Best Handheld Ham Radios for Survival & Emergency Communication

Are you a friend of a ham?

We do not mean the pink kind you might find at a holiday dinner table. Instead, when we refer to “hams,” we are affectionately talking about the many people of all ages who enjoy the hobbies of amateur radio, which is also referred to as “ham” radio.

While some enthusiasts enjoy using amateur radio for simple companionship and socialization, others rely upon their fellow ham radio lovers in times of survival and emergency communication.

We know that it is important to have the best handheld radio instead of simply a mediocre one. In order to help you decide which of the 10 best handheld ham radios are best for you, we have looked at the features, pros, cons and general reputation among customers.

Whether you are looking for the best handheld ham radio for survival or simply want the best radio for recreational use, this list should help you find the right handheld for you.

Our Top Recommended Handheld Ham Radios

• BaoFeng UV-82HP High Power Dual Band Radio
• Low power: 1 watt
• Medium power: 5 watt
• Price: See Here!

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• Yaesu FT-60R Dual Band Handheld 5W VHF / UHF
• CTCSS
• DTMF
• Price: See Here!

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• BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio
• This model can handle a range of 136-174 MHz as well as 400-480 MHz.
• Keypad lock
• Price: See Here!

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List of 10 Best Handheld Ham Radios on the Market Today:

This amateur radio is considered the best BaoFeng handheld ham radio that you can buy if you are worried about purchasing authorized BaoFeng equipment.

If you are looking for the best dual band handheld ham radio on the market, you may choose this one because it is the only one authorized by Baofeng’s USA distributor.

What the Customers Are Saying

Customers love that this radio is the only BaoFeng product that you can rely upon to honor the manufacturer’s warranty.

Even if you are only using the handheld radio for recreational socialization purposes, you can relax with the knowledge that you are covered by a warranty if anything happens to the product.

Summary

If you are looking for an introductory ham radio that offers terrific features for the price, this BaoFeng product is definitely going to give you your money’s worth.

But if you are planning to use your radio for heavy duty socialization or survival training, you may wish to spend a little more money on a more durable product.

The Yaesu dual band handheld enjoys a positive reputation among ham enthusiasts due to its sheer durability. When you purchase this radio, you will be purchasing one that many consider the best 2 meter handheld ham radio due to its ability to withstand damage.

Its ease of programming also makes it a contender for favorite handheld ham radio among many hobbyists.

What the Customers Are Saying

Customers routinely praise this Yaesu model of handheld because it is so easy to program. Customers also report that they have dropped the product multiple times and the radio still works.

If you are planning on using your radio for anything beyond light recreation, the ability to survive traumatic falls is one you should cherish.

Summary

If you want a durable handheld that is still affordable, this model will be the right purchase for you. This product works well as an introductory radio or as an upgrade from your first handheld.

One of the best aspects of being a ham enthusiast is the fact that there are radios available to fit almost any budget. This particular BaoFeng product has a reputation for excellence for those who are on the hunt for the best budget handheld ham radio.

Hobby collectors who are looking for a micro-miniature FM transceiver with a range of frequency coverage enjoy the features that this radio has to offer.

What the Customers Are Saying

Customers enjoy the low price of this product. This particular model is loved by HAM enthusiasts who are looking to begin their hobby.

Most people who are brand new to the idea of collecting amateur radios enjoy having the option of buying an affordable product in order to begin their hobby.

Summary

This radio can be an excellent one for beginners. But the product is not for every beginner, because it is not out of the box friendly. If you live in the US, operating one can be even more difficult to figure out, due to legality issues.

But if you are able to get used to the quirks of the product, you can benefit immensely from purchasing this powerful and affordable introductory amateur radio.

This radio is known for loved for two primary characteristics. First, BaoFeng advertises this particular as being one that can provide a great introduction to the lifestyle of collecting radios.

Secondly, this radio is definitely one that should be on your list if you are searching for the best digital handheld ham radio.

Its digital capabilities make programming the radio easier, especially if you want to customize the options.

What the Customers Are Saying

Customers praise the radio for its ability to be versatile and inexpensive. Customers also enjoy using this brand of radio as an alternative to blister pack radios. They also consider this particular model of BaoFeng to be superior to less expensive BaoFeng models.

Summary

These radios are more powerful than many other types of introductory radios. Due to this level of power, they do require a level of customization that other radios do not need in order to be used legally.

If you are ready to take on the responsibility of such a powerful radio, this could very well be the best digital handheld ham radio you buy.

5. BTECH UV-5X3 5 Watt Tri-Band Handheld Ham Radio

Are you searching for a beginner radio? There are several reasons why this BTECH UC-5X may be considered the best handheld ham radio for beginners.

The primary reason that so many beginners are fond of this particular model is the fact that it comes with several comprehensive features which other beginner radios do not include.

What the Customers Are Saying

Customers love the range that they are able to receive with this handheld. They are particularly fond of how easy this particular model is, and how the newer features are ones that benefit the customer’s overall ham hobby experience.

