XIEGU X6100 - SDR portable HF transceiver (review)

The Xiegu X6100 is one of the best Ultra Portable Shortwave SDR transceiver in the market. It's All Mode, All Band radio with many buil-in features like battery, automatic antenna tuner, microphone, PTT button, Noise reduction, DSP Filters adjustement or an internal soundcard. In this video I compared the new X6100 with my old X5105 transceiver and in the second portion I make a few QSO with the Magloop Antenna MC-20.
I purchased this transceiver from Radioditty: www.radioddity.com/products/x...
Link to download a latest firmware: radioddity.com/pages/xiegu-do...
OUTPUT POWER:
- 5W on internal battery (7.2V/3000mAh)
- 10W on external PSU (13,8V)
BANDS:
- 1.8, 3.5, 5, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 24 and 28MHz
MODES:
- USB, LSB, AM, FM, CW, BPSK, RTTY
RX CURRENT: norm. 360mA (420mA on full backlight, full volume)
#XieguX6100 #UltraPortableTransceiver #SDR

[@JuliusLemonhead]

Thanks, OM0ET, I've made a mental note to investigate this radio further. I believe for me it would make an inexpensive and incredibly functional alternative to non sdr modern base station rigs, whether they be new or old. Keep up the excellent work, interest and reviews.

[@OM0ET]

Great! There is also an original 100W amplifier to this transceiver: www.radioddity.com/products/xiegu-xpa125b?gclid=Cj0KCQiAip-PBhDVARIsAPP2xc3ZkJfDKKHwPW_UAZeIgn3z0amQBqYz0QixTJT1sD0_xQ28wHtQwCwaAn2MEALw_wcB

[@stewartrv]

Mine arrived yesterday very please with it as well. I own several radios but this is the first QRP. So far I'm very impressed.

[@Badutspringer]

Thanks, my man. Wonderful unboxing. I played this in 2X speed and it felt natural. Only three espressos, this morning

[@DCJNewsMedia]

Just awesome and amazing. I'm blown away by this video you have done. God-bless you and your family 👪 ❤️

[@BillTheDroneReviewer]

Really enjoyed your review ! Just got mine X6100 so I can hardly wait to hook it up to that awesome antenna I received from you and give it a go !

[@OM0ET]

Thank you Bill. I hope you will enjoy this combo and will make many nice QRP contacts 😉👍 Happy New Year! Best 73

[@giovannicarlo9354]

777

[@Terribleguitarist89]

Internal soundcard already put this on my radar but I truly perked up when I saw the built-in SWR Scan... I'm surprised that's not an advertised feature we see in the new SDR offerings. Edit: now I've looked around and seen the Icom SDR rigs have SWR Scan, I'm honestly surprised that feature isn't pushed out more in advertisements.

[@pietrogazzera5733]

Best review ever on this rig! Good contacts indeed! Happy new year Paul!

[@OM0ET]

Thank you so much Pietro :) HNY 22 to you and yours ;) 73

[@thinkcasting3182]

Too expensive for what you're getting. $600+

[@wfwtheradioguy3414]

Great review. That looks like a very nice radio. I'm excited to see what happens with the next few firmware updates. I have the Xiegu G90 which has been a fantastic radio. I have no doubt that the X6100 will be too. Thank you for the excellent review. 73 de WØFW

[@OM0ET]

Thank tou for comment. Yes I believe that with every one update will be this transceiver better and better. Also today it is fantastic transceiver! 😉👍 73

[@DonzLockz]

Great video Paul. I've been looking at this radio for one year and I think I'll buy it soon for my first HF radio. Thanks for showing us the menu and upgrading etc. 🍻👍🤠

[@LYC54]

Excellent thorough review! I just wish reviewers would get away from boring unboxing...

[@k7map]

I despise unboxing videos. Its just a radio, not a fricken stripper.

[@lb6ciradiostuff490]

Best review so far of this rig. Thank you for your work and a happy new year to you and your family! Best 73 - LB6CI

[@OM0ET]

Thank you for your very kind comment and is my pleasure you watched this video ;) Happy New Year '22 and 73!, Paul ;)

[@hunt555fish]

Thanks Paul for the great review on the 6100.Your loop seems to do a great job also.

