Top 5 HF Ham Radios for Beginners!

If you're thinking of getting into HF Ham Radio, don't buy a radio without watching this first!
In this video, we'll break down our top 5 picks based on all the major factors like value, support, and functionality.
For seriously high end radios, check out our other guide on that subject: • 5 Awesome HF Radios DX...
For links to purchase and more details, check out our website post here: hamradioprep.com/hf-ham-radio...
Need to get your ham radio license or upgrade?
Go to www.HamRadioPrep.com for the world's best online ham radio class taught by experts with decades of experience.
If you've already got your license, join us over at www.WorldRadioLeague.com to log your contacts, win awards, and join the community.

[@Zif-the-Old-Herring]

After spending months reading and watching information on various HF radios, my brain finally fizzled to a stop. As a newbie, I have no clue what the additional hunga-dungas do. " Does this radio have the included vacuum cleaner attachments?" It's part of learning over time and shouldn't be stressful. Be comfortable with your choice. They are all prefect. I went with the Icom 7300 because it is a recognized steady performer. Looks cool on my desk so I'm working on my general ticket and am surrounded by great local Elmers to help cme learn about the subtleties of the hunga-dunga and why I need 42 filters for my roof, It's all part of the sport.

[@KarmaFlight]

I feel your pain! 🤣

[@adam-gy1yi]

Thank you for providing an excellent study app. With this, I was able to study while traveling, spending time with the family or at the end of day preparing to sleep. I passed my tech license test today!

[@MysticAustin]

Congrats! I can't wait to get mine!

[@HamRadioPrep]

Great Adam and congratulations! We are glad to hear that our app and course helped you pass your exam :)

[@KI4ASK]

Excellent video Jim. The Yaesu FT-897 was my first HF radio when I got licensed 20+ years ago. My current shack HF radio is the excellent Icom 7300. My favorite HF radio of all-time and the one I use the most is the very versatile Icom 705. Keep up the great work.

[@leo2944]

thanks for the video, I got my license earlier this year and along with it a yaesu ft818, it's great to get started on hf, along with a mfj tuner I was able to use it on ft8 on 10m along with a vhf antenna. but yesterday I bought a new yaesu ft710 and it really seemed like the best jump from qrp to qro, compared to the icom 7300 edta at a better price and does the same

[@w.rustylane5650]

I started out with a Baofeng UV-5R and then graduated to a Kenwood TS-430 with matching PS-430 power supply. I gave that radio, power supply, a Yaesu 2 meter radio, extension speaker and an auto tuner to another Ham who could not afford a radio when he became a General. Also he was disabled. I did this after I got my new Yaesu FT-991a and power supply. Love my Yaesu! Before I got the Yaesu FT-991A, I purchased a Kenwood TM-281a after my Yaesu 3100's finals burned out. Cheers & 73 from K9POW in eastern TN

[@marshred]

All of these radios are great....I started with a Yaesu FT-891 for HF as I was building a Go-Box with my FTM-300 dual band and GMRS radios. It was a great starter radio and can be used for portable and mobile radio once you move up to an FTdx10 !!!! I love my FTdx10 and have 116 of 195 countries logged in a year's time with just a Palomar OCFD antenna. I run an ICOM-7100 in my truck as to have all bands in a single radio. It works well but I wouldn't pick it for base rig due to not having a good waterfall display.

[@jcenciso9]

Great video for new HAMs like myself. Currently own the IC7300 and am happy with it. I’m looking forward to adding to the shack. Ham Radio Prep is the best!!

[@HamRadioPrep]

Thanks for the positive comment! Great to hear!

[@jp7006]

The first thing I went for was multi band versatility. I jumped on the Yaesu FT8900 because it covered 70cm, 2m, 6m, and 10m. All in one package. I use it in my truck and have a quick release if I need to add it to my go kit.

[@janiceemery2008]

Thank you for the video. I also have a Yaesu 991A and love it. I bought my second hand and got a really good deal on it. This is my only radio and my very first. Great for a starter. Thank You

[@HamRadioPrep]

Great to hear! Enjoy getting on the air!

