I bought my first handheld ham radio for $25 on Amazon. It was a Baofeng UV-5R, and I had no idea what I was doing. Five years and a General-class license later, I've programmed, carried, and compared more than twenty handhelds across every price range. This guide is what I wish someone had handed me before that first purchase.
We ranked these eight dual-band VHF/UHF handhelds using RadioRanked's scoring algorithm, which weighs value, features, beginner-friendliness, and portability from real manufacturer specs and community data. No paid placements. No guesswork. Just numbers.
Quick Picks
| Radio | Price | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baofeng BF-5RH PRO | $70 | 86 | Best overall |
| BTECH DMR-6X2 PRO | $250 | 84 | Best DMR all-rounder |
| AnyTone AT-D878UV | $250 | 83 | Best for serious DMR |
| Ailunce HD1 | $97 | 81 | Best waterproof DMR |
| Baofeng BF-F8HP | $45 | 75 | Best UV-5R upgrade |
| Baofeng UV-5R | $15 | 69 | Best absolute starter |
| Yaesu FT-65R | $119 | 57 | Best Japanese build quality |
| Yaesu FT-70DR | $280 | 49 | Best for System Fusion |
How We Ranked These Handhelds
Every radio on RadioRanked gets an overall score from 0 to 100 based on four dimensions: value (price vs. capabilities), features (digital modes, APRS, IP rating, power output), beginner-friendliness (ease of programming, community resources, learning curve), and portability (weight, battery life, form factor). The algorithm pulls from manufacturer specs, Amazon review data, and FCC certification records.
What we don't score: brand nostalgia, YouTube hype, or how many people on Reddit recommend something without explaining why. If you want the full breakdown, check our scoring methodology.
Budget Handhelds: Under $75
This is where most hams start, and honestly, it's where most hams should start. A $30 to $70 radio will get you on the air, teach you how repeaters work, and survive being tossed in a backpack. You can always upgrade later, but the lessons you learn with a cheap radio stick with you.
Best Overall: Baofeng BF-5RH PRO ($70, Score: 86)
The BF-5RH PRO is our highest-scoring handheld, and the price is almost hard to believe. For $70 you get triband coverage (VHF, UHF, and 1.25m), 10 watts of output power, built-in GPS with APRS, IP54 weather resistance, and CHIRP compatibility. It ships as a two-radio kit, which makes the per-unit cost even more absurd.
The beginner score of 94 reflects how approachable this radio is. CHIRP support means you can program it from your computer in minutes using our CHIRP guide. The 1.25-meter band is a bonus that most radios in this price range don't touch, giving you access to the 220 MHz repeaters that are less crowded than 2m or 70cm.
Tradeoffs: It's a Baofeng, so the build quality won't match a Yaesu or Kenwood. The stock rubber duck antenna is adequate but an aftermarket upgrade helps. And 10W on a 2,500 mAh battery means you'll drain faster on high power. But at this price, with this feature set, it's the radio to beat.
Who it's for: New licensees who want everything in one package without spending $200+. POTA activators on a budget. Anyone who wants a capable dual-band radio without agonizing over the decision.
Best UV-5R Upgrade: Baofeng BF-F8HP ($45, Score: 75)
The BF-F8HP is the UV-5R's more capable sibling. Same basic form factor, same Baofeng ecosystem, but with 10 watts of output power (versus 5W on the UV-5R), a higher-capacity 2,100 mAh battery, and a better-documented user manual. With over 15,000 Amazon reviews at a 4.5-star average, it's one of the most battle-tested radios on the market.
It doesn't have DMR, APRS, or GPS. It's a straightforward analog FM handheld. That simplicity is a feature for some operators. Fewer menus, fewer things to configure wrong, and a huge community of users who've solved every possible problem you'll encounter.
Tradeoffs: No digital modes means this is a dead end if you want DMR later. No IP rating means keep it dry. The interface is vintage Baofeng, which means cryptic menu numbers unless you program it with CHIRP.
Who it's for: Anyone who already likes the UV-5R form factor and wants more power and a slightly better experience. A solid option if you're building an emergency kit and want a proven, simple radio.