[@OM0ET]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@poli4869]

By far the best review video for this radio online . This is what a review video should be, showing all details people want to see! thanks bro, happy new year and 73 De BG8AVS (China)

[@OM0ET]

Thank you so much for your positive comment! :) I know, video is 1 hour long but I did my best to make it short as possible :) I wanted to show details as you wrote. :) Btw. I wish to make a contact with someone to China. Believe me I never had a QSO with China. Best 73, Paul :)

[@poli4869]

@@OM0ET if you are not in a hurry, I will take the type B license test in March(needed for HF, I have only type A for vhf/uhf only.then I will buy x6100 and we.can QSO😃

[@stefenson.souza.ferreira]

Congratulations for the explanations of X6100 SDR device transceiver. Your english is fluent and I got it everything from Brazil. A strong 73 from PS7SSF,

[@gamlemann53]

This was a quality video Paul! Very nice, and thank's for that, and thank you for the contacts we have had before! The best from LB1NH from Oslo Norway :-)

[@OM0ET]

Thank you Arild ;)

[@boogerglob1234]

Thank you Sir for sharing your video. Happy New Year!

[@OM0ET]

My pleasure :) Thanks for watching this video and HNY 2022! 73 :)

[@ElmerEscoto]

Nice rig. Enjoy it! Happy New year!

[@OM0ET]

Thank you Elmer ;) Happy New Year also to you and yours! ;) 73

[@LYC54]

Thanks for the fb review of the x6100. I'm a big fan of QRP owning Yaesu 817nd. For the most part I only use QRP and your review certainly is wetting my appetite for the Xeigu - never can have enough radios. Tnx agn. Rich

[@JimmyBaevsky]

I really love your English because I'm understanding all you are speaking about. I slso love how you are telling about the divice with much love and very carefully indeed.Thanks a lot!73!

[@OM0ET]

Thank you so much my friend! 😊😊

[@lenndeloney6955]

KI5ELC (Lenn) here, Excellent informative review of the X6100 radio and functions. I currently bidding on one. Keep up the good service. Thank you, and be blessed.

[@michaelzehrfeld7766]

Thank you for the video...very interesting to see such radio "live"......top review! 73 Mike

[@vu2bhf]

Great video, Paul, Happy new year greetings

[@OM0ET]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you too ;) 73

[@markmontgomery9722]

great over view i am just getting back to qrp and this looks like the job 73s

[@kb9oak749]

Amazing features for the price. I need one.

[@user-oz2dd6sv2j]

Great review.So clear and to the point. Congrats.

[@OM0ET]

Thank you so much for your positive feedback! 😉👍 73

[@vaniuha1981]

I was waiting for this review, among the existing videos your video is a diamond. Thank you! Happy New Year )) DE ER1IM GL 73 SK

[@OM0ET]

Oh thank you so much Ivan for your very kind comment :) My pleasure you watched this video! Happy New Year to you and 73, Paul

[@dree6212]

Very nice review of the all mode transceiver and very clear sound, thank you 73 from PE1PPE.

[@OM0ET]

Thank you very much for your very kind conment! 😉👍 Best 73

[@JimmyBaevsky]

The radio is not a bad recorder, very clear and melodic.

[@1956mykhan]

Pole, Congrats for your new transceiver, happy new year too. I am very much surprised to know that only 5 Watts can do such mericles. By da way I am from Islamabad Pakistan and unfortunately we do not have such preveledges as you people are enjoying there. Happy new year again and Regards! M Yaqoub Khan Islamabad Pakistan

[@OM0ET]

Hi dear friend from far Pakistan! I am so sorry! Hamradio is so beautiful hobby! Why is hamradio not allowed in your country? It's sad... Yes, we can make also nice DX's with 5W - 8000km, for example. This is so exciting on this hobby :) I hope one day you will be also able to transmit on the ham bands and possibly we will make a contact ;) Happy new year 2022 to you and yours! Paul

[@xe1fbg]

Excelente video, me dieron ganas de adquirir ese equipo, saludos 73.

[@Bdub1952]

Speaking as a G90 owner, Xiegu has really stepped up its documentation game as well.

