Top VHF&UHF Radios Under $200 for Technicians

Top VHF/UHF Radios Under $200 for Technicians

Affordable HTs, mobiles, and used bargains that deliver real value
Getting on the air doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re looking for a first handheld, a solid mobile rig, or a used radio that punches above its price, there are excellent options under $200.

Below is a curated list of the best radios you can reliably find for under $200, along with power output, features, and why each one is worth considering.

NOTE: some of these radios are of the older vintage, and do not support CAT control.

HANDHELD RADIOS (HTs)
Portable, inexpensive, and great for beginners
1. Baofeng UV 5R

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

2. Radioddity GD 77 (DMR + FM)

Price: $90–$110 Power: 5W Bands: 2m/70cm FM + DMR Why it’s great: A true dual mode HT for under $100. Great entry point into DMR without spending big.

3. Yaesu FT 65R

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

4. Icom IC V86

Price: $150–$170 Power: 7W Bands: 2m FM Why it’s great: High power HT with Icom’s legendary audio and durability. A great simplex performer.

5. Alinco DJ MD5 (DMR + FM)

Price: $150–$180 Power: 5W Bands: 2m/70cm FM + DMR Why it’s great: Solid DMR performance with a color screen and good ergonomics.

MOBILE RADIOS (FM)
Higher power, better audio, and great for home or vehicle use

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

Price: $150–$180 Power: 65W Bands: 2m FM Why it’s great: A rugged, no nonsense 2m mobile with excellent audio. A favorite for emergency communications.

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

Price: $170–$200 Power: 80W Bands: 2m FM Why it’s great: Massive power output and a fanless design. Great for simplex and repeater work.

8. QYT KT 8900D (Dual band FM Mobile)

Price: $110–$140 Power: 25W Bands: 2m/70cm FM Why it’s great: Compact, inexpensive, and surprisingly capable for the price.

9. Anytone AT 778UV (Dual band FM Mobile)

Price: $140–$170 Power: 25W Bands: 2m/70cm FM Why it’s great: Better build quality than most ultra budget mobiles. Clean audio and easy programming.

10. Radioddity DB20 G (Dual band FM Mobile)

Price: $100–$130 Power: 20W Bands: 2m/70cm FM Why it’s great: Tiny “micro mobile” that fits anywhere. Great for small cars or go kits.

USED MULTIMODE BARGAINS
These are hamfest/eBay treasures. Prices vary, but deals are common.
These radios offer SSB, CW, and FM — perfect for weak signal VHF/UHF, satellites, and digital modes. They’re older, but still very capable.

11. Icom IC 290A (2m All Mode)

Price: $120–$180 used Power: 25W Modes: FM, SSB, CW Why it’s great: A classic 2m all mode rig. Great for SSB simplex and VHF contesting.

12. Icom IC 290H (High Power Version)

Price: $150–$200 used Power: 45W Modes: FM, SSB, CW Why it’s great: More power than the standard 290A. Excellent for long range 2m SSB.

13. Yaesu FT 221R (2m All Mode)

Price: $150–$200 used Power: 10W Modes: FM, SSB, CW Why it’s great: A legendary VHF weak signal radio. Smooth receiver and great audio.

14. Icom IC 251A (2m All Mode)

Price: $120–$180 used Power: 10W Modes: FM, SSB, CW Why it’s great: Solid performance and easy to work on. A great entry into 2m SSB.

15. Yaesu FT 480R (2m All Mode)

Price: $150–$200 used Power: 10W Modes: FM, SSB, CW Why it’s great: Compact, clean audio, and still popular among VHF enthusiasts.

Tips for Finding Radios Under $200

Hamfests
The best place to score older multimode rigs. Bring:
• A power supply
• Dummy load
• Headphones
• A small antenna
Most sellers will let you test radios.

eBay
Great selection, but shop smart:
• Prefer high feedback sellers
• Avoid “untested” or “for parts”
• Look for clear photos of displays and connectors

Local Clubs
Silent key sales often have excellent bargains.

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.