, offering reliable VHF/UHF performance in a compact, vehicle-mountable design. It's a solid choice for operators who want a step up from a handheld without the footprint of a full base station.
With 50 watts of transmit power on both 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands, the FTM-510 gives you solid local coverage and access to most regional repeater networks. It's versatile enough to live in your car or on a desk with an external antenna.
I personally own the FTM-500 (previous generation of this radio) and use it in my truck for mobile operation. I especially love the built-in speaker.
Price: $650–$750 | Bands: 2m/70cm | Power: 50W
4. Yaesu FT-891 — HF On The Go
The FT-891 is one of the most commonly recommended mobile HF radio in the ham community, and for good reason. It delivers 100 watts on all HF bands plus 6 meters, has a built-in antenna tuner, a color display, and a surprisingly capable receiver for a radio in this price range.
It's compact enough to mount in a vehicle but small enough to live permanently on a desktop. If you want HF capability without spending $1,000+ or giving up half your desk, this is the radio that keeps showing up in every conversation about the best bang-for-buck HF rig.
It's a good option for POTA and SOTA, or DXing from your vehicle if you have the right antennas.
Price: $700–$750 | Bands: HF + 6m | Power: 100W
5. Icom IC-7300 mk2— Best Overall HF Transceiver 2026
The IC-7300 mk2 is the gold standard for HF base station radios at an accessible price point. It delivers 100 watts on all HF bands plus 6 meters, and features a built-in SDR receiver with a full-color touchscreen that shows a real-time spectrum scope — a feature that used to cost thousands more just a few years ago.
For hams moving from Technician to General class, this is the radio that will grow with you. It covers everything you need for HF voice, CW, and digital modes, and it does it with Icom's reputation for solid, reliable hardware. Consistently called one of the best values in HF by the entire ham community.
Price: $1,400–$1,500 | Bands: HF + 6m | Power: 100W
6. Yaesu FT-65R — Best Baofeng Upgrade
The FT-65R is the clearest upgrade path from a Baofeng without jumping into premium handheld territory. Yaesu builds solid, reliable radios, and the FT-65R is no exception — with noticeably better audio quality, a clearer display, and build quality that gives you more confidence in the field.
Dual-band, 5 watts, and compatible with CHIRP for easy programming. If your budget can stretch past the Baofeng range, this is the radio that will make you feel like you moved up a real tier without breaking the bank.
Price: $120 – $140 | Bands: 2m/70cm | Power: 5W
7. Kenwood TH-D75A — Best Feature-Packed Handheld
The TH-D75A is Kenwood's current-generation flagship handheld, featuring a full metal frame, built-in GPS, APRS support, and D-STAR digital mode compatibility. It is the premium choice for hams who want a handheld that can do more than just analog FM voice.
If you're serious about APRS tracking or exploring digital contacts via D-STAR, this is the handheld that gets recommended every time. It's larger and heavier than a Baofeng, but the feature set and build quality reflect the higher price tag.
Price: $700–$750 | Bands: 2m/70cm | Power: 5W
8. Xiegu G90 — Best Budget HF Transceiver
The G90 has become the go-to recommendation for hams who want HF capability at a QRP power level. It puts out 20 watts — enough for solid HF contacts with the right antenna — and features a built-in antenna tuner and compact design that fits easily in a backpack.
It's especially popular among POTA and SOTA activators who need something lightweight they can carry on the trail. The G90 isn't trying to replace a 100-watt base station; it's built for operators who want HF in the field without hauling heavy gear. For the price, it remains one of the most accessible doors into HF operating.
Price: $450–$550 | Bands: HF | Power: 20W
9. Anytone AT-D878UVII — Best Budget HT For DMR
The AT-D878UVII is widely regarded as the best value DMR radio available. Dual-band VHF/UHF, DMR Tier II compatible, full-color display, and USB programming — everything you need to get into digital voice without spending Icom or Kenwood money.
DMR is growing fast as more repeaters come online, and the 878VII Plus gives you access to that network without a premium price tag. It's programmable with free software, well-supported by the community, and consistently recommended as the smart entry point into digital ham radio.
Price: $175–$200 | Bands: 2m/70cm | Power: 5W
10. Yaesu FT-70DR — Best Budget HT For Fusion
The FT-70DR is Yaesu's most affordable entry point into their Fusion digital system. Fusion offers digital voice with better clarity and coverage than analog FM, and the FT-70DR gives you access to that network without a significant financial jump from a basic analog handheld.
If you're already familiar with analog FM and want to future-proof your handheld setup with digital capability, the FT-70DR is the budget-friendly way to do it. It's dual-band, easy to program, and brings you into Yaesu's digital ecosystem at a price that makes sense for beginners and experienced operators alike.
Price: $175–$200 | Bands: 2m/70cm | Power: 5W
Best Affordable Ham Radio 2026 — Our Top Budget Picks
If you are working with a tight budget, you honestly cannot go wrong with any of these three radios:
- Baofeng UV-5R ($15–$35) — The undisputed king of budget ham radios. It will get you on the air for less than any other option.
- Yaesu FT-65R ($120–$140)— The clearest step up in quality without jumping to premium prices.
- Anytone AT-D878UVII ($175–$200)— The best value in DMR. Digital capability without the premium DMR price tag.
All three are programmable with the free CHIRP software, and for the UV-5R, we have a step-by-step guide for getting them set up on this site.
What to Consider Before You Buy
License Class Matters
Technician licensees have full access to VHF/UHF and limited HF privileges (10 meters). If you are sticking to local repeaters and FM simplex, any dual-band handheld or mobile radio will serve you well. If you want to fully explore HF and work distant stations, you will need a General class license and an HF-capable radio.
Not licensed yet? The Technician test is 35 multiple-choice questions covering ham radio basics, operating rules, and a bit of electronics. Most people who prep for a week or two pass on their first try. Check out our Tech + General Accelerator study course for more info!
Handheld vs. Mobile vs. Base Station
- Handheld (HT) — Most popular for beginners. Portable, affordable, and ready to use out of the box. Great for local VHF/UHF.
- Mobile — More power (50W typical), better antennas, and the ability to operate from your vehicle. A great second radio as you advance.
- Base station — Maximum power (100W), best antennas, and the most capability. The right choice if you are serious about HF or VHF/UHF contesting and DXing.
New vs. Used
Used ham radios are widely available and often represent excellent value—especially for higher-end models. However, buying used means limited or no warranty, unknown history, and potential hidden issues. For budget radios under $100, buying new is generally the safer call. For premium radios like the Icom IC-7300, a certified pre-owned unit from a reputable dealer can be a smart way to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ham radio for a beginner in 2026?
What ham radio has the best range?
Do I need an HF radio as a new Technician?
Are Baofeng radios legal?
Final Thoughts
The best ham radio 2026 is ultimately the one that fits your license class, your budget, and how you plan to use it. The good news: the entry point has never been lower, and even the most affordable options on this list will get you on the air and making contacts.
Start with a quality handheld like the Baofeng UV-5R or Yaesu FT-65R, get comfortable on your local repeaters, and grow from there. The hobby meets you where you are.
Need help choosing? Drop a comment below with your license class and what you want to do with your radio—I will point you in the right direction.
Ready to Get Started? Grab Your Free Ham Radio Starter Checklist!
Thinking about getting started in ham radio but not sure where to begin? We've created a free checklist that walks you through every step – from studying for the Technician exam to buying your first radio.
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