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.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Icom IC-A25N VHF Air Band | Best overall | 4.9/5 |
| Yaesu FTA-750L Nav Com | Best value | 4.7/5 |
| Sporty’s PJ2 Plus Com Radio | Student pilot pick | 4.6/5 |
| Icom IC-A16B Air Band Transceiver | Backup radio | 4.7/5 |
| Yaesu FTA-250L Com Only | Budget pick | 4.5/5 |
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
What Matters Most
Transmit power, battery type, and 8.33 kHz spacing. Six watts of transmit punches through better than five. Lithium-ion lasts longer than NiMH. 8.33 kHz spacing is required in European airspace and increasingly relevant globally.
My Setup
I carry the Icom IC-A25N in a side pocket of my flight bag with a fully charged spare battery. Both are tested monthly on a ground frequency check during my preflight.
Common Mistakes
Storing the radio with batteries inside long-term. Leaking alkaline batteries have ruined more than one pilot’s backup. Use lithium-ion or remove batteries between flights.
Final Recommendation
For most working pilots, the Icom IC-A25N is the right call. It is the radio that does everything well. New students or budget-conscious renters can start with the Sporty’s PJ2 Plus and never feel underequipped.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an aviation transceiver if my aircraft has a panel radio?+
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.
What is the difference between a com-only and nav/com handheld?+
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.