Ham radio is one of the few hobbies where your first equipment purchase can be under $20 and still teach you everything you need to know. My first radio was a $25 Baofeng. It's still in my go-bag. I've since upgraded, but that cheap radio removed the biggest barrier to entry: the feeling that I needed expensive gear to participate.
This guide is for people who are studying for their license, just passed their exam, or are trying to figure out if ham radio is worth the time. You don't need to spend $300 on day one. You need the right $15 to $70 radio, a community to talk to, and the confidence to key up.
Quick Picks
| Radio | Price | Beginner Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV-21R | $27 | 96 | Easiest to start with |
| BF-5RH PRO | $70 | 94 | Best overall beginner radio |
| UV-5R | $15 | 89 | Cheapest way to start |
| GT-5R | $18 | 86 | Best budget battery life |
| UV-82 | $60 | 79 | Best ergonomics |
| Yaesu FT-65R | $119 | 78 | Best build quality |
| DM32 | $54 | 67 | Best if you want DMR later |
| AT-D878UV | $250 | 51 | Best premium starter |
How We Ranked These
Every radio on RadioRanked gets a beginner score from 0 to 100 that measures ease of programming, community support size, CHIRP compatibility, affordability, and how forgiving the radio is for newcomers. A high beginner score means less frustration in your first month. Full details on our scoring methodology.
Do You Need a Radio Yet?
Quick reality check: you can't legally transmit on ham frequencies without a license. The Technician exam is 35 multiple-choice questions, and most people pass after 2 to 4 weeks of casual study. Total cost is $35 to $50 (a $35 FCC application fee plus a $0 to $15 exam session fee). Our licensing guide covers the entire process, and our practice quiz lets you test yourself with real exam questions.
That said, you can buy a radio before you're licensed. Receiving is legal for anyone. Listening to local repeaters while you study is genuinely useful; you'll hear the etiquette, learn the rhythm of a net, and be less nervous when it's your turn to transmit.
Entry Tier: Under $30
These radios cost less than a decent lunch. They're not the fanciest, but they get you on the air and teach you the fundamentals. If you decide ham radio isn't for you, you've lost the price of a pizza.
Easiest to Start With: Baofeng UV-21R ($27, Beginner Score: 96)
The UV-21R has the highest beginner score of any radio in our database. For $27, you get triband coverage (VHF, 220 MHz, UHF), IP54 weather resistance, 6 watts, and CHIRP compatibility. With 759 Amazon reviews at 4.5 stars, it's well-validated by the community.
What makes it beginner-friendly is the combination of low price, weather resistance (so you don't ruin it in the rain), CHIRP support (so you can program it easily), and triband (so you have access to the less-crowded 220 MHz repeaters). Compare it to the UV-5R to see the differences.
Best for: First-time buyers who want a capable radio at rock-bottom price.
Cheapest Way In: Baofeng UV-5R ($15, Beginner Score: 89)
The UV-5R is the most iconic beginner ham radio ever made. At $15, it's cheaper than the programming cable you'll use to set it up. Dual-band VHF/UHF, 5 watts, CHIRP-compatible, and backed by over 10,000 Amazon reviews. The community around this radio is the largest of any handheld; if you hit a problem, someone else already solved it and posted the answer on YouTube.
The beginner score of 89 is high despite the radio's age and basic features because community support matters enormously for new operators. The stock antenna is weak and the menu system is confusing, but CHIRP eliminates the menu problem entirely.
Is it legal? Yes, with a ham license.
Best for: Absolute budget buyers, people who want the most tutorials and community help available. Browse more radios under $50.
Best Budget Battery: Baofeng GT-5R ($18, Beginner Score: 86)
The GT-5R is the UV-5R's battery-conscious sibling. For $18, you get a 3,800 mAh battery, which is more than double the UV-5R's 1,800 mAh. Everything else is comparable: dual-band, 6 watts, CHIRP-compatible, and backed by 1,138 Amazon reviews.
If your main concern is not having to charge constantly, especially for emergency preparedness or all-day outdoor use, the GT-5R solves that for $3 more than the UV-5R.
Best for: Emergency kits, extended field use, anyone who hates charging.
Mid Tier: $50 to $120
If you can spend a bit more, this tier delivers meaningfully better features: higher power, APRS, better build quality, and larger displays. These are radios you'll keep using for years, not just months.
