Best Ham Radio Base Stations Of 2023 – Review and Comparison

Upon comparing different ham radio base stations found in the market based on sound quality, bands, output, and channel memories, we found TYT TH-9800D to be the best ham radio base station for mobile use and Icom IC-7300 to be the best stationary ham radio base station.

The ham radios market is flooded with different brands with varied performance abilities. Our team has spent fourteen hours testing, evaluating, researching, and analyzing customer feedback to establish an authentic list of the top 10 best ham radio base stations.

Keep reading to get an unbiased analysis that will help you narrow down your ham radio base station selection based on key parameters, such as sound quality, transmission power, frequency range, LCD display, PC programmability through USB, and modulation quality.

1. Best Overall – ICOM IC-7300

The ergonomic design, which is made from a hybrid die-cast chassis, helps smooth operation.

With the real-time scope display, while listening to the audio, you can zoom in on your intended signal with the first touch while the second touch amplifies the display to allow you accurately shift to your preferred frequency.

Unlike the traditional superheterodyne system standard in older versions, the Icom IC-7300 uses a modern direct RF sampling option. This option ensures power is used efficiently, and lesser channel density makes removing unwanted frequencies in the scope easy.

The waterfall display on the Icom IC-7300 helps you evaluate performance while helping identify opportunities and weak signals.

To ensure you don’t encounter a signal distortion, the Icom IC-7300b has an upgraded IP+ function which ensures non-interference of the signals. This is made possible by the advanced AD converter.

The Icom IC-7300 has quality sound clarity enabled by the noise cancellation components for receiving and transmitting. The advanced RDMR has a quality sound filter, improving the phase noise characteristics by 20db.

Unwanted signals are efficiently removed thanks to the fifteen discreet bandpass filters that allow only the RF signal through bypass filters.

The inbuilt automatic antenna makes it possible to retain the memory of your transmit frequencies. This makes it easy to change from one operating band to the other based on the memory, saving you time.

2. Best Value Mobile – BTECH Mobile UV-50X2

UV-50X2 has excellent sound quality thanks to enhanced sound filtering. This makes it possible to eliminate distractions even with a change in amplitude.

The improved UV-50X2 allows you to scan through the channels without installing new software. This saves you the hassle and allows you to edit your channels easily.

The mobile radio base station features up to two hundred channels giving you a wide variety to choose from, and given that it has a powerful output of 50W, this makes it a good bargain.

The display synchronization function also makes it a great choice since it can simultaneously showcase two channels, including the names and frequencies. You also have the option to edit the display to your preferred color.

3. Best Premium – Yaesu FT-DX3000D

The Yaesu FT-DX3000D is easy to operate ham base station, with well-arranged menu settings that allow amateurs to learn how to use it fast.

It is a perfect choice for weak signal work as it’s a great receiver with minimal noise floor. It means the sound quality on the device works perfectly, even under poor signals.

Yaesu FT-DX3000D is a high performer enabled by the big heat sink and the die-cast aluminum chassis which help with heat control. With the cooling fan and 6kHz roofing filter, sound clarity is top-notch.

The Yaesu FT-DX3000Dbase station comes with an in-built automatic antenna tuner, making it easy to switch between bands or frequencies. The feature makes it great for people who need an ideal base station that allows fast and accurate changes.

Your options are unlimited thanks to the TFT full-color display and optional RTTY/PSK encoder/decoder.

For seniors with hearing challenges or difficulty in hearing weak signals, many Yaesu radios, just like FT-DX3000D come with filters to limit the noise. The 1st IF shift feature also helps eliminate background noise.

Digital modes on the Yaesu FT-DX3000D work to help you balance out your preferred signals. You could subdue unwanted strong signals and uplift the weak ones you prefer. This hf ham radio SHIFT and Width controls allow you to customize your preferred frequencies.

4. Best Mid Range Mobile – TYT TH-9800D

With over 800 memory channels, the TH-9800 is packed with options, and you can set it on local repeaters with simplified frequencies. You can choose to have independent settings for these channels. The free software source at CHIRP that comes with the radio makes it easy to set it up.

As an amateur, it’s easy to learn how to use it with the knobs, connectors, and clearly labeled icons, making it easy to navigate. The separate volume and squelch controls allow for a short learning curve.

It also has a keypad lock option that activates and secures your radio.

Power output for the TYT TH-9800D is differentiated across bands allowing you to choose your preferred output and frequency. On a single-band VHF it can get to 65W, while on a single-band UHF, you get 50W.

5. Best Mid Range – Yaesu FTDX-10

Yaesu is a widely known Japanese radio company given their quality and constant upgrades like this one that features up to fifteen band filters.

Yaesu FT-DX-10‘s sound quality is unmatched thanks to the 250MHZ high-resolution direct digital synthesizer (HRDDS). At this rate, the carrier-to-noise ratio is enhanced for clear reception.