[@housesOTR]

My son and I started with the Icom-718 20 years ago. It's still on the market. Very basic but we still have ours. Added an DX10 for my retirement radio but I still have the icom.

[@MrJimmy440]

I love my Yaesu 991A highly recommended !

[@tonyrowland9216]

my first and only radio has been an elecraft k-2. all the bells and goodies. Kit was great..

[@JohnSmith-xi2oq]

Got my general about 2 weeks ago. Working on extra, i went with the yaesu ftdx101d for my first. Spend what you are comfortable spending. I dont need to buy another base station for years

[@pale_2111]

I started out with a IC-705 after I got my General upgrade back in 2020. Over a year later, I got a IC-7300. Worked a lot of DX contacts into Europe with the IC-705, but having the IC-7300 is a lot easier to have a conversation.

[@SteveBerwick]

Our of curiosity, why didn't you just get a 50/100watt amplifier?

[@pale_2111]

Some of the amps are expensive, almost the price of a new radio.

[@faustosurdo2724]

Nice video, very interesting......I have a Yaesu FT897D for use in a fixed station.....and a FT817ND for QRP......this way I don't have to remember the different functions between one radio and another....since they are very similar😅😅😅😅.....73 from Italy IU7PFS

[@indianakid4050]

First was a kenwood ts 140s, now i got a ft 991A love that radio .ok 73

[@matthennagersguitarlessons]

I got the 7300 yesterday. Hope i made the right choice!

[@happyjack880]

I love my iCOM IC-718 and will use it until until it falls apart. Unfortunately they're no longer available. $700 for a "starter" HF radio was a great price.

[@jamesstaley5611]

They are still for sale. DX engineering has them.

[@hayden9986]

I ordered the yaesu ft-710

[@johnlynch7834]

I've had several ft897 rigs.Worked great but prefer a larger display

[@JonathanKayne]

Some other great radios would be the ft-891, FTDX10 and FT-710. I personally don’t recommend a newbie get a qrp radio until they are a little more experienced. It’s insanely fun, but I only say that because I had some experience before jumping into that. When I started out it was already challenging with 100 watts.

[@HamRadioPrep]

Well said Jonathan! We have a lot of students that go the Xiegu route if they're on a budget, and we included the 705 as well because it's truly an awesome radio. That said, you make a really good point here and it's probably best to start with the a 100W radio if you can afford it.

[@barrykery1175]

It seems that the Xiegu G-90 is a very popular radio for hams running POTA. It's 6 db more power out then the little QRP 5 watt radios and does not draw high current like taking a 100 watt radio and turning it down to 20 watts out. I think the next step up, cost wise, would be the FT-891. After that, still focusing on cost, I'd choose the FT-710 or the IC-7300. But, if you are only going to focus on one radio and that's all that your budget will allow, the FT-991A would be the way to go. POTA.....G-90. Primary station, move on up to a radio with more features and more power. Barry, KU3X

[@cw.only.channel]

Thank you thank you for sharing 73

[@ivanvergara158]

Excelente aporte para los nuevos radioaficionados

[@HamRadioPrep]

Muchas gracias Ivan! Nuestro meta es apoyar a todos a crecer y aprender más 🙌🏼 saludos!

[@KenVet]

As a new ham last year, I went with the Yaesu 710.

[@HamRadioPrep]

Another nice option.

[@4everlearnin]

I am just about to get my Technical License and I am on a strict budget I reside in an apartment in the city I would warmly welcome suggestions for a first radio. Thanks in advance

[@jamesstaley5611]

I would suggest the Icom IC-718. It is built like a tank and has the best and easiest menu for the money. It is a no frills radio but will never let you down.

