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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Quansheng TK11 vs Yaesu FT-65R

Our pick

Yaesu FT-65R$194.98

The Yaesu FT-65R is the stronger choice for most buyers. The single most important differentiator is price paired with owner feedback: the FT-65R costs twice as much but owners report significantly higher satisfaction (4.6 from 464 reviews versus 4.2 from 15), suggesting a more established product with broader real-world validation. Beyond that, the FT-65R offers CHIRP programming support and IP54 weather sealing, while the TK11's transmit power remains unknown. Both radios lack DMR, APRS, and GPS, and both are analog only. The TK11 is lighter by 70 grams, which matters if portability is critical.

Buy the TK11 if you need an ultrabudget entry point and weight savings outweigh everything else. Buy the FT-65R if you want a weather-sealed radio with proven owner satisfaction and standard computer programming support.

The FT-65R represents better value given the owner data and added features, despite the higher price. The TK11's limited review count makes it harder to assess real-world reliability.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time, budget-conscious licensee

    The TK11 offers excellent entry value for basic local communication needs.

    TK11
  • Operator needing reliable repeater access

    The FT-65R's higher features and memory support repeater work better.

    FT-65R
  • Casual local simplex communication

    The TK11 is perfectly suited for simple, local, analog simplex operations.

    TK11
  • Serious amateur radio field use

    The FT-65R's superior features and IP rating provide better reliability.

    FT-65R
  • Budget-constrained loaner radio

    The TK11 provides sufficient basic functionality at a very low price point.

    TK11

Reasons to choose Quansheng TK11

  • 50% cheaper ($96.99 vs $194.98)
  • 5x more memory channels (999 vs 200)
  • 54% more battery (3000 mAh vs 1950 mAh)

Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-65R

  • 69g lighter (215g vs 284g)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • IP54 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Quansheng TK11SpecYaesu FT-65R
$96.99
Price
$194.98
33
Overall Score
52
+59% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
5.00W
999
Memory Channels
200
5.0× difference
284g
Weight
215g
+32% difference
3000 mAh
Battery
1950 mAh
+54% for winner
—
Display
LCD
—
IP Rating
IP54
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Medium
size
Compact
Black
color
Clear
Black
Color
Clear
UV-K5
Model Number
FT-65R
Handheld Radio
Built-In Media
1950mAh Li-ion battery pack, 2.5-hour Rapid Charger, optional 2500mAh Li-ion battery pack, and 7.4V lithium-ion battery
Uni-TK11-8
Mfr Part Number
FT-65R
Dual Band, Lightweight, Long Range, Rechargable
Additional Features
Uhf

Made your choice?

Quansheng TK11

$96.99 on Amazon

Yaesu FT-65RPICK

$194.98 on Amazon

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