Top VHF&UHF Radios for New Technicians

Top VHF/UHF Radios for New Technicians

FM Only and Computer Controllable Multi Mode Radios for Every Budget
VHF and UHF are the natural starting point for new Technician class hams. Whether you’re checking into local repeaters, experimenting with simplex, or exploring weak signal SSB and satellite work, the right radio makes a huge difference.
This guide separates radios into two categories:
• FM only radios — simple, rugged, affordable
• Multi mode radios with computer control — FM + SSB + CW + digital, all supporting CAT/CI V/USB control for logging, digital modes, and satellite tracking

FM ONLY VHF/UHF RADIOS
Simple, reliable, and budget friendly — perfect for new hams

1. Yaesu FT 2980R (2m FM Mobile)

Price: $170–$200 Power: 80W Bands: 2m FM Why it’s great: A rugged, high power 2m mobile with a massive heatsink and no fan to fail. Great for simplex and repeater work.

2. Icom IC 2730A (Dual band FM Mobile)

Price: $350–$450 Power: 50W Bands: 2m/70cm FM Why it’s great: Large, easy to read display, cross band repeat, and excellent audio. A favorite for mobile or base use.

3. Yaesu FTM 6000R (Dual band FM Mobile)

Price: $300–$350 Power: 50W Bands: 2m/70cm FM Why it’s great: Simple, modern, and reliable. Perfect for new hams who want a clean interface without complexity.

4. Kenwood TM 281A (2m FM Mobile)

Price: $150–$180 Power: 65W Bands: 2m FM Why it’s great: A classic, rugged, no nonsense 2m radio with excellent audio and reliability.

5. Yaesu FT 65R (Handheld)

Price: $100–$130 Power: 5W Bands: 2m/70cm FM Why it’s great: Rugged, affordable, and far better performance than ultra budget HTs.

6. Baofeng UV 5R (Handheld)

Price: $25–$40 Power: 4–5W Bands: 2m/70cm FM Why it’s great: Ultra cheap and widely available. Perfect as a starter or backup radio.

MULTI MODE VHF/UHF RADIOS
FM + SSB + CW + digital — every radio below supports CAT/CI V/USB control
These radios unlock SSB simplex, tropospheric ducting, EME, satellites, and VHF contesting — areas where Technicians can work impressive distances.
Every radio in this section supports computer control, making them ideal for:
• Digital modes (FT8, JS8Call, etc.)
• Satellite tracking
• Logging
• Remote operation

Case for a Transverter
For many operators exploring VHF and UHF multimode work, pairing a high quality HF radio with an external transverter remains one of the most flexible and cost effective paths into the higher bands. A good HF rig already provides excellent filtering, DSP, stability, and ergonomics—features that are often limited or absent in all in one VHF/UHF multimode radios. By adding a transverter, you effectively extend the capabilities of your HF radio into 50MHz, 70MHz, 144MHz, 222MHz, 432MHz, and beyond, while retaining the familiar interface and performance characteristics of your primary station. This approach also allows operators to upgrade or change bands incrementally rather than replacing an entire radio each time their interests evolve.

Another advantage is the thriving ecosystem of modern, compact, and surprisingly affordable transverter available today. Many amateurs source their units from online marketplaces, and the hfvhfparts store on eBay has become a popular option thanks to its wide selection of band choices and solid build quality. These are innexpensive (~$100), but good performing transverters make it easy to experiment with weak signal modes, satellite operation, EME, and long distance VHF/UHF propagation without investing in a dedicated multimode radio for each band. For operators who value performance, modularity, and the ability to tailor their station to specific operating goals, the HF plus transverter approach remains a compelling and highly adaptable solution.

Modern Multimode CAT Capable Radios
7. Icom IC 9700 (New)

Price: $1,700–$1,900 Power: 100W (2m), 75W (70cm), 10W (23cm) Bands: 2m/70cm/23cm Modes: FM, SSB, CW, D STAR, digital Computer Control: Yes (USB + CI V) Why it’s great: The modern flagship for VHF/UHF weak signal and satellite work. SDR architecture with a beautiful waterfall display.

8. Yaesu FT 991A (New/Used)

Price: $1,200–$1,400 new / $900–$1,100 used Power: 100W HF/6m, 50W VHF/UHF Bands: HF/6m/2m/70cm Modes: FM, SSB, CW, C4FM Computer Control: Yes (USB) Why it’s great: A true “shack in a box” that covers everything. Great for Technicians who want HF + VHF/UHF in one radio.

9. Icom IC 7100 (New/Used)

Price: $900–$1,100 new / $700–$850 used Power: 100W HF/6m, 50W VHF/UHF Bands: HF/6m/2m/70cm Modes: FM, SSB, CW, D STAR Computer Control: Yes (USB + CI V) Why it’s great: Touchscreen interface, angled control head, and excellent performance across all bands.
⭐ Older, Affordable Multimode Radios (All CAT Capable)
Hamfest treasures — excellent for weak signal and satellite work

10. Yaesu FT 847 (Used)

Price: $650–$900 Power: 100W HF/6m, 50W VHF/UHF Bands: HF/6m/2m/70cm Modes: FM, SSB, CW, satellite modes Computer Control: Yes (RS 232 CAT) Why it’s great: A classic satellite and weak signal radio with full duplex capability. Still one of the best budget satellite rigs ever made.

11. Icom IC 821H (Used)

Price: $450–$650 Power: 45W (2m), 35W (70cm) Bands: 2m/70cm Modes: FM, SSB, CW Computer Control: Yes (CI V) Why it’s great: Rock solid dual band all mode radio with excellent weak signal performance.

12. Icom IC 706MKIIG (Used)

Price: $450–$650 Power: 100W HF/6m, 50W VHF, 20W UHF Bands: HF/6m/2m/70cm Modes: FM, SSB, CW Computer Control: Yes (CI V) Why it’s great: Compact, versatile, and widely available. Great for mobile HF/VHF/UHF and satellite work.

13. Kenwood TS 2000 (Used)

Price: $700–$1,000 Power: 100W HF/6m, 50W VHF/UHF Bands: HF/6m/2m/70cm (optional 23cm) Modes: FM, SSB, CW, digital Computer Control: Yes (RS 232 CAT) Why it’s great: A legendary all band, all mode radio. Excellent for satellites and weak signal work.

14. Yaesu FT 736R (Used)

Price: $450–$700 Power: 25W (2m), 25W (70cm) Bands: 2m/70cm (optional 6m, 220, 23cm modules) Modes: FM, SSB, CW Computer Control: Yes (with optional CAT module) Why it’s great: A classic VHF/UHF base station with excellent SSB performance. Very popular for satellite work.

15. Icom IC 275H / IC 475H (Used)

Price: $350–$600 each Power: 100W (2m), 100W (70cm) Bands: Single band VHF or UHF Modes: FM, SSB, CW Computer Control: Yes (CI V) Why they’re great: High power, high performance weak signal radios. Built like tanks and still prized by VHF enthusiasts.

Buying Used VHF/UHF Gear
Hamfests
The best place to find older multimode rigs like the FT 736R, IC 821H, or TS 2000. You can test radios, negotiate prices, and avoid shipping risks.

eBay
Good selection, but shop carefully:
• Prefer high feedback sellers
• Look for clear photos of displays and connectors
• Avoid “untested” radios unless you enjoy repairs

Local Clubs
Often the best source of well cared for gear from trusted operators.

Final Thoughts
Whether you want a simple FM mobile for local repeaters or a CAT capable multimode rig for satellites and weak signal DX, there’s a VHF/UHF radio for every Technician class operator and every budget.

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.