[@amnchode]

I personally went with the Xiegu X6100. IMHO, it offered me the best mix of features for the price (quirks aside). Being fully self contained (only needing an antenna), extremely portable, and digital ready of of the box, was a perfect fit for me considering I was/am very interested in POTA... Which compensates for the lack of power, by making me a target vs hunting for a contacts. Only needing a USB-PD charger/powerbank capable of 12V/3A (most 36W+ options) and a trigger cable to use it at full power helped too. That said, I was also considering the G90 (lost out due to additional power cost and lack of being digital ready) and the Yaesu FT-891, which is a full 100W rig, but required a much beefier power source & lacked some features (no waterfall, not digital ready, doesn't pack as small, etc), but still a very solid rig with a renowned reputation within portable op circles (POTA, SOTA, etc)... I'm looking at the FT-710 as my next rig, due to it's reputation for Rx sensitivity, feature set, and price

[@HamRadioPrep]

All good choices! Interesting thought on the offset of QRP power by being "chased" in POTA.

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

The 90 will most likely be my next Rig. Super versatile!

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

No digital does give me some reservations though.

[@amnchode]

@@PopeyeKF4LBG well, is not so much "no digital", just no digital ready out of the box (a DigiRig will solve that, IIRC).... There are only a few sub-$1k radios that are....X6100 and the FX-4CR (which is also worth a look, when it's available), off the top of my head.

[@KX2U]

You totally missed that the 991a has fusion and VHF UHF which the 7300 does not. I see so many people compare the 2 but they are different class radios. Put the 7300 against the FT DX 10 and the 7300 Will lose all day long

[@HamRadioPrep]

Correct, we did not include the Fusion functions on the Yaesu 991. We picked that one because of it's all-band functions in general, and we didn't dive down too far on additional functions in any of the radios. Since we published ICOM has rereleased the IC-7100 which is really the side by side competitor with the Yaesu 991. Maybe a future 1 on 1 video to compare? Thanks for the comment.

[@BreannaVK3BBS]

@@HamRadioPrepCan we look forward to this video? I’m close to sitting my exams and am hem-hawing between these two. I think that the detachable front on the IC-7100 makes it a better option for mobile mounting.

[@johncadwallader8495]

Buy a used ftm-400

[@BLUESKYS4EVE]

I have a G90 and a FTM 300D. My next radio will be the 991a. 😮

[@mblogler]

If you’re brand new to ham like I was, and on a budget, the cheapest used HF radio is the best way to learn and save money for other things you need for your shack. Computer. Headset. Power supply. Feedline. Antenna. Grounding. YMMV, but you can always upgrade. Tons of used old gear out there if you know where to look.

[@HamRadioPrep]

Agreed. We’re releasing a couple videos soon that touch on that, so be on the lookout! 73.

[@joebob703]

Where are the best places to look for good used gear?

[@franciscolopez3229]

As a new ham as myself, this is very helpful. For starters, I've do have now the AT5555N and very happy with it. May I ask sir, how high in watts can you go but still to be considered QRP? Thank you and 73.

[@HamRadioPrep]

Good question! Generally, the accepted ceiling is 5-10 watts to be QRP. It depends on what operating mode; operating phone, 10 watts is QRP, but a weak signal digital mode like FT8 can go further, meaning you need to go lower to be QRP, maybe 5 or 6 watts. 73!

[@franciscolopez3229]

@@HamRadioPrep Roger that sir and thank you so much. All the best to you and your loved ones. 73.

[@gaylecoombs5510]

Nice do you have one of these videos for HTs?

[@HamRadioPrep]

We sure do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5inXmWjosmemsUsi=fb9jwDWz5ef9mT-e

[@DeLorean58]

I would throw out the IC7000 if you can find one used for a deal. That's what I'm running right now until I can upgrade to a 7300 for HF and pull my ID880 out of storage to handle my VHF/UHF needs, or go 705 plus an amp. I'm already getting a tuner for the 7000, so that will already be checked off my list.

[@dovetomarc]

With all due respect steering a new ham towards QRP Rigs is a guarantee of frustration. I am a big QRP Fan but it’s probably a mistake to start a new ham off with an HF QRP Radio IMHO.

