Getting your first radio is one of the most exciting steps after earning your license—but it can also feel overwhelming. There are a lot of choices, price points, and opinions out there. The goal of this guide is to give you a simple, proven path to getting on the air with equipment that works well and won’t frustrate you.
It’s also worth noting that DX Engineering is a trusted source for new equipment, and its CEO, Tim Duffy, was an EARS member for a number of years—so it’s a company with strong ties to the amateur radio community.
Start Simple: Handheld Radios (HTs)
For most new hams, a 2m or 2m/70cm dual-band handheld (HT) is the best starting point.
Why an HT?
- Portable and easy to use
- Lower cost entry point
- Works great with local repeaters
- Minimal setup (charge battery, program channels, go!)
Recommended Models (DX Engineering pricing approx.)
- Yaesu FT-65R
💲 $119.95
A very popular first radio. Rugged, simple, and reliable with excellent receive performance. - Yaesu FT-4XR
💲 $99.95
Slightly smaller and more budget-friendly. Good choice if you want something compact. - Yaesu FT-70DR
💲 $189.95
Adds Yaesu System Fusion (digital voice) capability. Louder audio and more features, but still beginner-friendly.
👉 Tip: You can find all of these on DX Engineering by searching the model number—each has a dedicated product page with specs, manuals, and accessories.
Avoiding Frustration: Cheap Radios
You’ll likely come across very inexpensive radios—especially brands like Baofeng.
Here’s the honest reality:
- Some work fine
- Some are poorly built or inconsistent
- Very few are truly high-quality
Common issues:
- Weak or noisy receivers
- Poor filtering (can hear signals you shouldn’t)
- Programming quirks
- Inconsistent quality control
👉 Bottom line:
For a first radio, it’s usually worth spending a little more for a better experience. A solid radio makes learning much easier and more enjoyable.
Mobile Radios: A Great Step Up (or Starting Point)
If you plan to operate from your vehicle or home, a mobile radio is a strong alternative—even for beginners.
Why choose a mobile?
- Higher power (typically 25–50 watts vs. 5 watts for HTs)
- Better range and signal quality
- Works well as a home base station with a power supply
- Easier to hear and be heard
Recommended Models (DX Engineering pricing approx.)
- Icom IC-V3500 (2m only)
💲 $234.95
Simple, powerful, and extremely easy to use. Great if you only need 2m. - Yaesu FTM-150R (dual band)
💲 $319.95
A newer dual-band radio with strong performance and modern features. - Icom IC-2730A (dual band)
💲 $339.95
Dual receive (listen to two frequencies at once) and very user-friendly.
👉 These are all available through DX Engineering—searching the model number will take you directly to the product listings with current pricing and availability.
What About DMR and Digital?
- AnyTone AT-D168UV
💲 $139.99
This is an excellent dual-band DMR radio, but…
👉 Not usually recommended as a first radio
Why?
- Requires programming “codeplugs”
- More complex setup
- Steeper learning curve
Better approach:
- Start with analog FM
- Learn repeaters and basic operation
- Move into digital later (DMR, Fusion, etc.)
Accessories You Should Plan For
No matter which radio you choose, budget for a few essentials:
- Programming cable (if not included)
- Better antenna (upgrades performance significantly)
- Speaker mic (especially for mobile use)
- Power supply (if using a mobile radio at home)
These are all available on DX Engineering and are often just as important as the radio itself.
Don’t Overlook Used Equipment
One of the best values in amateur radio is used gear.
Where to look:
- Hamfests and swapmeets
- Club members
- Online (QRZ, eHam, etc.)
Benefits:
- Save money
- Get higher-end radios for less
- Learn from experienced operators
Just make sure:
- The radio powers on and transmits/receives properly
- It includes key accessories
- No obvious damage
Final Thoughts
Your first radio doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to get you on the air.
A Simple Path:
- Start with a reliable HT (like the FT-65R)
- Learn how repeaters and programming work
- Upgrade later as your interests grow
The most important thing is not the radio—it’s getting on the air, making contacts, and learning by doing.
Important Notes
- This is just a sample list of radios and is not all-inclusive. There are many excellent options available beyond what is listed here.
- Prices listed are current as of April 5, 2026 and are subject to change.
- Radio models may be discontinued or replaced with newer models at any time.
If you’re unsure what to buy, ask at a club meeting or Elmer (Mentoring) session. Many hams are happy to let you try different radios before you make a decision—and that’s often the best way to find what works for you.
