4 Best Entry Level Ham Radios for Beginners in 2023

4 Best Entry Level Ham Radios for Beginners in 2023

So you're looking to buy your first amateur radio and have no idea where to turn. Don't worry — you've ended up in the right place!

Amateur radios, or ham radios, vary enormously, and there are now countless brands vying for your attention. But you need to know what to look out for before investing in a radio, or you could end up with a staticky transmission. 

In this guide, we'll not only be taking you through four of our absolute top picks for entry-level amateur radios, but we'll also be taking you through everything you need to know before making your first purchase. By the end, you'll be an expert. Let's get into it!

 

  EDITOR'S CHOICE      
  ANYTONE AT-779UV
LEIXEN VV-898S
SENHAIX 8800
ALINCO DJ-V57E
Price 89,95 69,95 79,99 129,95
Type Mobile Mobile Handheld Handheld
Frequency Dual Band - 2m/70cm Dual Band - 2m/70cm Dual Band - 2m/70cm Dual Band - 2m/70cm
Power 5/10/25 Watt 5/10/25 Watt 5 Watt 0.5/3/5 Watt
Programmed Yes N/A N/A N/A
Memory Channels 199 memory channels 199 memory channels 128 memory channels 200 memory channels
Size 124x101x36mm 120x85x40mm 136x60x38mm 110x58x36.4mm
Water Resistant N/A N/A N/A IPX7
  VIEW PRODUCT VIEW PRODUCT VIEW PRODUCT VIEW PRODUCT

 

1. Anytone AT-779UV Dual Band Mini Mobile Radio

First on our list is the Anytone AT-779UV Dual-Mind mobile radio. With a power rating of 10 watts, this handheld, portable device is ideal for beginners. It packs a punch and is easy to use. 

The handheld features a 1.44-inch colour TFT display. The clear display screen means you won't struggle to understand any readings or messages the device has to make. A wide range of settings is available for each channel, including CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, 2Tone, and 5Tone.

There's plenty included in the package too. The dual-band radio arrives pre-programmed, so you don't have to worry about a complicated setup process. The mounting bracket and screws are provided, in addition to a power cable fitted with a cigar lighter plug. 

Finally, it comes with a comprehensive user guide, so you're in luck if this is your first ham radio. This product will guide you every step of the way.

 

 

PROS

  • Dual-band radio, which is advisable for beginners due to their high usability

  • Bright TFT display screen for easy use

  • Arrives with everything you need right out of the box

CONS

  • Not as sophisticated as experienced radio enthusiasts may expect

 
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2. Leixen “S Version” VV-898S Mobile Transceiver 25W VHF/UHF

Next on our list is the new S Version edition of the Leixen VV-898S, boasting an impressive power rating of 25 watts. It comes provided with a radio bracket and easy-to-use keypad microphone, so you'll have no trouble getting set up, even if you're new to amateur radio. 

Again, this is a dual-band radio, which is highly recommended for beginners due to the numerous frequencies it can receive. You'll find ranges of both 136-174Mhz and 400-470MHz with this handy radio.

What impresses us even more with this device is its dual reception and dual display interface, making it incredibly accessible. It also features DMTF encoding and DTMF decoding for more complicated signals, in addition to 199 memory channels and a 1750Hz burst tone. 

This product is not short on features; we can tell you that right off the bat. It's certainly earned its place on our list of the best. 

 

 

PROS

  • Easy to use thanks to the handheld keypad and dual interface, perfect for beginners

  • A broad range of frequencies available thanks to its dual-band design, keeping you connected from the very beginning

  • High power rating of 25 watts, so your device can keep going for longer

CONS

  • Some customer reviews reported tabs falling off, resulting in connectors failing, though this could be an individual fault rather than product-wide

 
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3. Senhaix 8800 (Orange) Bluetooth Dual Band Handheld Radio with Airband RX

If you're looking for something a little more compact, we have the perfect suggestion. The Senhaix 8800 is a wireless, handheld radio with a large screen display, perfect for mobile broadcasting and receiving. 

The large keypad is easy to use and backlit, so you'll never find it difficult to operate. Indeed, the Senhaix 8800 seems explicitly designed with ease of use in mind, which is why we’ve included it here on our best entry-level ham radio list.

Like all the other ham radios on our list, this device is dual-band. It also features dual watch and dual standby features. 

The LED flashlight and SOS warning features lend this device well to outdoor use. It’s a trusty device, especially if you're planning to go on extended hikes where you need to stay in communication. 

The Senhaix series is highly durable, which you can feel the moment you hold it. The Bluetooth connectivity feature of this product is what makes it so unique, allowing you to connect directly to your smartphone. 

 

 

PROS

  • Handheld and portable, perfect for outdoor excursions

  • Highly durable design so it can survive some tough falls

  • The large screen display makes this product very user-friendly, perfect for beginners

CONS

  • It doesn't pack the same power as console radios, which may disappoint some users

 
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4. Alinco DJ-V57E Dualband 2M/70CM 145/433MHz

The final addition on our list is the Alinco DJ-V57E, and what an addition it is! This impressive piece of equipment has one of the higher price points, but for a good reason.

You get what you pay for, and this device has a lot on offer. For starters, it's highly durable, thanks to the water-resistant polycarbonate. This ham radio can take a hit. Ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in your hand, this device is also the ideal handheld. 