[@amnchode]

Arguable... My first HF rig was a X6100, and it's still my only HF Rig. Now, if you are "only" talking about phone use, I can see your point, but as soon as you throw CW and Digital in the mix, 5-10W is plenty to play with. I earned my DXCC with no more than those 10W and a 66ft EFHW at ~23ft. 50W amps can be found fairly cheap, like the Micro PA-50, to add on down the line. Plus, they are great for portable use, such as POTA, where hunters are actively seeking you vs you trying to get them ;)

[@HamRadioPrep]

There is definitely the potential for frustration with a QRP radio on Sideband. That's why we based out HF Masterclass around a full powered ICOM IC-7300. However, there are people who want the challenge, and many of our former students have told us they like these radios. That's why we decided to include them in the top 5.

[@dovetomarc]

@@amnchode I’m a CW Operator as well and almost exclusively operate on CW these days with my KX2 or G90. Most new Hams however do not operate on CW as you know. It takes a while to learn and is no longer required. I am convinced steering a new ham to QRP is a ticket to frustration and disappointment.

[@amnchode]

@@dovetomarc however, digital isn't near as difficult and just as capable, if not more so. My very first HF contact was DX... Only Peurto Rico, but DX no less. I was thrilled to death with it and have continued to be so. As I stated previously, I completed my DXCC requirements and even had a QSO with Antarctica...all with 10W and a EFHW. So, can't say I have a lot of disappointment.... It's all in how you approach it. More importantly, if you know this ahead of time, your prepared for it.

[@danford7532]

I don't know what experts your consulting, but I have all the radios you showcased, and they all have issues that a beginner should pass on all of them.

[@HamRadioPrep]

What would you recommend?

[@andrewharbert987]

This is probably a less than intelligent question but lets say I get the IC7300 what antenna would be a good match? I also have to take into account that I live in a town home community with limited back yard space for anything horizontal and even vertical height could be an issue. Do I have any other options for a base station type of radio and antenna combo? Thank you for any response.

[@HamRadioPrep]

Hi, there is the Loop antenna, Flagpole antenna, wire in an attic, etc.

[@crlguitar1]

A friend loaned me a Icom 7300 & wanted to sell it. Audio was kind of lousy compared to my 25 + year old Kenwood TS 430 The Icom WAS pretty though...

[@arniesayson9747]

I have icom m710 mfhf radio with anthena tuner.. but it wont transmit the way it should be.. what seems to be the problem.. just a newbe here

[@HamRadioPrep]

Probably too detailed a question to cover here. Try a post in our Facebook group for the wisdom of the crowd: facebook.com/groups/570145810592522

[@dadofmichelle]

I'd like to see a video comparing new rigs with used rigs. Some of the older rigs had features that are no longer available on the market. Also, they're cheaper for the new ham. A how-to-buy a used rig would be helpful. Most hams starting up have a limited budget, and buying used should be a consideration - but they need to know how to do it so they can get one that works and how to avoid sending money to a cloaked scammer.

[@HamRadioPrep]

Noted!

[@adrenalinowner7992]

How well would the G90 work with the Yeasu 120 antenna

[@HamRadioPrep]

They should work together. Get out and test it!

[@jerryKB2GCG]

If you include the 7300 you should include the Yaesu FT-710

[@HamRadioPrep]

Thanks. The top 2 were chosen by our students!

[@mewrongway]

You missed the HOTTEST radios on the market! The FT-710 and FTDX-10. The 7300 is kinda outdated.

[@MENSA.lady2]

Without spending a fortune i suggest the "Shack in a box" The Yaesu 857D.

[@HamRadioPrep]

We'd love to recommend the 857D, but it's no longer made! Definitely a great option if you find it used.

[@MENSA.lady2]

Mine is not for sale Ian G4JIU

[@evanwindom3265]

Isn't the FTDX-10 in the top 3 on the Sherwood report? Seems odd that it wouldn't get a mention here.

