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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Icom IC-7100 vs Yaesu FT-991A

Our pick

Icom IC-7100$1049.95

The FT-991A is the stronger choice for most buyers, though it depends on your budget and portability needs.

Both radios deliver identical transmit power and cover the same bands, but owners report significantly different experiences. The FT-991A has earned 4.6 stars from 99 reviews, while the IC-7100 scored 3.5 stars from 20 reviews. That larger sample size and higher rating suggest more consistent owner satisfaction with the Yaesu. The FT-991A also has a better receiver class (3 versus 2), which matters for HF work. However, the IC-7100 weighs half as much at 2300g versus 4300g, making it substantially more portable.

The price difference is significant: $1530 for the FT-991A versus $1050 for the IC-7100. That $480 premium buys you better receiver performance and stronger owner satisfaction, but it's real money.

Buy the IC-7100 if portability and budget are your primary concerns and you do not mind fewer onboard conveniences. Buy the FT-991A if you want the better receiver, more positive owner reports, and can accommodate a heavier radio on your bench or in your vehicle.

Go with the FT-991A unless weight or cost rules it out.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious buyer wanting HF plus VHF and UHF

    Costs less than the alternative while still covering HF, 6m, VHF, and UHF at 100W.

    IC-7100
  • D-STAR operator who also wants HF

    D-STAR support paired with HF, 6m, VHF, and UHF coverage fits a digital voice operator who also works HF.

    IC-7100
  • Portable operator carrying gear on foot

    At 2300g versus 4300g, the lighter radio is easier to carry on foot or in a go-kit.

    IC-7100
  • Traveler loading large repeater lists by region

    A 495-channel memory bank suits operators who preprogram big repeater lists across regions.

    IC-7100
  • Fusion repeater user who wants an HF rig

    C4FM support lets Yaesu Fusion repeater users add HF without switching brands.

    FT-991A
  • Desk operator wanting a visual spectrum display

    A waterfall display gives a visual view of band activity that the alternative lacks.

    FT-991A

Reasons to choose Icom IC-7100

  • 5x more memory channels (495 vs 99)
  • 2000g lighter (2300g vs 4300g)
  • Has D-STAR
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-991A

  • Better receiver (70 vs 47 receiver score)
  • Has C4FM/System Fusion
  • Has color TFT display
  • Has built-in antenna tuner
  • Has spectrum waterfall display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Icom IC-7100SpecYaesu FT-991A
$1049.95
Price
—
58
Overall Score
83
+43% for winner
100.00W
TX Power (High)
100.00W
47
Receiver Score
70
+49% for winner
superhet
Receiver Architecture
superhet
SSB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY, DV
Modes
SSB, CW, AM, FM, C4FM
HF, 6m, VHF, UHF
Bands
HF, 6m, VHF, UHF
No
Built-in Antenna Tuner
Yes
No
Spectrum Waterfall
Yes
495
Memory Channels
99
5.0× difference
2300g
Weight
4300g
+89% difference
LCD
Display
TFT Color
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

Yaesu FT-991APICK

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