Yaesu
Yaesu FT-65R
The FT-65R offers solid performance and reliable build quality for the price. It provides dependable analog operation and essential features for local field use.
★★★★⯪4.6(463 reviews)
Amazon's Choice
VHFUHFCHIRP
55
Average$144.95 on Amazon
Price updated 4/17/2026
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓New amateur radio operators
- ✓ARES/RACES local repeater work
- ✓Operators needing reliable analog comms
- ✓Budget-conscious field radio use
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Advanced digital mode enthusiasts
- ✕Operators needing extreme durability
- ✕Users requiring Japanese build quality
The good and the bad
What we like
- CHIRP compatibility simplifies programming
- IP54 rating handles most field conditions
- Three-step power selection for RF management
- Solid build quality and Yaesu pedigree
What we don't
- Audio quality may require speaker mic
- Requires manual programming effort
- Antenna performance is highly variable
Proprietary RR Score
How we scored it
55
AverageValue
36
Features
23
Beginner
77
Portability
56
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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5.00W
TX Power
1950mAh
Battery
200
Channels
215g
Weight
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Build Quality
Users praise the sturdiness and overall quality.
4.5
Programming Ease
CHIRP compatibility makes setup straightforward.
4.0
Range and Power
Reported range and power are outstanding for the price.
4.3
Operational Focus
Operators must ensure it remains a ham radio.
3.5
★★★★⯪4.6(463 Amazon reviews)
5 star
79%
4 star
12%
3 star
3%
2 star
2%
1 star
4%
Overview
The FT-65R is aimed squarely at newly licensed Technicians and ARES/RACES volunteers who need a dependable analog handheld for local repeater work and simplex without wading through complex menus or digital mode setup. It sits in a crowded sub-$150 field alongside Chinese imports, but offers a Yaesu build pedigree and IP54 weather resistance that those alternatives rarely match at this price point.
Where this radio earns its keep is in everyday usability. CHIRP compatibility makes programming 200 memory channels painless, IP54 dust and water resistance covers most field conditions short of submersion, and the three-step power selection (5W high, 2.5W mid, 0.5W low) gives basic RF management without fuss. Battery life clocks over nine hours on the stock 1950mAh pack, which is adequate for a day of public service or a weekend campout.
The feature set scores poorly against modern radios at this price, with no DMR, no APRS, and no cross-band repeat. For a ham who already owns a capable shack radio and wants a simple grab-and-go analog HT, this fits. For anyone expecting digital modes or advanced scanning, look elsewhere.
Specifications
| Price | $144.95 |
| TX Power (High) | 5.00W |
| TX Power (Low) | 0.50W |
| Memory Channels | 200 |
| Weight | 215g |
| Dimensions | 56x28x95 mm |
| Battery | 1950 mAh Li-ion |
| Display | LCD |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| RX Range | 65.0000–108.0000 MHz |
| TX Range | 144.0000–148.0000 MHz |
| FCC ID | K6620658X20 |
| Color | Clear |
| Voltage | 7.4 Volts |
| Special Feature | Uhf |
| UPC | 702646181883 788026159543 |
| Tuner Type | UHF, VHF |
| Model Number | FT-65R |
| Audible Noise | 0.5 Decibels |
| 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 |
| Mfr Part Number | FT-65R |
| Waterproof Rating | IP54 |
| Additional Features | Uhf |
| Battery Average Life | 9 Hours |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 1.2"D x 2.1"W x 4.1"H |
Key Features
- Dual-band VHF/UHF analog HT; no DMR or digital voice modes
- IP54 rating provides splash and dust resistance; not suitable for immersion
- 200 memory channels; CHIRP-compatible for straightforward computer programming
- Three TX power levels: 5W, 2.5W, and 0.5W
- 1950mAh Li-Ion battery; rated for over nine hours of typical operation
- Front-facing 1W audio output; useful in noisy field environments
- Compact form factor at 215g; measures 52.5 x 104.5 x 31mm
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What Customers Say
★★★★★Best HAM Radio I owned thus far
The reason why I am stating that this radio is the best radio is based on using the following radios 1. Yeasu FT3D - Waste of money fancy but reception or transmission is not good. 2. Yaesu ft-70dr - Nice but short battery life and reception/transmission was okay 3. Baoefeng bf-f8hp - Good but not c...
Singam·Aug 26, 2021·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Great quality in the Yaesu.
Very happy good solid radio great price
Brian Jacobs·Mar 2, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Works great, easy to program
Great little HT. Feels sturdy and better made than lesser brands. This one is made in China and not one of the Japanese made radios I was hoping for but still seems very well made. Battery life is surprisingly good, plenty of standby time. Good quality speaker sound. Stock antenna is better than mos...
R E Emerson·Jan 1, 2024·Verified Purchase