Articles

Guides, explainers, and tips for amateur radio operators.

explainersMar 14, 2026 · 21 min read

How to Get Your Ham Radio License: The Complete Guide (2026)

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.

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Ham radio operator studying for the Technician license exam

A GMRS handheld radio and a ham radio handheld side by side on an outdoor table

ComparisonsApr 3, 2026 · 15 min read

GMRS vs Ham Radio: Which License Should You Get?

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.

Collection of DMR handheld radios arranged on a table with a laptop showing codeplug software

Buying GuidesApr 2, 2026 · 18 min read

Best DMR Radios (2026): 6 Handhelds Ranked by Data

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.

Two handheld radios side by side on an outdoor table, one a simple FRS walkie-talkie and one a more capable GMRS radio

ComparisonsMar 30, 2026 · 17 min read

FRS vs GMRS: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

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.

Two GMRS handheld radios on a camping table next to a lantern and trail map

Buying GuidesMar 29, 2026 · 12 min read

Best GMRS Radios (2026): What to Buy and What to Know First

GMRS radios ranked for camping, family use, and emergency prep. Licensing explained, range expectations set, and honest buying advice.

A new ham radio operator unboxing a handheld radio at a desk with a license study guide and laptop

Buying GuidesMar 28, 2026 · 14 min read

Best Ham Radios for Beginners: Complete Buying Guide (2026)

The best ham radios for beginners, ranked by ease of use and community support. From $15 to $250, find the right first radio.

Ham radio operator on a mountaintop holding a handheld radio with a wide valley landscape stretching into the distance

ExplainersMar 28, 2026 · 14 min read

Ham Radio Range: How Far Can You Really Talk?

Real-world ham radio range data: what handhelds actually reach, what affects distance, and how to maximize your signal.

A handheld ham radio and a CB radio microphone side by side on a truck dashboard

ComparisonsMar 28, 2026 · 13 min read

Ham Radio vs CB Radio: Which Is Right for You?

An honest comparison of ham radio and CB radio: licensing, cost, range, community, and use cases. Find which one fits your situation.

Several Baofeng handheld radios lined up on a workbench, from classic UV-5R to modern BF-5RH PRO

Buying GuidesMar 27, 2026 · 16 min read

Best Baofeng Radios Ranked: Every Model Worth Buying in 2026

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.

Collection of handheld ham radios arranged on a wooden table, ranging from budget Baofeng to premium Yaesu models

Buying GuidesMar 27, 2026 · 18 min read

Best Handheld Ham Radios (2026): 8 Picks Ranked by Data

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 radio programming software interface on a laptop connected to a handheld radio

ExplainersMar 26, 2026 · 17 min read

What Is CHIRP? The Free Software That Programs Almost Every Ham Radio

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 handheld radio connected to a hotspot

ExplainersMar 21, 2026 · 14 min read

What Is DMR? Digital Mobile Radio Explained for Ham Operators

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.

RegulationsMar 13, 2026 · 11 min read

Is the Baofeng UV-5R Legal? Here's What the FCC Actually Says

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.

VHF and UHF handheld radios side by side

explainersMar 9, 2026 · 8 min read

VHF vs UHF for Ham Radio: Which Band Do You Actually Need?

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.