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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Sep 2026

Icom IC-7100 vs Yaesu FT-991A

Our pick

Yaesu FT-991A$1529.88

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?

  • Mobile/Traveler needing HF plus VHF/UHF

    Its design prioritizes portability and includes three bands in one package.

    IC-7100
  • Yaesu Fusion repeater user or all-mode operator

    The built-in C4FM and waterfall display make it ideal for Yaesu systems.

    FT-991A
  • Operator prioritizing modern digital features (D-STAR)

    It includes dedicated D-STAR support, which is a key feature for many users.

    IC-7100
  • Shack-in-a-box upgrader needing maximum features

    The higher overall feature score and built-in ATU make it a powerful desk rig.

    FT-991A
  • CW operator who also uses modern digital modes

    It supports both CW and D-STAR, offering excellent mode versatility.

    IC-7100

Reasons to choose Icom IC-7100

  • 31% cheaper ($1049.95 vs $1529.88)
  • 5x more memory channels (495 vs 99)
  • 2000g lighter (2300g vs 4300g)
  • Has D-STAR

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
$1529.88
58
Overall Score
77
+33% 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

$1529.88 on Amazon

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