Best Absolute Starter: Baofeng UV-5R ($15, Score: 69)
The UV-5R has introduced more people to amateur radio than any Elmer alive. At $15, it's cheaper than most programming cables. Dual-band VHF/UHF, 5 watts, CHIRP-compatible, and backed by the largest online community of any handheld radio. If something goes wrong, there's a forum post about it.
Its overall score of 69 reflects real limitations. The feature score (18) is rock-bottom because it lacks every modern feature: no DMR, no APRS, no GPS, no IP rating. The 1,800 mAh battery is the smallest in our roundup. But the value score (95) and beginner score (89) are both exceptional because nothing else lets you get on the air for this little money with this much community support.
If you're wondering about legality, we covered that in depth: Is the Baofeng UV-5R Legal? Short answer: yes, with a ham license on amateur frequencies.
Tradeoffs: The rubber duck antenna is barely functional. Audio quality is passable, not good. You will outgrow this radio. That's fine. Outgrowing a $15 radio is a great problem to have.
Who it's for: Brand-new licensees (or about-to-be-licensees studying with our practice quiz) who want to spend the bare minimum to see if ham radio sticks. Also a reasonable beater radio for situations where you might lose or break it.
See how these two compare head-to-head: BF-5RH PRO vs UV-5R or BF-F8HP vs UV-5R.
Mid-Range Handhelds: $75 to $175
The mid-range is where you start getting features that budget radios simply can't offer: waterproofing, DMR digital voice, better build quality, and more polished ergonomics. The prices are higher, but the per-year cost of a radio you keep for five or ten years makes the math work.
Best Waterproof DMR: Ailunce HD1 ($97, Score: 81)
The Ailunce HD1 is the best value in the mid-range bracket and it's not close. For under $100 you get DMR Tier II, APRS, GPS, and genuine IP67 waterproofing (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes). The 3,200 mAh battery is the largest in this roundup. It scores 95 on value and 68 on features, which is a combination that's hard to find at any price.
IP67 matters more than most buyers realize. If you're activating parks for POTA, hiking in rain, or stashing a radio in a go-bag that might get wet, sealed electronics are not optional. Most Baofeng handhelds have zero water resistance.
Tradeoffs: The Ailunce community is smaller than Baofeng's or AnyTone's, so you'll find fewer tutorials and forum threads. No CHIRP support means you're using Ailunce's own CPS software for programming. The learning curve for DMR configuration is real; our What is DMR guide covers the basics.
Who it's for: Operators who want DMR without paying $250, outdoor users who need weather protection, and anyone building a long-range setup on a budget.
Best Japanese Build Quality: Yaesu FT-65R ($119, Score: 57)
The FT-65R is the only radio on this list from one of the "big three" Japanese manufacturers that comes in under $150. The score of 57 looks modest compared to the Baofengs above it, but that's because our algorithm weights value heavily, and $119 for a basic FM handheld with no digital modes is a tougher sell by the numbers.
What the numbers don't fully capture is build quality. The FT-65R feels different in your hand than a $30 Baofeng. The knobs are precise, the chassis is solid, the audio is clean. It has IP54 weather resistance. Yaesu's receiver quality is a step above, which matters on weak signals and crowded repeaters. And with a 4.6-star Amazon rating from 458 reviews, long-term satisfaction is high.
It's CHIRP-compatible, which makes initial setup straightforward. The beginner score of 78 reflects its approachable interface, though fewer online resources exist compared to the Baofeng universe.
Tradeoffs: No DMR, no APRS, no GPS. Just clean analog FM on two bands. At $119, you're paying a premium over a BF-5RH PRO that technically does more. The question is whether Yaesu build quality and receiver performance are worth 2x to you.
Who it's for: Operators who value build quality over feature count. A great radio for beginners who plan to keep it for years. Hams who've owned cheap radios and want something that feels like a tool, not a toy. See the direct comparison: BF-5RH PRO vs FT-65R.
Premium Handhelds: $200+
Premium handhelds are for operators who know what they need. These radios pack DMR, APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, and advanced digital modes into packages that are built to last. The prices are significant, but for active hams who use their radio daily, the investment pays for itself.
Best DMR All-Rounder: BTECH DMR-6X2 PRO ($250, Score: 84)
The DMR-6X2 PRO is the second-highest-scoring radio in our entire database. For $250, you get DMR Tier I and II, APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, a color display, and 7 watts of output on a 3,100 mAh battery. It supports dual-band simultaneous monitoring, which means you can listen to a DMR talkgroup and an analog repeater at the same time.