Don't be fooled by its compact size, however. Thanks to the 40mm internal speaker, the audio quality is still impeccable. 

There are three power output levels, with a maximum of 5W VHF and 4.5W UHF. Generally speaking, 5W is the upper level for a handheld device, so this is impressive. 

It also possesses 200 alphanumeric memory channels and more channels on top of that included with each band. The Alinco DJ-V57E is one durable and versatile piece of equipment. 

 

 

PROS

  • Crafted from water-resistant polycarbonate, making it highly resistant to severe weather

  • Over 200 memories with a call channel on each band for heightened connectivity

  • 40mm internal speaker provides crisp and clear audio output

CONS

  • Potentially too pricey for some as an entry-level ham radio

 
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What You Should Know Before Buying an Entry Level Ham Radio

So, now that we've covered our top four picks, let's explain the criteria we looked into to make our choices. You can't just choose any product when buying your first ham radio. There are some specific attributes you need to take into account. Listed below are some of our high-priority recommendations.

Always Invest in Quality

It can sometimes be incredibly tempting to cut some corners — don't do it with your first ham radio. There's an overwhelming amount of information about what makes a good product and what you should be looking for, not to mention the sheer variety available. 

Wherever you can, try to invest in quality. You don't need to spend hundreds to get a good product, but steer clear of the cheap bargains!

Find Something Easy to Use

If this is your first ever ham radio, you'll need to ease yourself into it. Don't buy something with all the bells and whistles and complicated features attached. Go for something you will feel comfortable using right out of the box. 

You can always shoot for the stars later when it comes to features. For now, you need to get used to how these devices work! The last thing you want to do is sink money into a new radio only to become increasingly frustrated by it. Prioritise ease of use with your first. 

You Need a Good Display Screen

Naturally, you need to be able to see what you're doing to get the most out of your new ham radio. Additionally, part of the appeal of using a ham radio is interacting with the broader ham radio community. You can't do that if you don't have an efficient display that you can read and navigate easily. 

There are plenty of highly efficient ham radios that have no screen at all, but they aren't the best for your first one. You need to get used to the different controls. 

Memory Matters

Never underestimate how vital memory capacity is when it comes to radio. You should always have ample memory storage when you buy your first ham radio. More than likely, you won’t know how much you'll need until you're actually using it. 

You should be able to store an extra two-hundred channels at least on your radio from the very beginning. That might sound excessive to the unseasoned among you, but trust us: you will fill up two-hundred channels faster than you expect!

Consider the Frequency Range

Dual-band radios are the most recommended radios for beginners. A considerable part of this is their compatibility with users throughout the world of amateur radio. 

If you're looking for heightened connectivity, dual-band radios are the way to go. Make sure your first ham radio is dual band (VHF, and UHF frequencies) to get the absolute most out of your device. You can explore the HF frequencies at a later date.

Check Out the Output Power

If you want your ham radio to go the distance, you need to find one with the proper output power.  The generally recommended advice is between 5W-10W for handheld ham radios and a minimum of 30W for a console radio. 

Your output power underpins absolutely everything you do with your radio. It doesn't matter how impressive the set-up is, if it doesn't have the juice to give you the distance. Make sure to pay close attention to the power output wattage of your first ham radio before making a purchase.

But don't forget that in the UK you may be restricted by the type of licence you hold:

  • Foundation licence Maximum of 10 watts on most allocated bands. Band allocations limited.

  • Intermediate licence Maximum of 50 watts.

  • Full licence Maximum UK licence power of upto 400 watts can be used and all UK amateur radio band allocations available.

FAQs

What Defines a Ham Radio?

Ham radio is simply another term for amateur radio, bringing people across the country (or even the world) together through the airwaves. It is an ever-growing community of enthusiasts with an exciting array of products available for your personal use!

Are Ham Radios IllegFirst steps - Radio Society of Great Britain - Main Site : Radio Society of Great Britain – Main Site (rsgb.org)al?

Not if you are simply using your ham radio for listening purposes. However, if you intend to broadcast or transmit, you will need a ham radio license. If you transmit without one, you will be breaking the law. The only instance where this isn't true is in the event of an emergency. 

What is a Ham Radio License?

A ham radio license is a valid certificate that legally allows you to transmit and receive audio using an amateur radio. It's legal to receive audio via a ham radio without a license, but you need one to transmit (unless it's a justifiable emergency). 

Want to know more about what you can do with a HAM Radio check out these links below:

UK: First steps - Radio Society of Great Britain

US: Getting Licensed ARRL

Can Ham Radios Be Tracked?

Yes. In ham radio communities, tracking down other radio signals is known as ‘foxhunting', though this is usually all done in good fun. Amateurs and other interested parties can easily track broadcast signals, so be mindful of this before transmitting if you feel there could be any potential security problems. 

Conclusion

Now you're an expert on ham radio — or at least you will be once you purchase yours and start fiddling with it. From our recommendations to our buyer's guide, we hope you've taken something valuable from this. The ham radio world can be truly exciting as long as you’ve fitted yourself out with the right kit!

For radio technologies, transceivers, antennas, and shop Moonraker, the UK’s leading source of amateur and professional radio equipment.