AnyTone AT-D168UV vs Yaesu FT-65R

The AnyTone AT-D168UV is the clear winner here. For just $19 less, you get significantly more capability and a substantially higher overall score of 67 versus 54.

The single most important differentiator is digital mode support. The AnyTone offers both DMR and APRS, making it far more versatile for modern amateur radio activities. The Yaesu is purely analog, which severely limits its appeal in 2024 when digital modes are increasingly common.

The AT-D168UV should appeal to anyone wanting future-proof digital capabilities without breaking the bank, especially those interested in DMR networks or APRS tracking. The FT-65R makes sense only for users who exclusively operate analog FM and value CHIRP programming support, though this is a shrinking use case.

Our recommendation is straightforward: buy the AnyTone AT-D168UV. It delivers better value, more features, and higher performance for less money. The only reason to choose the Yaesu is if you have a specific workflow heavily dependent on CHIRP, but even then, the feature gap is difficult to justify. The AT-D168UV represents a substantially better investment for most amateur radio operators.