Looking for the best ham radio to buy now? Start with the conversations you want to have. A good handheld for local repeaters can be a poor choice for a DMR group, and a feature-packed radio may add work you do not need. The right purchase matches your local activity, your experience and the way you plan to carry and program it.
Our first pick for a straightforward analog FM handheld is the Yaesu FT-65R. If DMR is your priority, look at the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus. The BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO suits feature-focused analog users, while the Yaesu FT-60R deserves a look if you prefer a traditional design. All four have Amazon listings, with links below.
This guide compares handhelds for local VHF/UHF use; it is not a ranking of HF base stations or mobile radios. These are editorial recommendations based on published specifications and documented features, not hands-on laboratory results or an Amazon sales-rank list.
Best Ham Radio to Buy Now: Four Picks Compared
| Radio | Best fit | Main appeal | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-65R | Our starting pick for local analog FM | Focused controls and shortcut keys | No DMR or C4FM |
| AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus | DMR users who want room to grow | Analog FM plus DMR, GPS and Bluetooth | More involved programming |
| BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO | Feature-focused analog experimenters | Tri-band operation and updateable firmware | Confirm exact PRO version |
| Yaesu FT-60R | Traditional analog handheld users | Established design and broad receive coverage | Older interface and charging approach |
Use the table to narrow your choice, then check the exact model and bundle on Amazon. Seller, accessories, availability and warranty arrangements can change. A listing photograph does not establish what every variation includes.
1. Yaesu FT-65R: Our Starting Pick for Analog FM
The FT-65R is where we would begin when the goal is joining local analog FM conversations. Yaesu specifies dual-band operation, selectable 5W/2.5W/0.5W output and four programmable Quick Recall Keys. A 1950mAh lithium-ion battery is standard, with a higher-capacity pack offered separately.
The attraction is focus. If your club uses ordinary FM repeaters, you can spend your learning time on channels, offsets and access tones rather than configuring a digital network. That makes it a sensible model to investigate before paying for capabilities you may not use.
Best Ham Radio to Buy Now for a Focused First Setup
Choose the FT-65R if local FM is your main interest and you want a manageable starting point. Its limitation is equally important: it is not a DMR, D-STAR or C4FM digital radio. Check your local activity before buying.
Read our Yaesu FT-65R features and setup guide for battery, weather-alert and programming considerations. Confirm whether your selected bundle includes a compatible programming cable.
2. AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus: Our Pick for DMR
If your local contacts use DMR, the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus is the most relevant option in this shortlist. The manufacturer lists analog FM and DMR operation, GPS, Bluetooth and APRS capabilities. That combination gives an interested operator more to explore than an analog-only handheld.
Its advantage depends on using those features. DMR setup involves choices such as contacts, talkgroups, time slots, color codes and zones. A prepared configuration can help, but you still need to understand what it contains and whether it matches your local system.
Who Should Choose the AnyTone?
Choose it when you have a clear DMR use in mind and are comfortable spending time on programming. Skip it as a default purchase if all you want is a few analog channels. The extra capability is useful only when it serves your actual activity.
Model names matter here: verify AT-D878UVII Plus rather than assuming every D878 variant is identical. Read our AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus overview and check the seller’s software, cable and support arrangements.
3. BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO: Our Feature-Focused Analog Pick
The BF-F8HP PRO appeals to operators who want to explore more analog handheld features. BTECH lists tri-band operation, USB-C charging, GPS, aviation reception, 1,000 memories and updateable firmware. Check the exact specification and power limits for each band rather than treating one advertised wattage as universal.
This is the PRO model, not the older BF-F8HP. The similar names can hide meaningful differences, so verify the product title and model label before ordering accessories or downloading software.
A Better Fit for Exploring Settings and Updates
Choose the PRO if its extra features are things you actively want to learn. Keep a copy of your configuration and follow model-specific instructions before updating firmware. Do not install files intended for another radio simply because it looks similar.
This remains an analog option rather than a substitute for the AnyTone’s DMR capability. Our beginner ham radio comparison provides another way to weigh it against a simpler first handheld.
4. Yaesu FT-60R: Our Traditional Handheld Pick
The FT-60R is worth considering if you prefer an established analog design over a newer feature-heavy interface. Yaesu identifies it as a 5W dual-band FM handheld with extensive memory storage and broad receiver coverage.
Its appeal is the operating style and documented feature set, not the idea that an older model automatically outperforms newer equipment. Compare the controls, charging arrangement and accessories with the FT-65R before deciding which is more convenient for you.
Check Charging and Receiver Expectations
Choose the FT-60R if you like its traditional approach and are comfortable with its interface. Check what battery and charger are included in the current bundle. Do not assume it offers the USB-C convenience of newer handhelds.
Broad receive coverage also does not turn it into a modern digital trunking scanner. It cannot decode a mode simply because it can tune the frequency. Our Yaesu FT-60R overview introduces the model for further research.
How to Choose Between These Four Radios
Match Your Local Activity First
Ask a nearby club which repeaters and modes are active. If most of your intended contacts use analog FM, all four are candidates. If DMR is central to your plan, the AnyTone is the relevant choice here. None of these handhelds is an HF station for routine worldwide SSB contacts.
Compare the Whole Setup
- Confirm the regional model and exact bundle contents.
- Check programming software compatibility and whether the right cable is included.
- Look at replacement batteries, charging equipment and useful accessories.
- Review seller support, return terms and warranty coverage.
- Make sure you understand the applicable authorization before transmitting.
Keep Range Claims in Perspective
Terrain, buildings, antenna placement and the other station affect results. A larger power figure does not guarantee a particular distance or reliable emergency contact. Choose a radio for the communication path you can realistically use, then test it in the places that matter.
Which Ham Radio Would We Buy?
For local analog FM, we would start by comparing the Yaesu FT-65R against our budget and accessory needs. For DMR, we would focus on the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus. We would choose the BF-F8HP PRO to explore its analog features, or the FT-60R when its traditional controls and receiver options suit the job.
The best ham radio to buy now is the one you can put to good use after it arrives. Pick the mode first, check the exact Amazon bundle and leave room to learn the radio. For a different handheld format, explore our Baofeng AR-152 buying guide, or browse the ham radio product category.