[@HamRadioPrep]

You're right, it is! You definitely pay for that better receiver though, which puts it just out of that beginner price point in our mind. Definitely a great radio.

[@evanwindom3265]

@@HamRadioPrep I'm not sure $60 would be a major deal-breaker but I understand pricing might have been different when the video was recorded.

[@WT2D-Michel]

N2MTM here, you did not memtioned the FTDX10 or the FT 710.

[@HamRadioPrep]

Good shout on the ft 710! We’re actually featuring it in our upcoming HF on a budget video.

[@johncadwallader8495]

You wouldn't regret the icom 7300

[@kroenen6661]

Get a used icom 718 and start from there,thats a very good rig for starter and also cheap,cheers!

[@johnnyfever4034]

🎉okay. How about a 40m / 80m antenna that will fit in a backyard 40 feet deep. 40ft wide. But width has to avoid triplex 240power

[@HamRadioPrep]

A lower band antenna setup guide is a great idea! We’ll add it to the list!

[@amnchode]

DX Commander with the 30m element replaced with a 80m element, in a Inverted L configuration, would work well in that situation. It is what I'm using in a similar one....

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

Ill stick with my FT450AT

[@sv4rin]

Ft-891 rules !!!!! No needless features !!!

[@dadofmichelle]

QRP is not the place to start: Yes, you can work the world with a QRP rig, but not as well. You'll be competing with 100 watt rigs and 1500 watt rigs with antennas that rival commercial radio stations. So often, you won't be heard. I operate mostly mobile (with 100 watts), and it's hard, but I'm used to this and have a base station. I think it's best start with 100 watts. Go used if you can't afford an 891.

[@HamRadioPrep]

Our philosophy as well!

[@jptrade8575]

If you can afford a new rig then the FTDX 10 is the best offer out there for the buck! The 7300 follows close . The rest on this list you should avoid. Technology as we all know is progressing so fast. Don't invest in old tech. Also buy a 100 watt rig.

[@KH07734]

Sounds to me like your a ICOM fanboy. I didn't see the Yaesu DX10 on your list and it should be. I played with an ICOM7300 at HRO and didn't like it at all. Its an old radio and the 991A and DX10 are much better in all categories in my humble opinion of course. My opinions are from actual experience in owning and opiating the radios.

[@HamRadioPrep]

Sorry you feel that way. We suggested 5 radios including the Yaesu FT-991A you mentioned. The idea is to help people understand the breadth of options available to them. Maybe take a look at our full article? hamradioprep.com/hf-ham-radios-for-beginners/

[@user-op3ve9ks6p]

No Yaesu FT-710? Blasphemy!

[@HamRadioPrep]

Haha! We included the 991 since you can get all bands for just a bit more.

[@kellydjohnson]

The FT-710 does HF so much better than the 7300 or 991a@@HamRadioPrep

[@mewrongway]

Yes Blasphemy as the 7300 is outdated. Send him down the plank!

[@nealbeach4947]

Older used rigs are what is best for beginners. New drivers don't run out and buy a Ferrari for their first car, they buy an old used car and move up from there.

[@HamRadioPrep]

We definitely agree! Check out some of our upcoming videos from Orlando Hamcation where we talk about what you can find at steal prices!

[@BIvio]

If I was 40 before I got my driver's license, I might have gone out and gotten a Ferrari. Sure, an 18 y.o. new HAM shouldn't shell out, bit what about those later in age/income?

[@mattpace5982]

What you don't realize is those radios are pricey and people that are a fixed income can't afford to buy those radios money just doesn't grow on trees 73 and god bless

[@HamRadioPrep]

Good shout. We’re working on a budget focused video, which has a ton of options for budget conscious hams!

[@amnchode]

Unfortunately, that is the con of wanting to play in the HF realm....