Best Overall for Beginners: Baofeng BF-5RH PRO ($70, Beginner Score: 94)
The BF-5RH PRO is our top recommendation for most beginners. It's the highest-scoring handheld in the entire RadioRanked database (overall score 86) and has the second-highest beginner score (94). For $70 you get triband (VHF/UHF/1.25m), 10 watts, GPS with APRS, IP54 weather resistance, CHIRP compatibility, and it ships as a two-radio kit.
That last part matters: two radios means you and a friend or family member can practice together, which makes learning exponentially faster. The APRS capability means your radio can broadcast your GPS position, which is useful for POTA activations and emergency situations.
Best for: Anyone spending $50 to $100 on their first radio. This is the sweet spot. Compare it to the UV-5R to see why the extra $55 matters.
Best Ergonomics: Baofeng UV-82 ($60, Beginner Score: 79)
The UV-82 is the radio to buy if the UV-5R feels too small or cramped. The taller body, larger buttons, and dual PTT design make it more comfortable for people with bigger hands or dexterity concerns. Dual-band, 8 watts, 2,800 mAh battery, and CHIRP-compatible.
The beginner score of 79 is solid. It's lower than the UV-5R mainly because the community is slightly smaller (815 reviews vs. 10,000+), which means fewer tutorials when you get stuck.
Best for: Comfort-first buyers, older operators, anyone who finds the UV-5R physically awkward.
Best Build Quality: Yaesu FT-65R ($119, Beginner Score: 78)
The FT-65R is the only Japanese-manufactured radio on this list and it shows. The build quality is a step above every Baofeng: precise knobs, solid chassis, clean audio, and IP54 weather resistance. With a 4.6-star Amazon rating from 458 reviews, long-term satisfaction runs high.
The beginner score of 78 reflects a tradeoff: at $119 for a 5-watt FM-only radio with no digital modes or APRS, the value proposition is harder to justify by the numbers. You're paying for Yaesu's receiver quality and durability, not for features. If you plan to keep this radio for 5 to 10 years, the premium makes sense.
CHIRP-compatible for easy programming. Compare it to the BF-5RH PRO to weigh features vs. build quality.
Best for: Beginners who value quality over quantity. A radio you'll never outgrow for basic analog operation.
Future-Proof Tier: For When You Know You're Staying
These radios cost more and have steeper learning curves. Don't buy them as your first radio unless you're already certain ham radio is for you. They make excellent second radios after 3 to 6 months with a budget model.
Best DMR Gateway: Baofeng DM32 ($54, Beginner Score: 67)
The DM32 adds DMR digital voice to the Baofeng formula. DMR Tier II, APRS, GPS, 8 watts, and CHIRP compatibility for $54. If you know you want to explore digital modes eventually, buying a DMR-capable radio from the start saves you from buying a second radio later.
The beginner score of 67 is lower because DMR programming adds real complexity. You'll need to learn codeplugs, talkgroups, and time slots before your first digital QSO. Start with analog FM, then explore DMR when you're comfortable.
Best for: Beginners who are technically curious and want a radio that grows with them. Compare DM32 vs UV-5R.
Best Premium Starter: AnyTone AT-D878UV ($250, Beginner Score: 51)
The AT-D878UV is the radio experienced hams will tell you to buy when you ask for the "best" DMR handheld. DMR Tier I and II, APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, color display, 7 watts, and 3,100 mAh battery. The CPS software is the best in the DMR world, and the community around AnyTone is large and helpful.
The beginner score of 51 is the lowest on this list, and for good reason. This is not a first radio. At $250, it's a significant investment, and the feature set will overwhelm someone who hasn't yet programmed a basic repeater. Buy this after 6 months with a UV-5R, when you know exactly what you want.
Best for: Committed beginners upgrading from a budget radio. Compare it to the UV-5R to see the gap.