The feature score of 80 is one of the highest we've measured. The value score of 80 reflects the fact that $250 buys you a genuinely premium feature set; you'd pay $400+ for equivalent capabilities from Kenwood or Icom.
Tradeoffs: The beginner score of 51 tells the real story. DMR programming is complex, the CPS software has a learning curve, and there's no CHIRP support. This is not a first radio. If you're new to DMR, expect to spend time learning codeplugs, talkgroups, and time slots before your first QSO.
Who it's for: Licensed operators who want DMR and APRS in one radio without spending $400. Net controllers, EMCOM volunteers, and hams who want a do-everything handheld.
Best for Serious DMR: AnyTone AT-D878UV ($250, Score: 83)
The AT-D878UV is the radio that most experienced DMR operators will point you to if you ask them what to buy. AnyTone has built the strongest reputation in the DMR handheld space, and the 878 is their flagship. DMR Tier I and II, APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, 7 watts, 3,100 mAh battery, and a massive contact database that can store hundreds of thousands of DMR IDs.
With 649 Amazon reviews at 4.4 stars, this radio has a proven track record. The CPS software is the best in the DMR world (which admittedly is a low bar, but AnyTone's is genuinely usable). The community is large and helpful, with active forums, Facebook groups, and YouTube walkthroughs.
Tradeoffs: No CHIRP support, no IP rating. At $250, it costs the same as the BTECH DMR-6X2 PRO, and the two trade punches on features. See the head-to-head comparison to decide between them. The learning curve is steep for DMR newcomers.
Who it's for: Operators who are committed to DMR and want the radio with the best software ecosystem and community support. A strong choice if you're joining a DMR repeater network or getting into digital voice for the first time.
Best for System Fusion: Yaesu FT-70DR ($280, Score: 49)
The FT-70DR is the entry point to Yaesu's System Fusion digital mode (C4FM). If your local repeater infrastructure runs Fusion, this is the cheapest way in. IP54 weather resistance, solid Yaesu build quality, and CHIRP compatibility for analog channels.
The overall score of 49 is the lowest on this list, and it's worth explaining why. At $280 for a 5-watt handheld with a 1,800 mAh battery and no APRS or GPS, the value score (23) is tough. You're paying a premium for the Yaesu name and C4FM access. Whether that's worth it depends entirely on your local repeater landscape.
Tradeoffs: If your local repeaters are analog FM or DMR, there's no reason to buy this radio. The 4.8-star Amazon rating comes from only 6 reviews, so the sample size is small. No DMR means you can't access the broader digital network that most operators are building on.
Who it's for: Operators with local Yaesu System Fusion repeaters who want digital voice on their handheld. If that's not your situation, the AT-D878UV or DMR-6X2 PRO gives you more for less. See the comparison.
Full Comparison Table
| Radio | Price | Score | Power | Bands | DMR | APRS | IP | Battery | CHIRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BF-5RH PRO | $70 | 86 | 10W | VHF/UHF/1.25m | No | Yes | IP54 | 2,500 mAh | Yes |
| DMR-6X2 PRO | $250 | 84 | 7W | VHF/UHF | Yes | Yes | -- | 3,100 mAh | No |
| AT-D878UV | $250 | 83 | 7W | VHF/UHF | Yes | Yes | -- | 3,100 mAh | No |
| Ailunce HD1 | $97 | 81 | -- | VHF/UHF | Yes | Yes | IP67 | 3,200 mAh | No |
| BF-F8HP | $45 | 75 | 10W | VHF/UHF | No | No | -- | 2,100 mAh | No |
| UV-5R | $15 | 69 | 5W | VHF/UHF | No | No | -- | 1,800 mAh | Yes |
| FT-65R | $119 | 57 | 5W | VHF/UHF | No | No | IP54 | 1,950 mAh | Yes |
| FT-70DR | $280 | 49 | 5W | VHF/UHF | No | No | IP54 | 1,800 mAh | Yes |
How to Pick the Right One for You
Start with three questions:
What's your budget? If you have $15 to $50, get the UV-5R or BF-F8HP and start learning. If you have $70, the BF-5RH PRO is the best value in the entire database. If you have $100 to $250, you're choosing between build quality and digital features.
