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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Sep 2026

Xiegu G106 vs Yaesu FT-891

Our pick

Xiegu G106$236.55

The G106 and FT-891 tie on RadioRanked's overall score, but they serve different operators. The single most important differentiator is transmit power: the G106 delivers 5 watts in a portable 720-gram package, while the FT-891 provides 100 watts at nearly three times the weight. The G106's receiver ranks at class 2 against the FT-891's class 3, a modest advantage for the larger radio. Owners report satisfaction with both units at 4.4 and 4.6 stars respectively, though the G106 draws from a larger review pool. Price separates them decisively at 237 dollars versus 770.

The G106 suits operators prioritizing portability and low cost, accepting reduced power and receiver performance as tradeoffs. The FT-891 is built for fixed or semi-mobile stations where HF range and power matter more than weight, and where budget allows three times the investment. If your operating style demands portable QRP work, the G106 is the clear choice. For general HF operating with serious power, the FT-891 justifies its premium. Your intended use case, not the tied score, should guide this decision.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Ultralight backpacking or minimalist QRP setups

    Its extremely low weight and minimal feature set make it ideal for portability.

    G106
  • POTA/SOTA field operation requiring high power

    The powerful output and robust design are perfect for remote outdoor deployments.

    FT-891
  • Budget-constrained first HF station buyer

    It offers core HF functionality at a significantly lower price point than the Yaesu.

    G106
  • Operator needing full mode flexibility (FM, AM)

    The FT-891 supports multiple modes including FM and AM, expanding versatility.

    FT-891
  • CW operator prioritizing simplicity and low power

    Its simple controls and QRP focus appeal to operators who prefer minimalism.

    G106

Reasons to choose Xiegu G106

  • 71% cheaper ($236.55 vs $819.95)
  • 1180g lighter (720g vs 1900g)

Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-891

  • 1900% more TX power (100W vs 5W)
  • Better receiver (62 vs 47 receiver score)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Xiegu G106SpecYaesu FT-891
$236.55
Price
$819.95
68
Overall Score
68
5.00W
TX Power (High)
100.00W
20.0× difference
47
Receiver Score
62
+32% for winner
direct-sampling
Receiver Architecture
superhet
SSB, CW, AM
Modes
SSB, CW, AM, FM
HF
Bands
HF, 6m
No
Built-in Antenna Tuner
No
No
Spectrum Waterfall
No
—
Memory Channels
99
720g
Weight
1900g
2.6× difference
Not required (Part 97 amateur)
FCC Authorization
Not required (Part 97 amateur)
Black
color
Black

Made your choice?

Xiegu G106PICK

$236.55 on Amazon

Yaesu FT-891

$819.95 on Amazon

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