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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Icom IC-7100 vs Xiegu G106

Our pick

Xiegu G106$249.00

The Xiegu G106 is the clear winner for most amateur operators. The single most important differentiator is price paired with owner satisfaction: the G106 costs roughly one-quarter as much as the IC-7100, yet owners report 4.4 out of 5 stars across 130 reviews compared to the IC-7100's 3.5 stars from just 20 reviews. The IC-7100 offers 100 watts, multiband capability across HF through UHF, and six modes including digital voice, making it the choice for operators who need full-featured mobile or base station operation and higher power. The G106 should appeal to QRP enthusiasts, portable operators, or budget-conscious hams entering HF who value lightweight performance and proven owner satisfaction. For most buyers, the G106's exceptional value and strong owner feedback make it the safer recommendation unless you specifically require the IC-7100's additional bands, power, or mode capabilities.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-constrained first HF buyer

    It costs far less than the Icom while still covering HF SSB, CW, and AM for a first station.

    G106
  • Ultralight backpacking QRP operator

    At 720 grams and 5 watts, it is far lighter and simpler for carrying into the field.

    G106
  • CW operator who prefers simple controls

    Its minimalist physical controls suit straightforward CW operating without the extra features the Icom offers.

    G106
  • Mobile installer needing HF plus VHF and UHF

    It covers HF, 6m, VHF, and UHF in one radio with 100 watts for vehicle installs.

    IC-7100
  • D-STAR operator wanting HF capability

    It adds D-STAR digital voice alongside HF modes, which the Xiegu does not offer.

    IC-7100
  • Traveler preprogramming regional repeater lists

    Its 495 memory channels and VHF and UHF coverage handle large repeater lists across regions.

    IC-7100

Reasons to choose Icom IC-7100

  • 1900% more TX power (100W vs 5W)
  • Has D-STAR
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Xiegu G106

  • 76% cheaper ($249.00 vs $1049.95)
  • 1580g lighter (720g vs 2300g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Icom IC-7100SpecXiegu G106
$1049.95
Price
$249.00
58
Overall Score
67
+15% for winner
100.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
20.0× difference
47
Receiver Score
47
superhet
Receiver Architecture
—
SSB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY, DV
Modes
SSB, CW, AM
HF, 6m, VHF, UHF
Bands
HF
No
Built-in Antenna Tuner
No
No
Spectrum Waterfall
No
495
Memory Channels
—
2300g
Weight
720g
3.2× difference
LCD
Display
—
Not required (Part 97 amateur)
FCC Authorization
Not required (Part 97 amateur)
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Icom IC-7100

$1049.95 on Amazon

Xiegu G106PICK

$249.00 on Amazon

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