With the Yaesu FT-DX-10, you have three types of roofing filters that enhance your base station experience. The three roofing filters, which include 500Hz, 3KHz, and 12KHz, combined with the low noise oscillator, the RMDR can reach exceptional levels of 116db or more.

The 5-inch full-color display and touch functionality is not only beautiful but also very functional. Through a single-frequency touch, the display showcases the numeric keypad and the active band in session. You can also adjust the frequencies manually as you wish.

Yaesu FT-DX-10 lets you operate the device remotely with the correct remote control network software (SCU-LAN10). With this in place, you can remotely monitor the condition of your ham radio base station and have a more prominent band display away from the device. The LAN software also allows you to carry out basic operations remotely.

The Yaesu FT-DX-10 features a well-designed panel that enables quick recall of memory channels and a custom selection function. Its execution is further boosted by the automatic antenna tuner that can sift across the one hundred channels available.

6. Best Mobile Premium – Yaesu FT-891

The Yaesu FT-891 has a neat design with all the function controls on one side and the display on the other. The large LCD display shows all the necessary information like frequency, mode, and SWR.

The display is also customizable with a variety of LCD colors. Additionally, The USB port on the Yaesu FT-891 comes in handy for file transfers.

The compact body measuring 155x55x218 mm has great build quality and makes it convenient to carry around. It also has a robust construction that ensures stability even when in use for long hours.

Yaesu FT-891 features a removable front panel which gives amateur radio base station users a satisfying experience when operating and during its mounting.

The sound quality of this hf radio is above board with the 32 bits in-built IF DSP, which allows for effective noise cancellation. The contour and the APF on this transceiver come in handy in eliminating unnecessary noise common in hf radios.

An automatic antenna tuner on the radio enables it to match a hundred channel memories giving you a variety, especially in areas with weak signal

7. Best Portable – Yaesu FT-991A

It comes in MF/HF/VHF/UHF transceiver and includes a digital system fusion meaning the interchange is fast and easy.

Young users and beginner hams find the Yaesu FT-991A fascinating with its sync with digital modes such as packet, RTTY, and C4FM.

The Yaesu FT-991A operates on FM, AM, SSB, and CW, and this multi-mode operationality gives you an edge in having a fulfilling experience with the base station.

The inbuilt high-speed spectrum scope makes operating the Yaesu FT-991A fast, effective, and easy as it uses automatic spectrum control. With this in the product package, it becomes easy to eliminate noise, get better output, and eliminate cross-talking. Effects of multipath fading are also removed with the spectrum control.

Given the fast, tuner that comes with this radio, it becomes easy to change bands or frequencies. It relies on prefixed values making the adjustments more accurate.

The Yaesu FT-991A features a wide 3.5 inches touch display that makes it easily visible and easy to operate.

8. Best For ExperT Users – ICOM IC-7610

A combination of the widescreen and multi-dial knob works in perfect harmony. As you tap the screen, multiple items are displayed on the screen from where you can turn the knob to choose the specific item.

The Icom IC-7610 also uses an innovative RF direct sampling system like the 7300, which lowers the odds of signal distortion.

A distinguishing feature of the Icom IC-7610 is the Dual-Digi-Select preselectors which help prevent overflow when sampling the RF signals. This helps eliminate unwanted signals boosting its audio function.

You can save data on the extra SD-card slot on this radio. It also features a DVI-D connector in case you need an external display.

The Icom IC-7610 memory pad stores up to ten operating frequencies and modes. Combining these with the direct sampling function makes it ideal for young adults looking for a fast, high-performance radio.

9. Best With D-STAR and Satellite Support – ICOM IC-9700

You have unlimited band management settings to choose from when using the IC-9700. You can adjust the RF power, TX delay, and TX power limit to transmit. You could alter the noise reduction and blanker by utilizing the notch filter for the receiver. You can tweak the settings to enjoy the radio at your customized ratios.

Like most ICOMs, the IC-9700 supports different modes, such as the FM/AM/SSB/CW/RTTY, meaning you can enjoy a variety. It also supports digital mode on DD, DSTAR, and DV.

The waterfall display and real-time high-speed spectrum scope allow for fast operationality, making it an ideal choice for the young adults joining the ham radio bandwagon.

IC-9700 can support two-wave reception simultaneously, allowing you to enjoy a complete full duplex experience from the different band and mode combinations.

If you consider having ports for the USB and ethernet an important factor, then this is the radio for you. It has all that and also an SD card slot you can use to store your information. You also have the option for voice recording.

10. Best Value – Kenwood TS-590SG

The transceiver has an optimal coverage of 6 to 160 meters enabled by the strong in-built antenna. It has a VGS-1 making it an ideal option for the visually impaired.

Kenwood TS-590SG model is an easy-to-use radio. It has a basic panel that allows clear, visible features so you don’t have to worry about mistakenly interfering with the settings on a touchscreen.

