I earned my Technician license a couple of years back and quickly learned the gap between watching YouTube reviews and actually using a handheld on the air. I have run four different HTs through repeater work, SOTA-style portable ops, and emergency net check-ins. Here is what I would tell a newer ham about handhelds today.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Class | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-60R | Dual band analog | Reliable workhorse |
| Icom IC-V86 | VHF only | Loud audio |
| Yaesu FT-65R | Dual band | Beginner friendly |
| Anytone AT-D878UV | DMR + analog | Digital modes |
| BaoFeng UV-5R | Dual band | First radio |
1. Yaesu FT-60R - Best Reliable Workhorse
The FT-60R has been on the market for years and there is a reason. It survives drops, the receiver is genuinely clean, and the audio is loud enough to hear in a noisy environment. I take this radio when I want a no-fuss tool that will work. Programming via cable is straightforward with CHIRP. Battery life on the included NiMH pack is honest. Mine has logged hundreds of hours and still works perfectly.
2. Icom IC-V86 - Best Audio Quality
The V86 is a single-band 2 meter radio with audio output that genuinely cuts through wind and ambient noise. I take this on hikes where I am wearing the radio clipped to my pack and need to hear it without a speaker mic. Receiver is excellent, build is tank-grade, and the included antenna performs well above average. Single band is the limitation, but for many operators 2 meter is where the action is.
3. Yaesu FT-65R - Best Beginner Friendly
The FT-65R is the friendlier sibling of the FT-60R. Simpler menu structure, smaller footprint, and a USB charging cradle so you do not need a separate charger. Power output is similar and the receiver is still a Yaesu so it does not get overwhelmed by strong adjacent signals. A great first radio that you will not outgrow.
4. Anytone AT-D878UV - Best for Digital Modes
If you want to explore DMR, this is the handheld most active digital operators recommend. Full color display, GPS, dual analog and DMR support, and a programming experience that is rough at first but powerful once you climb the curve. I use this on a hotspot connected to a Brandmeister talkgroup most evenings. Pricier than analog-only radios but it opens up worldwide contacts from a handheld.
5. BaoFeng UV-5R - Best First Radio
The UV-5R is the radio that gets new hams licensed. Under 30 dollars, dual band, programmable with a cheap cable. Receiver is noisy and out of band emissions are not great, but for learning what frequencies you like and trying basic repeater work, the price is impossible to argue with. Upgrade the antenna immediately to a Nagoya 771 or Signal Stuff and the performance jumps significantly. Treat this as a learning radio, not a long-term primary.
How to Choose
Pick your first handheld based on whether you are exploring or committing. If you want a one-radio purchase that lasts, the FT-60R or IC-V86 are the safe long-term picks. If you want to try the hobby for under 50 dollars, a UV-5R with an upgraded antenna lets you find out if you like it before spending more. Skip the stock antenna in any case. Get a CHIRP-compatible programming cable because manual front-panel programming is painful. Buy a spare battery early. Finally, learn the local repeater landscape and have a few simplex frequencies programmed before you head out so you can call CQ when nothing is happening on the repeater.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to use a ham radio handheld?+
Yes. In the US you need at least a Technician class FCC license to transmit. The test is 35 questions, the pool is publicly available, and most people pass after a weekend of study.
What is the difference between a $25 and $300 handheld?+
Receiver quality, transmit cleanliness, build durability, and aftermarket support. Cheap radios work for casual local use but drift, splatter on adjacent channels, and break easily. Premium radios stay accurate for years.
Is the stock antenna good enough?+
Almost never. A 30 dollar aftermarket dual-band antenna like a Signal Stuff or a Nagoya 771 doubles or triples your effective range. This is the single best upgrade after buying the radio.