[@marcreynolds7948]

Not sure about the internal mic on that radio, but the Xiegu handheld mics have the mic element covered by the silicone membrane keypad sheet. This makes your voice sound muffled. If you open the microphone assy and remove the keypad sheet you can drill a small hole thru the location that covers the mic. Note you can't just punch a hole with a needle because the membrane will simply close itself, although you might be able to carefully cut a hole as well using precision nippers. Now reassemble the microphone assy and you will get better audio reports. You can also pack the housing with pieces of dense foam to dampen any resonances.

[@OM0ET]

Great! Thank you. I will definitely do it 😃👍

[@Taras-Nabad]

I like it, very nice review.

[@tonym7cvk430]

An honest review Paul reading some of the comments seems you can’t please everyone nice looking QRP radio I guess the software will be updated regularly 73s

[@OM0ET]

Thanks Tony for your support. Yes I agree, it never be fine to everyone :) don't worry :) Yes, as it was with X5105 so the same will be with X6100. Bugs will be fixed and new features added. Look where the X5105 is today. After 3 years of usage I still can say that it's one of the best portable transceivers. Happy new year 2022 to you and yours! ;) 73, Paul

[@hernanamadorcortesgomez7682]

espero, algún día, comprar una de estas máquinas... me encantan... pero la pandemia y dos años sin trabajar dejaron mi economía en default... solo puedo mirar videos y soñar con estrenar mi nueva licencia de RA en las bandas HF... Abrazos y muchos éxitos a quienes están leyendo este comentario... poco a poco avanzamos!!!

[@MegaDoc34]

Thank you very much for this vidéo. I think purchase this transceiver soon. It's a very good choose with my magloop antenna ! Best 73's F1JJM Laurent

[@OM0ET]

Thank you very much my friend Laurent! 😊👍

[@hamshackleton]

Ooh, I like! I have one on order, despatched as soon as the stock comes in! Thank you for the set-up info. 73 from m0hff

[@kf7gc]

I have one on order also

[@QRP.lifestyle]

Nice TRX Paul, wait for my antennas!

[@OM0ET]

Thanks David. Yes, I am waiting :D hi

[@skiptaggart8116]

Thank you for another brilliant video and equipment review. I'm studying for my Technician license here in the US and always find your videos engaging and informative. I am curious to know what measures you can take to add higher frequency to your audio as OZ8CTH suggested?

[@thomaslapointesr4159]

Gotta make a living

[@G3PWP]

Hi Paul, a nice review

[@mickgatz214]

I NEVER pull the protective film off new radios, but in your instance it appears it was just slapped on.... Excellent review btw.; 👍

[@patriayvida4209]

Thanks for such a great video!!! ... Personally I'm still kinda Hesitant about this new Transceivers... It looks good and it's portable... but for someone who likes DX'ing it's not convincing. Too much money for 5 wants.... (or 10 watts).... That's my opinion. Thanks again and HAPPY 2022 from KJ4BGW ! 73s!!!

[@Funker-und-Musiker]

Thank you for all informations 👌😉 Greetings from Luxembourg Serge 73

[@sylvianebillard]

Thank you for this excellent vidéo and 73 51 from galapagos 68 in Switzerland near Geneva

[@mm3nrx]

the case is just ordinary U channel for conduits etc. But handy to use to do that kinda stuff. I use the same stuff at work to make internal lighting units for bus, train, ambulances and lorries etc.

[@Aletef]

Great commercial for Xiegu.!!!

[@yocchan54321]

If you purchase the X5105 and then the X6100 again, you can purchase the IC-705 for the total amount of gold. After using the X5105 for about a year, the tuning dial encoder broke down. I bought IC-705 because I can't trust this manufacturer anymore. Although the price is high, the frequency range is wide, and Icom is by far the best in quality.

[@techguy9023]

Stories like that make me think Elecraft, Discovery, or Icom.

[@Patrick_PD2ET]

The foam rip off ..it's like asmr sound.. hahahah Big fun.. lovely radio though !! very good review!! Thank you OMØET Paul . maybe a good radio to start with ..after my exam in March 2023..i just can't wait 7351's

[@mikestone9129]

Very good video, thank you.