Summary

If having an affordable beginner radio is important to you, this Btech radio might be the perfect one for you. The radio may not perform as well as other models if you are planning on using it outside or for very rugged adventures.

But it will be a perfect purchase if you are just getting started in amateur radio collecting or if you need a second device.

In the search for the best handheld ham radio, you might wish to consider this BaoFeng X radioddity model. The UV-5rx3 model continues the classi design found in the 5r-plus that customers loved, such as the glossy shell made of metal.

But in additon to that design, the UV-5rx3 features the accessories that are loved from the UV-5R plus model.

What the Customers Are Saying

Customers praise the affordability of this BaoFeng product. They also take special interest in the fact that the radio can be programmed into a device that is even easier to use.

Radioddity is also praised for their ability to respond quickly with high quality customer service to any problems that customers might have had.

Summary

If you are too much of a novice to tackle programming, you might wish to purchase a different type of radio. But this BaoFeng product is a great choice for you if you are willing to utilize third-party software in order to program the radio.

7. TYT UV8000E 10W Handheld Ham Radio High Power Dual Band

When you begin looking for a good handheld ham radio, it can be difficult to find one that is both affordable and powerful. But this TYT UV8000E device receives praise from customers for its immense power while still selling for a price that most amateur collectors can afford.

This handheld radio may be overpowering for a beginner, but is an excellent choice for an experienced ham collector.

What the Customers Are Saying

This device enjoys a favorable reputation among radio collectors due to their durability and capacity for power. Customers who prefer this level of handheld radio are typically already experienced in collecting.

But beginners have also noted that the sturdy device was beneficial to them, thanks to simplicity of the functions.

Summary

If you are looking for a more durable handheld, this product is the one you want. The extra power that comes from the battery and 10 watt power level allow you to have a strong radio that will serve you well, whether you are using your handheld inside, outside or for survival training.

For newcomers to handheld radio collecting, buying the best cheap handheld ham radio is often their primary goal.

If you want to test the waters of collecting before you splurge on a more expensive product, this BaoFeng walkie talkie is the best choice for a device that will introduce you to the joys of ham radio for a low price.

What the Customers Are Saying

Customers compare these BaoFeng devices to other affordable two-way radios and typically prefer the BaoFeng product. For customers, the deciding factor in quality can be found in the ability much further than comparably priced competitors.

Summary

If you have been contemplating buying a handheld for a while but have avoided doing so due to the price, this is the best cheap handheld ham radio available to solve your problems.

For under $27, you will be able to purchase a beginner handheld that will introduce you to the reasons why people fall in love with them.

When compiling the list of the best handheld ham radio reviews, the AnyTone AT-D868UV has to make the list. This handheld is best enjoyed by those who have experience with using handheld radios, due to the level of programming and power available.

What the Customers Are Saying

Owners of this radio praise it as being one of the very best DMR radios they have ever used. Owners emphasize that being able to program a DMR is an essential tool that you need to have in order to get the best out of this particular radio.

Summary

At a certain point, a collector truly wants to get serious about his or her hobby. They need to move on and obtain the best possible radio for their needs, and this is that handheld device. If you have moved past the beginner stage, this AnyTone device is your best possible choice for a handheld.

Any list that offers idas about the best handheld ham radio would not be complete without the TYT MD-380. For those who prefer DMR over Dstar or Yaesu Fusion, this handheld device offers a solid choice for business communication or amateur radio.

What the Customers Are Saying

Many DMR radios can cost up to $500. Collectors love this radio because it is an affordable way to become introduced to the world of DMR. Customers also praise the range and sound quality that come with this handheld.

Summary

It is unlikely that you will find a more affordable option for including DMR devices into your handheld collection. This powerful and programmable device allows you to grow your collection while also offering brand new ways of communicating.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Handheld Ham Radios

So you have gotten the urge to buy your first handheld ham radio, and you want to know what type of tips you should keep in mind when purchasing a new radio.

First, decide exactly what you want to purchase the radio for, because that will guide exactly what you need the handheld to have.

It is important to really think about what you are going to use the radio for, because handhelds can be used for a variety of purposes.

Some people use them only for emergency communications, while others simply enjoy being able to talk to someone clear across the world without the benefit of the internet.

If you want a device for emergencies, you will want to make sure that your radio is durable, for both inside and outside weather.

The best handheld ham radio for beginners do not have to be as durable.

You should also decide on a budget and stick to it. There are handheld devices that are available regardless of what budget you might have.

This list has included ones as affordable as $27, and there are some that are more than $500.

Whatever your budget, you can find a handheld that is right for you.

Making the Decision

Now that you have a list of the 10 best handheld ham radios, you are fully capable of making the right decision. You know what you want to use your radio for, and you know how serious you are about the hobby.

With this knowledge and this guide to help you, you are fully capable of buying the best handheld ham radio in order to begin your amateur radio hobby today