The Top 5 Handheld Ham Radios for 2024!

The Ham Radio Prep team has just put together our picks for the Top 5 Handheld Ham Radios for 2024! Ranging from great beginner radios to get started, all the way up to top of the line options that allow the use of powerful digital modes.

Chapters:
0:00 The top 5 handhelds for 2024! 📻
1:09 The Baofeng BF-F8HP
2:34 The Yaesu FT-65
3:41 D-STAR: The Icom ID-52
5:19 Honorable Mention: Kenwood TH-D74A
5:37 DMR: Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus
6:54 FUSION: Yaesu Options
8:10 Which Digital Should I Choose? 🤔

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[Fractalholic]

I'm partial to my Wouxun KG_UV9D Mate! 999 memory channels, Cross band repeater, 7 scanning bands total. Scanning of 2 bands at the same time (Superhetrodyne if I spelled that right). 10 watts and I swapped out the rubber duckie for a Diamond SRH320A tri-band anntenna for power to reach out and touch someone!! OH and around $160 depending where you look!

[DrumCoversbyBill]

Great video. Love the Yaesu FT-65 It was my first HT, and still carry it daily. Only recently purchased an ICOM 2100DS to venture into NXDN as we have several linked NXDN repeaters in my area. The ICOM does analog as well. Best of both worlds.

[johnbauman]

Extremely helpful presentation!

Thank you!

[fm]

Hey, Jim - thank you for this video. I used Ham Radio Prep to help me prepare for my Technician test, successfully on my first attempt. KQ41XD. Again, THANK YOU. My time is now being invested in preparing for the General test. Personally, HF is where I plan to spend my time, and the HF handhelds are rather scarce.

[donnakano]

The Anytone BT PTT was the reason we bought them. Not only does it make possible to safely use a radio while driving a large Class A motor home, but if you have only one arm, it also makes it possible to use a radio while driving a car. Simply attach the PTT to the steering wheel.

[maximaleffort]

Great video. I also like the course in the link. It plugged me into substance of the exam right away. TY!

[Rachetjaw]

My HT is a TYT TH-UV88. I found it affordable, around $55 for the radio and an external speaker mic. Programming was rather simple once I got the programming cable that did not come with the radio. The radio is like the baofengs, it does 2m and 70cm and everything in between.

[Harland_Globetrotter]

So as a beginner, which one would be the most durable, waterproof one for when crewing sailing yacht deliveries across oceans or traveling in foreign countries in areas away from cities? I’ll be starting your course soon, great video, thank you

[Bluecollarham]

I own the FT3 and ID52…. If you can do without aprs, the ID52 is much easier to enter repeaters, organize repeaters and the GPS locating of nearby FM/DV repeaters is invaluable while traveling.

[johnb]

This is a very good video. I look at pricing more than anything; I won't spend any more than I have to, even though I'll soon have an Extra ticket and could afford to buy most any unit. The UV-5R will be my first radio because it can be had for less than $20 plus a TYT TH-7800 including the power supply for $229 plus tax. I always watch videos and see the comments that say you get what you pay for and that's probably true but at what cost!?!. HF is so high that I just automatically say no.

[walterluffman]

Any advice on mounting/installing an HT w/PTT in a late model midsize car? I don't see a lot of useful space in driver's position of my 2016 Kia Optima.

[drnv]

In my opinion, with all the handhelds I have owned, the Kenwood TH-D74 is my favorite.
For any occasion, the intuitive programming menu, makes for quick programming of channels whether for 2 meter, 1.25 meter and 70 cm bands. I have used it on 70 cm for winlink, D-star, 2 meter aprs, packet radio with kiss mode, and has a fairly decent HF shortwave receiver that includes SSB and am experimenting with FLdigi & VARA.

[mysteryy]

The icom id-52 is one of my dream handhelds. I just really like that HT. Gotta start saving up for one. Currently just using a tyt uv88

[squirrell]

Question because I’m not a ham operator, will something like the baofeng bf-f8hp run marine channels?

[polonium]

I've had no problem programming either the FT5DR or the TH-74D with the keypad.

[owenbowen]

Using repeaters can you get all across the UK with a handheld

[Ira]

I just got the Yaesu FT-4X and for the money, it’s a great and simple heandheld.

[DonzLockz]

Atleast I have one on your list, the Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus.
Also have...
Wouxun KG-UV9PX (multiband listening)
TYT - UV88 (MTC mystery box) giving to my son plus a 80ch FM Uniden CB
Baofeng UV-S9 (keep in my car)
Baofeng UV-9R (keep in wife's car)
Not buying anymore HT's but if I had the money, I'd get the Icom 52a.
Great informative video.👍🍻🤠

[wilcrockett]

Very nice video.
Fortunately or unfortunately my Elmer didn't like Yeasu radios, so I've been scared for life. All my radios are/have been Icoms.
I just got a ID-52A, I like it very much! I've ordered a signal stick for it.
Thanks for your video.
K7EMU

[MayimKhayim]

The FT5DR does not require a cable for serious setup. I use the SD card and programming software to do the exact same thing you would with a cable. I don’t own a cable and using their software have programmed the radio many times. I actually find it more convenient and don’t have to fiddle with drivers etc.