Icom IC-7100 vs Xiegu G90

The Xiegu G90 is the clear winner for most operators. The single most important differentiator is price: the G90 costs $466 versus $1050 for the Icom IC-7100, a difference of over $580.

For HF operation, the IC-7100 offers multiband coverage including 6m, VHF, and UHF alongside HF, plus 100W of transmit power. The G90 is HF-only with 20W output. However, owners report significantly higher satisfaction with the G90: 4.5 out of 5 stars across 426 Amazon reviews, compared to 3.5 stars from only 20 IC-7100 reviews. Both radios have comparable receiver quality (class 2 versus 3 of 5). The G90 is also 670 grams lighter.

The IC-7100 is the choice if you need multiband VHF/UHF capability or require higher HF power output for DX work. The G90 suits HF-focused operators who value portability, affordability, and the reported ownership experience. For pure HF operation at a fraction of the cost, most buyers should start with the G90.