RadioRanked verdict
Wouxun
Wouxun KG-S74A
This is a solid, budget-friendly handheld for airband monitoring and basic VHF/UHF comms. Its niche focus makes it ideal for specific operational environments.
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Airfield monitoring and air-to-air comms
- ✓Operators needing basic VHF/UHF comms
- ✓Amateur radio users on a budget
- ✓Pilots needing airband coverage
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Advanced digital mode operators
- ✕CFI or solo flight instruction
- ✕Users needing advanced features
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- Excellent value for air-to-air comms
- IP67 waterproof rating is reliable
- 400 channel memory capacity
- Respectable 6W TX power output
What we don't
- Lacks modern digital modes (DMR, APRS)
- Programming interface is confusing
- Transmit function is limited
- Battery saver impacts transmission
Proprietary RR score
How we scored it
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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6.00W
TX Power
2000mAh
Battery
400
Channels
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Airband performance
Users found the air-to-air range impressive and reliable.
Ease of use
Setup and programming require significant effort and patience.
Value and features
Offers solid core functionality for the low price.
Operational limitations
The lack of digital modes limits its utility.
Overview
The KG-S74A sits at an interesting crossroads: it is aimed squarely at pilots and aviation-adjacent operators who want a handheld that covers the 118-137 MHz AM airband alongside standard VHF/UHF FM operation. If you hold a ham ticket and spend time around airfields, or you are pursuing a private pilot certificate alongside your Amateur Radio license, this is a niche the radio fills that most ham HTs cannot touch.
The IP67 waterproof rating and 400 memory channels are the two specs most likely to earn their keep in real-world use. Six watts on VHF/UHF is respectable for a handheld, and the 2000mAh lithium-ion pack gives reasonable endurance across a full day of intermittent operation. Feature depth beyond the airband coverage is modest; this is FM analog only, with no DMR, no APRS, and no wideband receive to speak of, and the overall feature set scores weakly against comparably priced ham handhelds.
At $159.99, the value proposition depends almost entirely on whether you need that airband AM coverage. If you do, there are few alternatives at this price point with IP67 sealing. If you do not, a similarly priced dual-band HT will deliver far more for general ham use.
Specifications
| Price | $159.99 |
| TX Power (High) | 6.00W |
| Memory Channels | 400 |
| Battery | 2000 mAh |
| Display | LCD |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| FCC ID | 2A6DTET001 |
| FCC Rule Parts | Part 87 |
| FCC Grant Date | 2023-02-16 |
| color | black |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | black |
| Voltage | 3.7 Volts |
| Tuner Type | VHF |
| Model Number | KG-S74A |
| Built-In Media | a removable antenna, belt clip, hand strap, Li-ion battery pack, rapid charger, AC adapter, owner's manual, and a one-year manufacturer warranty from Wouxun |
| Frequency Range | 118-137 MHz |
| Mfr Part Number | KG-S74A |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 |
| Compatible Devices | [VARIOUS] aviation devices operating within 118-137 MHz AM frequencies |
| Additional Features | Weather Alert |
| Battery Average Life | 26 Hours |
| Warranty Description | 1 YEAR |
| Connectivity Protocol | USB |
Key Features
- IP67-rated sealing; submersible to 1 meter, suitable for field use in wet conditions
- Covers 118-137 MHz AM airband; listen to and communicate with aircraft ground-to-air
- 6W max TX output on VHF/UHF FM; no DMR, D-STAR, or other digital modes
- 400 programmable memory channels; CHIRP compatibility should be confirmed before purchase
- NOAA weather channel reception with 5-alert weather alert monitoring built in
- VOX operation supported; useful for aviation headset integration in cockpit environments
- Backlit LCD display and keypad; functional for low-light and nighttime operation
Recommended Antenna Upgrades
A better antenna is the cheapest way to extend your range. These fit the SMA-Female jack on the Wouxun KG-S74A.
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What Customers Say
For the low price this costs, I was concerned it would not be a good radio, but I was pleasantly surprised. Once you get past the confusing manner in which you program the channels and frequencies (they could do MUCH better with their manual) it actually is a very nice radio. The range is quite impr...
Receives traffic ok but very limited transmit function. Not good enough to trust the radio for your link to your solo student in the pattern after signing them off as a CFI.