Icom IC-A25N - Best Overall
The IC-A25N has 8.33 kHz channel spacing for Europe, VOR navigation, GPS integration, and a transmit power of 6 watts. It is the handheld I trust most for transcontinental ferry flights.
Check price on Amazon →I am an instrument-rated pilot and I have flown with handheld aviation transceivers as backup radios for the better part of a decade.
A handheld aviation transceiver is one of the few pieces of pilot gear that you hope to never use in anger. Mine sits in my flight bag flight after flight, batteries topped up, until the day I actually need it. That day came once for me, when an alternator quit on a Cessna 172 at night and the handheld got me back on the ground in clean weather. I bought five current handhelds, tested them on the ramp and in flight, and compared them on transmit clarity, battery duration, weight in a flight bag, and how easy they are to operate with cold hands.
Our testing process
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icom IC-A25N - Best Overall | Check price | ||
| Yaesu FTA-750L - Best Value | Check price | ||
| Sporty's PJ2 Plus - Best for Student Pilots | Check price | ||
| Icom IC-A16B - Best Backup Radio | Check price | ||
| Yaesu FTA-250L - Best Budget | Check price |
Reviewed in detail
Icom IC-A25N - Best Overall
The IC-A25N has 8.33 kHz channel spacing for Europe, VOR navigation, GPS integration, and a transmit power of 6 watts. It is the handheld I trust most for transcontinental ferry flights.
Yaesu FTA-750L - Best Value
The FTA-750L offers nav/com, GPS, and a built-in barometer for a few hundred less than the Icom equivalent. The display is bright and readable in direct sun.
Sporty's PJ2 Plus - Best for Student Pilots
The PJ2 Plus is designed by pilots for pilots. Big buttons, simple interface, and built-in airport frequency database. Perfect for someone starting out.
Icom IC-A16B - Best Backup Radio
The IC-A16B is com-only but rugged enough for any cockpit. Bluetooth headset connectivity lets you fly with a wireless cordage setup if your panel intercom dies.
Yaesu FTA-250L - Best Budget
The FTA-250L is com-only with no GPS or VOR, but the transmit clarity matches radios costing twice as much. If you only need an emergency voice radio, save your money.
Common questions
Strongly recommended. If your alternator fails or your panel radio dies, a handheld lets you contact tower, declare emergency, and get clearance to land. Many flight schools require students to carry one.
Com-only transceivers transmit and receive on VHF voice frequencies. Nav/com units add VOR navigation, which lets you triangulate position using ground stations if your GPS fails. Nav/com costs more and weighs more.