With its speech processor, you can independently configure a microphone and voice message transmission. It also has a dual receiver allowing for full-duplex operations, so you could listen in to two signals at the same time.

The transceiver equalizer on this radio helps adjust the power output, making it an ideal choice for both low and high-power signals. You can also monitor your transmission with its built-in S meter. It’s also possible to change from front to rear PTT for data with more options in SSB mode.

Kenwood TS-590SG comes with free software that you can utilize when installing the remote IP controls boosting its VOIP possibilities which work perfectly when you have reliable internet.

You can utilize the free software ARCP and the RX audio voice meter that comes with the Kenwood TS-590SG to run an SDR console on the double ports on the radio.

Top Rated CB Radios – Specification Comparison

How to Choose the Best Ham Radio Base Station – Buyers Guide

Getting a good ham radio base station goes beyond searching for the top ones on the market. While that’s a great place to start, there are still other important factors to consider.
From power output and receiver sensitivity to antenna options and digital enhancements, here’s what you should look out for when purchasing the best ham radio base station.

1. Power Output and Receiver Sensitivity

Make sure your ham radio base station has adequate power output and receiver sensitivity to ensure that you get good reception no matter the conditions. The power output should be between 5 -100 watts, and receiver sensitivity should range from 0.2-1 microvolt.

2. Antenna Options

It’s important to consider the type of antenna your ham radio base station is compatible with as antenna options will determine how well your radio performs. Look for the one with a wide frequency range and good gain value to ensure that you get the best performance from your radio.

3. Digital Enhancements

The latest ham radio base stations come with digital enhancements such as automatic notch filters, dual receivers, and noise blanking capabilities to improve user experience. Look for radio with these features for better performance.

4. Price

Compare the prices of different ham radio base stations to ensure that you get the one that fits your budget without compromising on features, performance, or build quality. Getting the best ham radio base station does not mean that you have to pay the most money and get the most expensive one.
You are sure to find a great choice within options ranging from low-cost entry-level radios, that cost little money, to more expensive advanced models, so take your time to decide which one suits your needs best rather than have the price factor drive it.

5. Modes and frequency coverage

This is an important feature, as it determines if the radio meets your requirements in terms of band management. Most modern-day radios have multiple capabilities that allow you to transmit on different frequencies and modes.

6. Band and frequency

Ham radio base stations come in a range of frequencies. A single-band radio means it features one option, mostly the two-meter band on 144-148MHz. Double ones are the most common in the market, and they feature both the 2-meter band and 70 cm band. Others feature three or four frequencies.

7. Ease of operation

When buying your first ham radio base station, you want one that is user-friendly and has a short learning curve to navigate and learn how to use it.
Evaluate how complex the controls are. Is it something you can learn through a user manual, or do you need some practice before acquiring your own? As a beginner, you can go for a basic radio and learn your way around it before investing in a complex option.

8. Sound clarity

Ensure you get a ham radio base station that has a clear signal and noise cancellation ability. When using a ham radio either receiving or transmitting, you don’t want distortion or signal interference as it could affect how you pass or receive information.

Some radios have an automatic inbuilt antenna that can shift across frequencies, while some need a manual one fixed within proximity. This can potentially affect its sound clarity if you are not able to fix it well, so do your research before purchasing.

9. Software

Preferably, get a radio that comes with the program software cable in the beginning. Some of the best ham radio base stations come with free software, while for others, you have to get it from a third party at a cost.

Check whether your preferred option software must be plugged into a computer to function or manually programmed, which is more applicable to experienced users.

Evaluate whether you need LAN access or not for your chosen radio software to run. For instance, some radios require a laptop to run the software through a LAN connection.

10. Accessories

Most ham radio base stations come in packages that include accessories such as headsets, microphones, and power supplies. Consider additional accessories you may need before making your purchase so that you can be sure all your requirements are met from the start.

Conclusion

People have varied preferences when settling for the best ham radio base station as all of us have slightly different needs. However, if we consider most users – our review has TYT TH-9800D as the best ham radio base station for mobile radio use due to its decent array of features and good sound quality.

The UV-50X2 comes a close second in the mobile radio base station segment, given its ability to handle more accessories and good sound quality.

Yaesu radios are also featured prominently in the list, with every model having unique features but all share some innovative tech and renowned build quality. The Yaesu FT-DX-10 is a great radio for hybrid SDR configuration, while Yaesu FT-891 is great for high output.

Icom ham radios are a game changer with the RF sampling feature, widescreen, and high output, with ICOM-7300 coming up at the top as the best ham radio base station for stationary use, for both novice and experienced users.

If you’re looking for great radio that is user-friendly and has basic functionality and a little bit of a retro feel, no need to search any further – get a Kenwood TS-590SG. It also comes with free software that allows you to upgrade the functions at will.

Frequently Asked Questions