[@erpece]

Watching your videos with the X5105 made me buy that radio... now you're saying there's a better one?? ;-) Happy new year, Paul!

[@OM0ET]

LOL :D It is clear how fast technology is evolving today ;) I enjoy it. HNY 22

[@cd6037]

Super, díky za recenzi

[@pauls8456]

Great review thanks from VK.

[@todaysfigures598]

Really appreciate it👍

[@dd1fk115]

Nice TRX ! Your Magloop QSOs are so cool, i wish i can say this too, i need a bit more Power in my UBitX for the MagLoop at Balcony.. ok hope to see you 2. Video with the new Loop Antenna you have built, and run this with the nex Xiegu Paul i wish you all good to you for next Year 73 DD1FK

[@OM0ET]

Thank you so much Fabien for watching this video. Maybe next time we could test it on the air hihi ;) HNY 22! Paul

[@pochonietypasjomrutusultim5875]

Good Paweł 73 and the best in 2022 in radio pozdrawiam z Polski 🇵🇱

[@OM0ET]

Dziękuję za pozdrowienia! Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku 2022 życzę Tobie i Twoim bliskim! ;) Paweł

[@racaljaguar8605]

Two features could make any radio perfect: DSP filter and Automatic antenna tuner

[@AlpineWarren]

You're in luck - It has both. ;)

[@stahpit1971]

Thanks fro posting your content. I wish there were more radios to review besides the chinese radios.

[@OM0ET]

Thanks for watching! Chinese radios are usually cheap and more affordable for most of people therefore I have so many of them here lol :D but of course if I have some new ICOM, YAESU or KENWOOD I will do a review for sure ;) Happy New Year and 73, Paul.

[@joeframo3347]

It's beautiful I like it better than the 705 icom 💕💕

[@Tyguy266]

that is such a nice transceiver, one day ill be able to get one. i only have a UV5R but would love to one day have a home base set up. 3 kids makes it hard to save lol

[@OM0ET]

My friend, If a person really wants something, he will achieve it if he really wants it, no matter what happens! I belive you will buy it one day, I am pretty sure ;) I wish you it! Hope that after you get license we will meet on the air in the future ;) Best 73, Paul

[@Tyguy266]

@OM0ET I will be in touch and I will make sure to make contact when I get my license

[@MatthiasLenardt]

Thanks for sharing this good information on the new x6100. It's a wonderful and compact combination with a magnetic loop. Have lot's of fun with this radio in the future. Much love 💕 Matthias & Thought Genie 👋 DL1NDG

[@OM0ET]

Thank you so much Mathias! 😊 73!

[@freisprechen2142]

Hallo,thanks for your fine videos.I wish a very good new year!! all the best DH7TB Hans

[@OM0ET]

My pleasure Hans ;) Thanks for watching this video and HNY 22! Best 73

[@enigmarbs2886]

Hi Pavol, Again a very nice and understandable Video! Happy New Year to you and your family 73 de Stefan DG4RBS

[@OM0ET]

Thank you so much Stefan! ;) Happy New Year 22 :)

[@papa-tango-9114]

wow. good radio

[@barrykery1175]

Great review. Very informative. You made is super easy for someone to follow the firmware upgrade. I like the way they designed it for upgrading. I'd like to get one but they still have some bugs to iron out in the radio before I make my move. The last issue I saw that bothered me was, the CW memory keyer did not function. Or did they finally fix that? Thanks for posting the great review. Barry, KU3X

[@OM0ET]

Hi Barry, thank you so much for your kind comment. As I am (sadly) not a CW operator I dont't know answer to your question. I have to dig a little to find how to use this CW function :D btw. Happy New Year 2022! 73, Paul

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Lots of Birdies across the bands being produced by the radio is a far bigger issue to me since I don’t do CW.

