Ham radio finder

Which ham radio to buy first?

There's no single best first radio. The right one depends on what you want to do and what your license lets you use. Narrow it down with the filters or quiz above, and keep these in mind.

Handheld, mobile or HF?

• Handheld (HT): the cheapest way on the air. Works local repeaters and simplex on 2 m and 70 cm, but low power and a small antenna limit range.
• Mobile or base VHF/UHF: more power and an outside antenna give much better range. Runs on 12 V in a car, or from a power supply at home.
• HF transceiver: for contacts across the country and around the world. Budget for a 12 V supply that can deliver the current it needs and an HF antenna, not just the radio.

What your license allows

In the US, Technicians get full privileges on the VHF and UHF bands but only limited HF privileges, including part of 10 metres. General class opens up most of the HF bands. A new Technician can start talking right away with a VHF/UHF radio; an HF rig makes sense if you plan to upgrade soon or want to try 10 m.

Read more in what to buy for your first radio and license classes explained, and check current dealer prices on the ham radio price tracker before you buy.