Top 11 HF Radios for New Technicians

With expanded HF privileges now available to Technician class operators, many new hams are eager to explore the magic of HF. The good news is that you don’t need a high end contest station to get started. Between modern entry level rigs and the treasure trove of used radios at hamfests, swap meets, and eBay, there are excellent options for every budget.

Below are 11 great HF radios—a mix of new, used, and classic rigs—that offer strong performance and excellent value for new Technician class operators.

1. Icom IC 7300 (New)

Price: $1,050–$1,150 Power: 100W Bands: HF + 6m Type: Direct sampling SDR
Why it’s great: The IC 7300 is the modern benchmark for entry level HF. Its touchscreen waterfall, excellent filtering, and intuitive controls make it ideal for new operators who want a radio that’s powerful, easy to learn, and future proof.

2. Yaesu FT 891 (New)

Price: $650–$750 Power: 100W Bands: HF + 6m Type: Compact mobile HF rig
Why it’s great: Compact, rugged, and surprisingly capable. The FT 891 is perfect for Technicians who want a small HF radio for home, mobile, or portable use. Excellent DSP and strong receiver performance for the price.

3. Xiegu G90 (New)

Price: $425–$525 Power: 20W Bands: HF Type: SDR with built in tuner
Why it’s great: One of the best budget HF radios available. The built in tuner, color waterfall, and solid performance make it ideal for portable or low power operation.

4. Yaesu FT 450D (Used)

Price: $400–$550 (used) Power: 100W Bands: HF + 6m Type: Compact base station
Why it’s great: A discontinued but beloved radio with excellent DSP filtering and a clean user interface. A hamfest favorite that delivers strong performance at a very approachable price.

5. Icom IC 718 (Used)

Price: $300–$450 (used) Power: 100W Bands: HF Type: Simple, rugged HF radio
Why it’s great: The IC 718 is famous for being simple, reliable, and easy to operate. No complicated menus—just a solid HF radio that works. Perfect for learning the basics.

6. Kenwood TS 590S/SG (Used)

Price: $500–$800 (used) Power: 100W Bands: HF + 6m Type: High performance base station
Why it’s great: The TS 590 series offers superb receiver performance, clean transmit audio, and intuitive controls. A fantastic choice for Technicians who want a serious radio without a serious price tag.

7. Yaesu FT 857D (Used)

Price: $600–$900 (used) Power: 100W HF / 50W VHF / 20W UHF Bands: HF + VHF + UHF Type: All band, all mode
Why it’s great: A legendary “do everything” radio. Compact, mobile friendly, and capable of every band a Technician can use. Ideal for operators who want HF plus VHF/UHF in one box.

8. Icom IC 706MKIIG (Used)

Price: $450–$650 (used) Power: 100W HF / 50W VHF / 20W UHF Bands: HF + VHF + UHF Type: Compact all band rig
Why it’s great: Another classic all band radio with a huge used market supply. Great for mobile HF, portable setups, or small shacks. Still highly respected decades after release.

9. Elecraft KX2 (New/Used)

Price: $1,000–$1,300 (new, depending on options) Power: 10W Bands: HF Type: Premium portable QRP
Why it’s great: Lightweight, rugged, and equipped with one of the best receivers in any QRP radio. Perfect for POTA, SOTA, camping, or backpacking.

10. Ten Tec Jupiter (Used)

Price: $300–$500 (used) Power: 100W Bands: HF Type: Desktop HF transceiver
Why it’s great: A smooth, quiet receiver and intuitive interface make the Jupiter a joy to operate. American made, well built, and still respected on the used market.

11. Kenwood TS 850S (Used) & My Personal Favorite

Price: $400–$650 (used, depending on condition and filters) Power: 100W Bands: HF Type: Classic high performance HF transceiver
Why it’s great: The TS 850 is widely regarded as one of Kenwood’s finest HF radios. Its analog style receiver is exceptionally smooth, and optional filters make it a contest grade performer even today. A true hamfest gem—if you find one in good condition, grab it. Another fantastic choice for Technicians who want a serious radio without a serious price tag.

Buying Used: Hamfests, eBay & Local Clubs

Hamfests
Hamfests are the best place to score deals because you can:
• Test radios in person
• Talk directly to the seller
• Negotiate prices
• Avoid shipping damage
Bring a power supply, dummy load, and headphones if possible.

eBay
Great selection, but shop smart:
• Prefer sellers with high feedback
• Look for clear photos of the display and connectors
• Avoid “untested” or “as is” unless you enjoy repairs

Local Clubs
Clubs often have:
• Silent key estate sales
• Members upgrading and selling older rigs
• Loaner radios for new hams

Final Thoughts
Your first HF radio doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Whether you choose a modern SDR like the IC 7300, a rugged used classic like the TS 850, or a hamfest bargain like the FT 450D, the most important step is simply getting on the air.

This article is reprinted with permission of the author, Christopher Krstanovic - AI2F.

About Author

Christopher Krstanovic, AI2F, is a lifelong amateur radio operator, first licensed in the US in 1980s as WR1F. He holds degrees in Physics and a PhD in Electrical Engineering, and his career has spanned corporate engineering as well as technology entrepreneurship. After leaving corporate America, he founded and led three companies before returning to active amateur radio under his current call sign. His operating interests include HF, antenna design, practical radio engineering, Astronomy.