[@raydavidsonm0ray.777]

Hi Paul, Many thanks for the review of this new rig. How much dose this X6100 cost please Paul. As usual from you, yet another BRILLIANT & Very informative review indeed, as with all of your reviews on new equipment, including the details of how you make & produce your own products. As you may recognise my Callsign and name, you might notice that I follow you as much as I can with all of you live streams, & your normal informative videos. Keep up the good work Paul, & let's hope that 2022 will bring all of us some better times than than the last 3 years. I'm hoping to be able to work you on the radio at some time soon this year, assuming that I can get help with putting up an antenna that works properly. Being disabled restricts me from gettin highly efficient high power (100 Watts & above) capable Antennas installed on my own. Happy New Year Paul. 73, Ray, M0RAY, Locator JO01ii84

[@OM0ET]

Hi Ray, I thank so much for your very kind comment and support of my work here :) I bought it for about 750€ (I don't remember precisely because part of this was an import fees and TAX). I am sorry for your situation Ray, but there must be some kind of solution for sure with kind of antenna, hmm.. Yes, I hope that the 2022 will be at least not worse than 21st. Let's believe it will be better :D We have to be optimistic ;) Best 73 and HNY! Paul

[@stefanomammoli7024]

Very fine videi

[@dovpauzner5093]

Tnx and HNY 2022 !

[@OM0ET]

My pleasure ;) Happy New Year to you too and 73! Paul

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Nice Video - the new firmware is now available- What model is the Antenna ? Andreas

[@OM0ET]

Thank you Andreas! :) It is the UltraLight MLA MC-20: om0et.com/ultralight-mla-mc-20.html

[@dw.7655]

Hello Paul, great video and amazing QRP radio. Wow! I am a 2 lander in USA. I got to get back on the bands since I have upgraded to General class. Question. Can you plug in Headphones? Did you construct your magnet loop antenna? Your explanation of all the features was also great. I’m going to look into this rig. Thanks again so much. 73s and stay safe. Old man Dave!

[@OM0ET]

Thanks! 😊 Yes, I can plug in the headphones and also I can finally use a MONITOR feature to hear my self too. Yes, this Magloop is my commercial product (om0et.com). Thanks for the nice comment and watching this video 😉👍 Best 73

[@davidbrowne1588]

Hi Paul your videos are great very interesting and in-depth, Can you please tell me what your 6meters is working like on FM, and the power levels as mine is distorted and lower power, Also what is your power level like on battery 5w ,on all bands, Do you have a lot of birdies on all bands with the antenna disconnected, I do so I am getting a replacement radio, Thanks Dave

[@radiofoxtrot]

WOW!!! Is amazing transceiver!!! 73 my friend from LU9FNI

[@R2AUK]

🔥👍

[@stephan5618]

Thank you for this great review. I've ordered the X6100 and now I'm looking for a good power supply for home usage. Which power supply did you use in the video? I'd prefer a universal power supply that doesn't only deliver 13,8 V but more a lab power supply with voltage (5-20V) and current limiter - which I can use for other purposes as well. Or should I use a special/dedicated power supply for the transceiver?

[@stephan5618]

Ah, yes - and the power supply should also be capable to drive an additional 100W power amp ;)

[@Homer19521]

Nicely done. TU 73

[@EA1FRU]

Thanks!!!

[@RafaGarTier]

Hi Paul, Santa Claus has given you a good gift.........😄 Congratulations on your new equipment, I really like it. I hope you enjoy it very much. Remember that I am interested in your old X5105........if you sell it at a good price....... at a friend's price.....😜 Happy New Year 2022 73's

[@OM0ET]

Hello my friend Rafa! Thanks for watching this video :) Yes I remember. I am enjoying this new radio so much! It's perfect! Happy new year also to you and your family ;)

[@EveryDayisFieldDay]

Got mine in February 2022 and the charger is 12V 1A (also in EU).

[@bangyusrichanel1620]

Watching here

[@user-nc4vz7or6v]

You've good QTH for S/N.

[@LWRC]

Quite impressive on this QRP Xceiver! It certainly has more features than the Elecraft KX3!! Wondering how the receiver parameters compare!

[@FaheemKhan-cx6kb]

great 👌😊👌👌😊😊😊

[@whirledpeas5644]

TNX Paul for the informative video. What are the specs for the internal battery,? Operating time between charge, and how long to fully charge? 73

[@OM0ET]

it's 2x 3Ah 3,7V is series. Max. 8.1V, min.7.0V when radio turn off automatically. In RX mode about 3,5 hours.