[@parajerry]

Many hobbies are more expensive, but people don't see it clearly. Golf requires a set of clubs and the course fees will break anyone on a fixed income. Anything in aviation is super expensive. We have to assume that anyone looking at taking up a new hobby has some resources to get into it. If I were on a feed income I don't think I would be looking to start a new hobby that requires a costly entrance price. Ham radio does not require a huge investment, but any of the newer radios and an antenna setup is going to push the $1000 mark. Yes, you can find used and cheaper sets, but most would result in a frustrating experience a new operator might not enjoy.

[@amnchode]

@@parajerry the problem is that isn't exactly the case. To use your golf example, you can start off renting clubs or getting a cheap set, building it up overtime. Range fees can sting depending on where you go, but it still rather small bits over time. Just a little bit at a time, over a matter of time. Same could be said with bowling... Start off renting equipment, then getting you own...a piece at a time, over time. With amateur radio, on the other hand, initial costs don't look bad.... All you need is a Tech license & a $25 'feng and your in. Even a quality mobile rig will only costs you $200-300. Only the dedicated VHF/UHF rigs (IC-9700 & IC-905) get pricey....shack'n'boxes aside as they primarily HF rigs with VHF/UHF ability. For the most part, the majority of VHF/UHF rigs top out at ~$500. Even VHF/UHF antennas are on the cheaper side of things. However, once you cross into HF, the costs jump considerably. Where VHF/UHF tops out is roughly the starting point for most HF rigs, but how many truly know that going in? The other difference is that they tend to be lump sum purchases, not a little bit at a time. As I said, that is the con of wanting to play in the HF realm. All that said, how a FT-710 Field model or FT-891 didn't make this list truly surprises me. They are both quality, sub-$1k rigs from one of the big 3... With the FT-891 having a forged reputation, particularly in portable ops, and the FT-710 has one of the best receivers out there (at least per Sherwood)... Seems they would be a better choice than a QT6O or 7300 ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

[@mattpace5982]

@@parajerry but most of the time you get used ham equipment and something is wrong with it and you have to get the used Ham equipment fixed and that also can get expensive

[@webslinger67]

beginner, doesnt mean cheap...thats for sure.

[@HamRadioPrep]

True! We get asked why don't we recommend used radios. As a beginning ham we think that using a new radio to get started eliminates some potential issues. If you are up for a challenge, we have seen a lot of good used HF rigs in the $600-700 range at hamfests.

[@cbman4767]

Why spend the money???? Most old hams will give away good gear for free. Back in 2005 I gave away a Yeasu FT 101 to a new ham. Just get a cheep 2 meter rig and start talking you will find many Hams that will give you good equipment FREE.

[@parajerry]

For VHF and UHF, you can get a Baofong for under $40. Not the best, but they work. I have even given a few away to people interested in Ham radio that couldn't afford even $40. Especially kids. I find they learn faster when they can listen while they study for the exam. Nothing better than hearing it being done and learning to find signals, repeaters, and nets. The carrot is passing the test so they can start talking.

[@BennyCFD]

The best Ham Radio for beginners should NOT be any kind of SDR radio with with way to many confusing menus and sub menus and sub, sub menus......

[@jano3681]

Yaesu FT 991 - trx which was worst ever I had... Atu increase SWR, extreme complicated menu, end transistor died after half year, waterfall is a joke, display screen not used properly as at IC7300, lack of many functions present at FT 857 / 897, just 100 memories for HF, VHF, UHF trx is joke. I bought IC7300 and 991 shouldnt even be placed at the same shelve. 991 is far away and problematic TRX - I sold it with half price of new. I have 11 other Yeasu TRXes and RXes before colour display edge... I'm happy with that. But Yaesu FT991 was my LAST Yeasu and since that I do not trust them anymore... I strongly recomend IC7300 - it's magic TRX. Up to now I didn't open manual as it's so easu to operate as smatrphone. A lot of great functions included recorder (not only to record CQ but you can store complete QSOs ). On top IC7300 has 4m band even its not written on the body.

[@noluck33]

FOAD you have ads so I cannot see your BS!!!