Guides, explainers, and tips for amateur radio operators.
Everything you need to know about getting your FCC amateur radio license: the three license levels, what the exam covers, how much it costs, where to take the test, and whether it's worth it.
Read articleThe TIDRADIO TD-H3 doubles the UV-5R's price but adds USB-C charging, a 2,500 mAh battery, and an app-based programming flow. Worth the upgrade? Honest review.
Honest review of the AnyTone AT-D878UV after a year of daily use. Color TFT, DMR + APRS + GPS + Bluetooth PTT for under $260. Worth it? Yes, with caveats.
Eight years in, the Baofeng UV-5R is still the most popular handheld ham radio in the US. Honest review of what it does well, where it falls short, and whether you should buy one in 2026.
Ranked handhelds for maximum range plus the antenna, repeater, and power strategies that actually move the needle on long-distance ham radio.
Data-ranked picks for Parks on the Air activations. Budget to premium handhelds scored on portability, battery life, and field performance.
The best ham radios for emergency preparedness, ranked by battery life, durability, and reliability. From $18 budget backups to IP67 rugged picks.
GMRS is simpler and cheaper to start. Ham radio gives you more range, modes, and community. Here's how to decide which license is right for you.
We scored every DMR handheld in our database. Here are the 6 best DMR radios for 2026, from a $47 entry point to feature-loaded flagships.
FRS needs no license but tops out at 2 miles. GMRS costs $35, covers your whole family, and reaches 20+ miles with repeaters. Here's how to choose.
GMRS radios ranked for camping, family use, and emergency prep. Licensing explained, range expectations set, and honest buying advice.
The best ham radios for beginners, ranked by ease of use and community support. From $15 to $250, find the right first radio.
Real-world ham radio range data: what handhelds actually reach, what affects distance, and how to maximize your signal.
An honest comparison of ham radio and CB radio: licensing, cost, range, community, and use cases. Find which one fits your situation.
We ranked every Baofeng handheld by real specs and scoring data. From the $15 UV-5R to the $250 DMR-6X2 PRO, here's which one to buy.
We ranked the best handheld ham radios using real specs and scoring data. Budget to premium, FM to DMR, with honest tradeoffs for each.
CHIRP is free, open-source radio programming software that supports 1,000+ models from Baofeng, Yaesu, Kenwood, Icom, and dozens more. Here's how it works, how to set it up, and why most hams use it instead of manufacturer software.
DMR is the most popular digital voice mode in ham radio, but it has a reputation for being confusing. Here's how it actually works: talkgroups, codeplugs, hotspots, networks, and what you need to get on the air.
The Baofeng UV-5R is the best-selling ham radio in history, but the internet can't agree on whether it's legal. Here's what the FCC rules actually say: Part 90, Part 97, Part 95, and what matters for licensed hams.
Every VHF vs UHF guide online is written for business two-way radio buyers. This one is written for ham radio operators — covering the actual bands, repeater infrastructure, and which radio to get first.
