So you want to get into ham radio…but you have no idea what radio to buy. I get it. The options are overwhelming. Baofengs are cheap. Yaesu is popular. Icom has loyal fans. And everyone has an opinion. The problem? Most advice comes from hams who have been in the hobby for 30 years. They forget what it's like to be a beginner. This guide cuts through the noise.
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The Short Version
Budget: Baofeng UV-5R ($15-25)
Sweet Spot: Yaesu FT-60R ($190-220) or Yaesu FTM-150R ($320-360)
Premium: Yaesu FT-5DR ($500) or Yaesu FTM-510 ($690)
Why Quality Matters
I get it — Baofengs are cheap. But here is the thing: you will end up buying twice. They make good throw-away radios, spares or gifts for newly-licensed ham radio friends, but you won't like it enough to be your daily go-to radio.
Yaesu, Icom, Alinco and Kenwood cost more upfront but last years. The audio is better, the buttons do not break, and you will actually enjoy using them.
Buy once, cry once.
Your Two Main Options
Option 1: Mobile Radio (Recommended)
Mount a radio in your car and use it with an external antenna.
Pros:
More power (50W vs 5W on HTs)
Easier to hit repeaters
Runs off your car battery
Better audio
Cons:
Requires installation
Can't easily take it hiking
Option 2: Handheld (HT)
A portable radio you can carry anywhere.
Pros:
Portable
No installation
Great for hiking/camping
Cons:
Weak power (5W)
Shorter range
Annoying to program
My Top Picks
Mobile Radios
| Radio | Price | Who It Is For |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FTM-150R | $320-360 | Best all-around. Solid dual-band, easy to use, great features |
| Yaesu FTM-510 | $690 | Premium option. Latest features, Bluetooth, superior audio |
| Icom IC-2730A | $340-380 | Dual-band and rock-solid |
| Alinco DR-735T | $330-370 | Tank-like build quality |
Handheld Radios
| Radio | Price | Who It Is For |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-60R | $190-220 | Gold standard for beginners. Rugged, reliable, great audio |
| Yaesu FT-5DR | $500 | Premium. Full duplex, GPS, Fusion digital mode |
| Yaesu FT-70DR | $280-320 | Digital capable (Fusion), good entry point |
| Icom IC-T10 | $170-200 | Compact, good features |
Budget Option
| Radio | Price | Why It Is Good |
|---|---|---|
| Baofeng UV-5R | $15-25 | Cheap. That is it. |
Premium Picks: For the Big Spenders
Yaesu FTM-510 ($690)
The FTM-510 is Yaesu flagship mobile radio. If you want the best:
C4FM/Fusion digital mode — works with both analog and digital
Bluetooth built-in — wireless headset support
Superior audio quality — loud and clear
50 watts power — maximum repeater reach
GPS ready — optional external GPS antenna
If you are serious about the hobby and want a radio that will last 10+ years, this is it.
Yaesu FT-5DR ($500)
The FT-5DR is the premium handheld:
C4FM/Fusion digital — future-proof
Full duplex — transmit and receive at the same time (rare in HTs!)
Built-in GPS — coordinates for POTA/SOTA
5 watts power — maximum legal HT power
Bluetooth — wireless headset option
Rugged build — IPX7 water resistant
Yes, it is pricey. But if you want the best portable radio Yaesu makes, this is it.
Essential Accessories
For Mobile Setup
- Programming cable + software: RT Systems (~$50) — makes programming way easier
- Antenna: Larsen NMO 2/70 (~$80) — quality antenna that works
- Mount: Magnetic mount or trunk lip mount (~$70)
For HT
- Programming cable: RT Systems USB (~$50)
- Extra battery: Always good to have
- Better antenna: Nagoya NA-771 (~$21) — much better than stock
What About Baofeng?
Look, if you literally have $20 and nothing else, a Baofeng UV-5R is better than nothing. You can listen to repeaters, learn the lingo, and see if you like the hobby.
But:
Quality control is a lottery
Customer service does not exist
You will probably upgrade soon anyway
If you can swing $190+ for an FT-60R, do it.
The Minimum You Will Spend
- Mobile setup: $500-600
- Premium mobile: $900
- HT setup: $200
- Premium HT: $520
- Budget HT: $30
What I Recommend
- On a budget? FT-60R = ~$190
- Want the best HT? FT-5DR = ~$520
- Best mobile value? FTM-150R + Larsen antenna = ~$520
- No compromises? FTM-510 + Larsen antenna = ~$900
Either way, get the programming cable. Manually entering frequencies is painful.
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