Do you need digital modes? If your local repeaters are analog FM (most are), you don't need DMR yet. Start with an analog radio, learn the basics, and add DMR later if you want it. If you already know you want DMR, the Ailunce HD1 at $97 is the cheapest solid option; the AT-D878UV at $250 is the best. Our DMR guide covers what you need to know.
Where will you use it? If you're doing POTA activations, hiking, or emergency preparedness, get something water-resistant. The Ailunce HD1 (IP67) and BF-5RH PRO (IP54) are the standouts. If it's mostly nets from your living room, water resistance doesn't matter.
Still deciding between VHF and UHF? Every radio on this list is dual-band, but our VHF vs UHF guide explains when each band matters.
If you haven't gotten your license yet, start there: How to Get Your Ham Radio License. You can study while your radio ships.
Programming Your First Handheld
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 lets you load repeater frequencies, set tones, and configure channels from your computer instead of punching through tiny radio menus.
Four of the eight radios in this roundup support CHIRP directly (UV-5R, BF-5RH PRO, FT-65R, FT-70DR). For the others, you'll use the manufacturer's CPS software, which is less pleasant but gets the job done.
The workflow is simple: buy a USB programming cable ($10 to $15), connect your radio to your laptop, import your local repeaters from RepeaterBook inside CHIRP, and upload. Five minutes, and you're ready to talk. You can also check our band chart to understand which frequencies you're licensed to use.
Programming was the part of ham radio that surprised me the most. I expected it to be hard. With CHIRP, it took less time than setting up my Wi-Fi router.
Bottom Line
Most people reading this should buy the Baofeng BF-5RH PRO. At $70 with a score of 86, it's the highest-rated handheld in our database and it packs features (triband, APRS, GPS, IP54) that used to require $200+ radios. It's the sweet spot.
If you want the absolute cheapest entry, the UV-5R at $15 is still the gateway radio for good reason. If you want DMR, the Ailunce HD1 at $97 gets you there without breaking the bank, and the AnyTone AT-D878UV at $250 is the gold standard. If you value Japanese build quality above all else, the Yaesu FT-65R is honest, reliable, and built to last.
I started with a $15 UV-5R and eventually upgraded to a $250 rig. Both taught me something. The UV-5R taught me how repeaters work. The DMR radio taught me that I should have bought the UV-5R first anyway, because understanding analog makes digital click faster.
Pick a radio, get your license if you haven't, and get on the air. You can browse all our handheld radios or dive deeper into the best radios for beginners and best radios under $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Baofeng radios banned in the US?
No. Baofeng radios are legal to use on amateur radio frequencies with a valid ham license. The FCC has taken action against some Baofeng models for Part 90 (commercial) certification issues, but that doesn't affect amateur use. We covered this in detail: Is the Baofeng UV-5R Legal?
Do I need a license to use a handheld ham radio?
Yes. Transmitting on amateur radio frequencies requires at minimum a Technician-class license from the FCC. The exam is 35 multiple-choice questions, costs $35 to $50 total (FCC application fee plus exam session fee), and most people pass after a week or two of studying. Our licensing guide walks you through the entire process.
What's the difference between a handheld and a mobile ham radio?
A handheld (HT) is a self-contained portable radio with a built-in antenna, battery, speaker, and microphone. A mobile radio is designed to be mounted in a vehicle, typically runs on 12V power, and outputs 25 to 50 watts compared to 5 to 10 watts from a handheld. Handhelds are more versatile; mobiles have more range.
Should I buy a radio with DMR?
It depends on your local infrastructure. If there are DMR repeaters near you, DMR gives you access to worldwide talkgroups and clearer audio. If your local scene is mostly analog FM, DMR is a feature you'll set up once and rarely use. Check RepeaterBook for DMR repeaters in your area. Our DMR explainer covers the basics, and our best DMR radios guide ranks the top handhelds.
What antenna should I upgrade to first?
The stock rubber duck antenna on most budget handhelds is the weakest link in the system. A Nagoya NA-771 or Signal Stick is a $15 to $20 upgrade that meaningfully improves both transmit and receive range. It's the single best dollar-for-dollar upgrade you can make to any handheld radio.