RadioRanked verdict
Y23UV
Y23UV-98PLUS
This radio offers strong feature density and competitive TX power for its price point. It is a capable option for operators needing basic APRS and GPS functionality.
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Beginners entering amateur radio
- ✓Operators needing basic APRS tracking
- ✓Portable field use and camping
- ✓Budget-conscious feature seekers
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Operators needing high durability ratings
- ✕Users requiring US CB monitoring
- ✕Advanced digital radio enthusiasts
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- 10W TX power on VHF/UHF
- Integrated APRS and GPS support
- 1024 memory channels capacity
- Simple controls and display
- Good battery life reported
What we don't
- No listed IP rating
- Not confirmed water resistant
- US CB compatibility is questionable
- Software/firmware updates complex
Proprietary RR score
How we scored it
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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10.00W
TX Power
2400mAh
Battery
1024
Channels
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Value for money
Multiple users praised the radio's features relative to its cost.
Operational reliability
Some users reported connectivity and function issues.
Ease of use
Controls and menu navigation were generally found straightforward.
Feature set
The combination of APRS, GPS, and channels is useful.
Overview
This radio is aimed squarely at Technician and General class operators who want APRS functionality without committing to a flagship price tag. It fits neatly into the budget end of the feature-rich dual-band market, and with 1,024 memory channels, it has enough headroom for serious frequency management.
At 10W on VHF/UHF, output is competitive for a handheld at this price point, and the integrated GPS with APRS support is the headline draw here. Being able to beacon your position and decode APRS packets without a separate module is genuinely useful for SOTA activations, public service events, or simply tracking your own path. The value score is exceptionally strong for what you get on paper.
No IP rating is listed, and the unit is confirmed not water resistant, so keep it out of the rain. Without published weight or battery capacity figures, portability is harder to evaluate than it should be. If you need a budget-conscious APRS-capable radio for dry-weather field use, this is worth a close look; operators who need durability or rely on verified battery runtime data should look at better-documented alternatives.
Specifications
| Price | $96.85 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W |
| Memory Channels | 1024 |
| Battery | 2400 mAh |
| Display | TFT Color |
| color | Standard |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Standard |
| Voltage | 7.38 Volts |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Model Number | Y23UV-98PLUS |
| Built-In Media | 1x Y23UV-98PLUS Main unit, 1x 2400mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port，1x MW Antenna, 1x SW Antenna,1x English User Manual |
| Frequency Range | 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz |
| Compatible Devices | FRS Radios on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies |
| Additional Features | 1024 Chlannels, AM FM SSB R Eeception, Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity, Cross Band Repeater, GPS/APRS |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 1.26"D x 2.36"W x 12"H |
Key Features
- 10W max TX output on VHF (400-520MHz) and UHF bands
- Integrated GPS with APRS transmit and receive support
- 1,024 memory channels for extensive frequency organization
- Wide receive coverage including HF, SW, MW, LW, FM, CB, and SSB
- 7.38V operating voltage; 9V battery included
- Not water resistant; no IP rating applies
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
Recommended Antenna Upgrades
A better antenna is the cheapest way to extend your range. These fit the SMA-Female jack on the Y23UV-98PLUS.
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What Customers Say
I’ve been testing the Hiradio Y23UV-98PLUS for a while now, and it has quickly become my go-to "do-it-all" radio. For anyone looking for a handheld that pushes beyond the standard dual-band limitations, this is a fantastic choice.Key Highlights:* Incredible Feature Set: This radio is packed. Between...
Also, you will want a better antenna than the one that comes with it.CAVEAT: I am writing this before I have my ham license, so I've not tried transmitting with it. I might change this review later.It will transmit in any band from 14 MHz to 620 MHz and also in the 800-1000 MHz range - not all of ...
As a beginner I have loved the features of this HT. The menus are simple to navigate. The keypad is well constructed and the display is very nice, particularly in this price range. Easy to program directly from the keypad when not using a CPS. I’m able to hit my local 2m repeaters without issue and...