[@user-wd1tp7gt9r]

You R Great This is from ST2KI

[@OM0ET]

Oh thank you so much! 😊

[@Roadrunner48]

Great presentation of the XIEGU X6100 radio ! 73 de DF8??

[@yv6eda]

Great detail video Paul, thanks! I wonder if you are selling your loop antennas and are able to delivery to Canada. Thanks in advance!

[@OM0ET]

Thank you for your comment. Here is the link to my website. Yes I delivery to Canada too om0et.com/ultralight-mla-mc-20.html Thanks for watching and 73! 😊👍

[@bg7jaf]

Nice video! I heard that with external power supply this rig can output 10w.

[@OM0ET]

Yes, that is correct 😉👍

[@o00scorpion00o]

This is the best Audio I've heard yet on the 6100, maybe due to newer Firmware or due to your low noise location ? Not sure I would pay more for this than what I paid for my FT-891, great radio 5-100 watts. Cool radio though. Can it send psk 31 via keyboard ? that would be cool or do you need external program like FLDigi ? would be great to be able to send psk31, RTTY, Olivia via the radio without the need for a computer.

[@OM0ET]

Audio is nice and soft also due to good speaker used in this radio and also there is a low background noise in this location :) I didn't test it on the DIGI modes yet, so I am not sure about it. Happy New Year to you and yours! ;) 73

[@o00scorpion00o]

@@OM0ET Happy new year to you too! :-)

[@vk5zbr]

Hi, thanks for the video. I’m interested how well the receiver works between 500khz to 1600khz?

[@fulvioiz4rej]

Work the TRX in transmission continuos ? Like the cb band ? 73's de iz4rej Fulvio Happy New year to your and yours Paul.

[@OM0ET]

No, it is receiving only on CB band. Happy New Year 22 Fulvio! 73, Paul

[@RobertMacCready]

Great video on the X6100. Will it do FT8?

[@dw.7655]

Hi Paul, since the X6100 has Bluetooth, does it allow connection to Bluetooth headphones? It seems to have a great price point and features, for sure. Thanks again. 73’s , Dave

[@user-ic2qr7fg6i]

Hello Paul! What you think about EH antenna? I, d like to see your experinent with this antenna!

[@anthonyglaser929]

nice post, good info. Is the internal battery replaceable? Can the radio be run off a/c power if the battery is dead?

[@cookiebeariscool]

Hi Paul I am a long time watcher of your channel , this is a awesome video of this radio and I am looking to buy one..... where did you buy yours from and also what is the guarantee for this radio ?? I know quite often with chinese made radios the guarantee is almost non existent . I did buy the x5105 but within a week issues developed and I sent it back for refund . I would like to try this radio to see if I have better luck. Thanks again for a great in depth review , ZL1SEW 73

[@OM0ET]

Hi. Thank you so much for your support and watching this video ;) I bought this radio from Radioditty (link in video descr.) and if you are not sure and don't want risk a buggy radio I would wait some time for some more firware updates and then buy it. I was OK with possible bugs, because as a X5105 owner I know that Xiegu will fix bugs and will add some more features. I like that feeling to have a bit newer radio after each firmware update :D Btw. I see this transceiver fully operational also with this first firmwares, so I am happy with this purchase. Happy New Year! Paul

[@DavidHead-W4WLC]

Great review Paul. Have seen any issues with birdies?

[@amercalifa5592]

Updated my transceiver to version 1.1.2, downloaded from the Radioddity website. After the update, the waterfall stopped responding. I did a factory reset and updated to the previous version 1.1.0 but the waterfall did not come to life. Don't know what could be the reason? Thanks a lot..

[@old-timeangler5356]

Paul, great video, thanks for sharing, 73 W2DWL

[@sergio9700]

Hello, very good video, a question is it released or can it be released in some way, for example, can it be transmitted outside the limits of the bands? thank you my friend 73

[@OM0ET]

With standard FW is MARS mode not possible

[@ruisantos4520]

Dear Friend ... What kind of amplifier are you using ? And what is the antena you are using ? On the antena part, I see what looks to be a RX antena ... What is the TX antena ? Or does this antena works like a dipolo ?

[@charly821]

Keren... 👍👍👍👍