Cheap Ham Radio Handhelds Tested - Transmit & Receive

Back to practical range testing. Today we have four popular ham radio handhelds that all sell under $100.00.

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[cotharyus]

Josh, great test! I have to say, I've had the Alinco DJVX50 since about a week after I got my license last October, and I've low key fallen in love with it. First, it was quite easy to program from the front of the radio, which is important since in my time on the road, I don't keep a computer with me. With this radio, I can just open up the repeater book app and start punching in the repeaters closest to me. Second, it's waterproof, so I don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain while building trail miles from any kind of shelter - or that's what I told myself when I paid the extra couple bucks over another option I had at the time. A year of usage (clipped to my backpack in the woods, being bounced around on an excavator or a motorcycle, rained on, covered in dust, etc) has proven it's a tough radio without me having to worry about how much it costs. Lastly, I've NEVER had the battery die on me in just the course of one day, and that includes at times being on for 12+ hours and having at least 10-15 minutes of transmit time during that period. I've recommended this radio to a LOT of people that have asked about HT's that aren't 'Fengs but still won't break the bank.

[TheOutdoorFun]

Thanks for the video. Please could you do a receive audio comparison between FT-5 vs FT-60 vs ID52

[HRNT]

Nice to see some quality alternatives to the Baofeng. In my opinion, if you are going to spend money on a radio it should be a good quality radio. Great video Josh. 73!

[MarcJutras]

I have two UV-88 and I love them. So far, I've been asked 5 times on nets, by the hosts, what radio I was using. Some thought I was using a base radio and were intrigued when I mentioned I was using a handheld. I guess the signal is good enough.

[kenbecker]

Thanks for the video Josh. I am a big fan of my Alinco handheld. It also receives air band. Sound quality is great and menus are easy.

[georgefaltot]

The Alinco was my first HAM HT, and I still love it because it hears indoors almost as well as my base and is easy to program.

[Buzzygirl]

I've bought (and sold) many handhelds over the years, always appreciated my Alincos for quality. They are sturdy and reliable.

[LevyCarneiro]

Careful when uncoiling the Signal Stick antenna as it can hurt your hand. I love this antenna.

[DonzLockz]

I really like these real world comparisons Josh. It's good to see statistical data and actual audio for us to choose from. I plan to get some signal sticks at some stage but not just yet.🍻👍

[aaronoxen]

I really appreciate the testing process you've come up with. While it's almost impossible to 100% objective, I feel like you are doing a process that is as good as it can be. Keep doing the reviews like you have been, and I think you'll set yourself up as a leader in objective and real world results reviewer. Thank you, and keep doing what you are doing.

[NimdaXuniL]

I've always been impressed with Alinco handhelds. Own several and they take a beating - great products.

[markw]

I do like the FT65 which is just an upsized version of the FT-4x.

[vd]

For me it is the Ailunce HD1 by Retevis. Still a cheap radio but IP67, doing DMR and analog, fully programmable from the front and the audio is a beast! Also doing 8W on UHF and 10W on VHF. Great video and have a great day!

[mrjikey]

What I notice the most in terms of ‘cheap’ or Chinese vs. quality radios is the receive sensitivity. Would love to see you conduct a test like this in reverse, testing the receiver’s of the popular HT’s. I’ve really enjoyed these comparison videos! Mike - N7CCD

[TIGBB]

You can hear the air band with the Alinco! A great plus feature!

[raymondlewis]

Alinco is a great radio that many hams overlook! Great to meet you at Huntsville!

[blueowl]

Hey, thanks for the video. I jumped from Motoxxx Talkxxx to Baofeng about 9 years ago. Some of your videos inspired me and today I received my first Japanese FT65… let’s play!

[mikemurphy]

I really like my Yaesu FT-4X, but the transmit audio leaves something to be desired. Unless I really close talk it, the audio is low. I wish it had a TX audio adjustment.

[WHJBill]

The nice thing I like about the Yaesu FT-4X is that you can very easily "MARS Mod" without having to whip out a soldering iron or use special software. Do to the same on the Alinco DJ-VX50, you need special software.

[jameskioeb]

I was curious how the Yaesu stacked up. Love the real world testing. I am a Yaesu VHF/UHF fan.