RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Icom IC-2300H vs TYT TH-8600
Our pick
TYT TH-8600$145.94
The TYT TH-8600 is the clear winner for most users.
The single most important differentiator is price and practical power output. The TYT costs $146 with a known price point, versus an unknown price for the Icom. For typical mobile radio use, the TYT's 25W output is sufficient for most VHF/UHF work, while the Icom's 65W advantage matters mainly in fringe coverage areas. The TYT also offers IP67 weather sealing, which the Icom does not list. Owners report favorably on both: the Icom at 4.6/5 from 187 reviews and the TYT at 4.3/5 from 247 reviews, a negligible difference reflecting what actual buyers experience.
The Icom is heavier at 810g with CHIRP support for programming, but we lack its price and weight data on the TYT prevents a fair comparison there. Neither radio includes digital modes, GPS, or Bluetooth.
Buy the TYT TH-8600 if you want an affordable, weatherproofed radio with proven owner satisfaction. Buy the Icom IC-2300H only if maximum power output is essential for your coverage area and price is not a constraint. For most operators, the TYT delivers better value.
By use case
Which should you buy?
ARES or RACES operator focused on 2-meter
Its 65W output and MIL-STD-810G build suit emergency net work on a VHF-only infrastructure setup.
IC-2300HMotorcycle, boat, or open-vehicle installer
Its IP67 rating shrugs off rain, spray, and dust that would threaten a radio mounted in the open.
TH-8600Operator needing both VHF and UHF in one unit
It covers both VHF and UHF bands, which the Icom cannot do at all.
TH-8600Single-repeater VHF user wanting maximum output
At 65W it delivers far more transmit power for reaching a distant VHF repeater.
IC-2300HBuyer on a tighter budget
It costs less while still offering dual-band operation and a 200-channel memory.
TH-8600CHIRP user wanting a programmable VHF base
It supports CHIRP programming and offers a higher feature score for VHF-focused operators.
IC-2300H
Reasons to choose Icom IC-2300H
- 160% more TX power (65W vs 25W)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Reasons to choose TYT TH-8600
- IP67 water resistance
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Icom IC-2300H
Search on AmazonTYT TH-8600PICK
$145.94 on AmazonMore head-to-heads