Full Comparison Table
| Radio | Price | Beginner | Overall | Power | Bands | DMR | CHIRP | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV-21R | $27 | 96 | 74 | 6W | VHF/220/UHF | No | Yes | 1,800 mAh |
| BF-5RH PRO | $70 | 94 | 86 | 10W | VHF/UHF/1.25m | No | Yes | 2,500 mAh |
| UV-5R | $15 | 89 | 69 | 5W | VHF/UHF | No | Yes | 1,800 mAh |
| GT-5R | $18 | 86 | 69 | 6W | VHF/UHF | No | Yes | 3,800 mAh |
| UV-82 | $60 | 79 | 67 | 8W | VHF/UHF | No | Yes | 2,800 mAh |
| FT-65R | $119 | 78 | 57 | 5W | VHF/UHF | No | Yes | 1,950 mAh |
| DM32 | $54 | 67 | 83 | 8W | VHF/UHF | Yes | Yes | 2,500 mAh |
| AT-D878UV | $250 | 51 | 83 | 7W | VHF/UHF | Yes | No | 3,100 mAh |
Programming Your First Radio
The single best thing you can do after buying any radio on this list is program it with CHIRP. CHIRP is free, open-source software that connects to your radio through a USB cable and lets you load repeater frequencies, set tones, and organize channels from a spreadsheet on your computer.
The alternative is punching frequencies in through the radio's tiny keypad, which takes hours and is error-prone. CHIRP takes minutes.
Seven of the eight radios on this list are CHIRP-compatible (the AnyTone uses its own CPS software, which is also decent). Buy a programming cable ($10 to $15, often included), connect your radio to your laptop, import your local repeaters from RepeaterBook, and upload. Five minutes, and you're ready to listen.
Your First 6 Months: A Realistic Path
Before your license: Study with our practice quiz. Buy a radio and listen to local repeaters. Learn the rhythm of a net.
Month 1: Pass your exam, get your call sign. Program your radio with CHIRP. Listen more than you talk. Find a friendly net and check in.
Month 2 to 3: Make your first 5 QSOs. Upgrade your stock antenna for $15 to $20 (this makes a bigger difference than upgrading the radio). Learn about VHF vs UHF propagation from experience.
Month 4 to 6: If you're hooked, consider upgrading to a BF-5RH PRO or Yaesu FT-65R. Explore simplex (no repeater) contacts. Join a local club. Start thinking about POTA or emergency volunteering.
After 6 months: You'll know what you want. The best handheld ham radios roundup and our Baofeng guide can help you pick your next radio based on where the hobby has taken you. Check our band chart to understand what frequencies your license class grants.
Bottom Line
Start with the Baofeng BF-5RH PRO at $70 if you can. It's the best combination of beginner-friendliness, features, and value in our database. If $70 is too much, the UV-21R at $27 or the UV-5R at $15 will teach you everything you need to know for the price of a cable.
Community matters more than gear. A $15 radio and a friendly repeater net beats a $250 rig used alone. Get your license, buy a radio, program it with CHIRP, and key up. You'll be surprised how welcoming people are to newcomers.
Browse all our beginner-ranked radios or filter by budget: under $50, under $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license before I buy a ham radio?
No. You can buy and own a ham radio without a license. Receiving (listening) is legal for anyone. You only need a license to transmit. Many people buy a radio while studying for their exam so they can listen to local repeaters and get familiar with the hobby before their first QSO.
How long does it take to get a ham radio license?
Most people pass the Technician exam after 2 to 4 weeks of casual study using free online resources like HamStudy.org. The exam is 35 multiple-choice questions; you need 26 correct to pass. No Morse code required. The total cost is $35 to $50 ($35 FCC application fee plus an optional $0 to $15 exam session fee), and your license is valid for 10 years. Full walkthrough: How to Get Your Ham Radio License.
Is a $15 Baofeng actually good enough to start with?
Yes. The UV-5R has introduced more people to ham radio than any other radio. It receives and transmits on both VHF and UHF, supports CHIRP programming, and has the largest online community of any handheld. Its limitations (weak antenna, basic features, tinny audio) are real but don't prevent you from learning the fundamentals. Most beginners upgrade within a year, and that's the point: start cheap, figure out what you want, then invest.
What's the first thing I should buy after a radio?
A better antenna. The stock rubber duck antenna on most budget handhelds is the weakest link in your setup. A Nagoya NA-771 or similar aftermarket whip antenna costs $15 to $20 and typically doubles your usable range. After that, a USB programming cable ($10 to $15) if one wasn't included with your radio.
Should I start with analog FM or DMR?
Start with analog FM. Every repeater in the country supports it, the programming is simpler, and the community resources for beginners are centered around FM operation. DMR (digital voice) adds complexity: codeplugs, talkgroups, time slots. It's worth exploring after you're comfortable with the basics, typically 3 to 6 months in. Our DMR guide covers what you need to know when you're ready, and our best DMR radios roundup compares all the top options.