Top 30 Ham Radio Brands in 2024

The most popular brands for Ham Radio Includes Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, Motorola, Heathkit, NooElec, Elecraft, MFJ, TEN-TEC, AOR among many others.

1

Yaesu

Popular Brand

Yaesu is a company that is well versed in crafting top-quality ham radios. Communication ties the world together, and for several years Yaesu has been focusing on developing some of the highest quality communications equipment. The attention to detail and the consistent effort put into the research and development sector make Yaesu one of the leading brands in communication. Amplifiers, Receivers, and Transceivers are some of the company's specialties. Yaesu constantly works on increasing its brand products.

2

Icom

Popular Brand

Icom America is a leading creator and manufacturer of two-way radios for various industries, including amateur radio, avionics, land mobile radio, and marine radio. The company has been providing new solutions to fulfill the communication demands of its consumers for over 40 years. They provide the most comprehensive variety of voice communication solutions for indoor and outdoor use. Their product line includes entry-level to elevated communication devices for individuals, corporations, governments, and military groups worldwide. Government agencies and enterprises in over 150 countries use their products. Two-way radios are used in various industries, including avionics, amateur radio, land mobile radio, marine radio, and fire/emergency services.

3

Kenwood

Popular Brand

Innovations and ideas are the fundamental structures on which development takes place. Without them, we would have been stuck in a dark age. Kenwood is the symbol of existing innovative ideas and the quality application of these ideas. They are one of the leading audio accessories and communication technology developers that helps connect people. They also offer wireless devices and cameras that can be placed inside the vehicle and several other innovations.

4

Motorola

Best Brand

Few companies were jointly working to take the communication sector to new heights from very early. They bought new ideas and designs to the market, which were tested and later produced on a mass scale. Motorola has been one of the pioneers of developments in this sector since 1928. They offer several products such as phones like moto g and tablets like Moto Tab, and many more. They also excelled in fields like home appliances.

5

Heathkit

Best Brand

Heathkit started the DIY trend that is now famous worldwide. They don't only sell daily use products but also let you build them yourself so that you can appreciate the machinery behind them. When you wake up to your clock's alarm, you're bound to feel proud because you built it with your own hands. They provide kits for children that are educational and help them think innovatively.

6

NooElec

Best Brand

Nooelec is an acknowledged electronic company globally known for its span of software-designed radios available in the markets across all nations. It manufactures and produces electronic items that have extensive applications for commercial as well as private purposes and meet the desired requirements of end consumers with an efficient and effective line of goods. The test equipment, integrated circuits, hardware, and other appliances are provided at an affordable price without compromising the performance of these products.

7

Elecraft

Best Brand

Found in 1998, Elecraft remains on top of the industry, providing transceivers and accessories. Relentlessly innovating, they draw the canvas of this industry in the most vivid colors possible. They are the choice of several people and sure have all it takes to lead. Their product technology and quality set them apart. Their product designs are just equally impressive, if not more. The architecture of their techniques is awe-inspiring, built with top-notch technologies of the times.

8

MFJ

Best Brand

Radios are one of the oldest instruments for listening to music and news. Most people have radios even today. Their...

9

TEN-TEC

Are you a radio enthusiast? Ten-Tec is here to continue the tradition by including technology in transceivers. The company produces...

10

AOR

Quite an old player in the market, based in Tokyo, AOR has been the industry torchbearer for wireless communication products...

11

AnyTone

AnyTone is a brand that specializes in the communications industry. With a mission to connect individuals from different corners through...

12

Kit

When it comes to contact lenses, glasses, and sunglasses, Kit is your one-stop store. Their goal is for everyone to...

13

Palstar

Palstar founded by Paul Hrivnak in the 1990s engages in the amateur radio segment and offers a wide range of...

14

Mini-Circuits

Mini-Circuits has products like ZVA for generic photos and USB illustration purposes, with twenty-five switches with fast transaction time. The...

15

Johnson

16

StarTech

With the development in the field of electronic devices, another area that undergoes positive change is the accessories section. Technology...

17

Hytera

A prominent player in the two-way radio communications field, Hytera is known for producing novel solutions that meet each customer’s...

18

Midland

Midland is dedicated to the art of communication. They build radios and walkie-talkies for those who go out in the...

19

BTECH

B.TECH is a joint-stock company that was founded in 1997. It specialized in household electrical supplies. B.TECH aims at satisfying...

20

INTEK

21

Galaxy

Galaxy Lighting is a leading Lighting company selling various lighting solutions like Wall lights and Pendants. Their products are available...

22

Marconi

Handbags are not only an efficient and stylish way to carry all your belongings, but they can also enhance your...

23

Diamond

Discover cabinets that portray your personality at Diamond Cabinets. The company has launched a series of its modular systems, each...

24

Stryker

Stryker is a medical brand that improves on supplying certain medical items that typically satisfy the needs and requests of...

25

TECSUN

Tecsun is a brand that continues to make shortwave capable radios, having been founded by radio enthusiasts for other radio...

26

Maxon

Maxon manufactures and distributes two-way radio and data radio equipment. Some of their excellent products are analog portable radios with...

27

Zenith

28

Astron

Astron Corporation is a company that specializes in power supplies. They primarily manufacture their brand of power supply products, but...

29

TYT

30

RTL-SDR

RTL-SDR is a cheap software defined radio that uses a DVB-T TV tuner dongle based on the RTL2832U chipset.

Ham Radio Buying Guide

Introduction

Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a popular hobby that allows people to communicate with each other using radio frequency waves. With the correct equipment, enthusiasts can establish contact with other ham radio stations all over the world. Ham radio is much more than just a hobby; it is also a means of emergency communication during natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies.

If you are interested in getting started in ham radio, there are several things you need to consider before buying your first radio. This guide will help you choose the right equipment and get started with your new hobby.

Frequency Bands

Ham radio operators communicate on a variety of frequency bands. These bands include HF (High Frequency), VHF (Very High Frequency), and UHF (Ultra High Frequency). Each band has its characteristics and requires different types of equipment. Before purchasing a ham radio, it is essential to decide which frequency band you will use and what activities you plan on doing. HF bands are popular among long-range contacts, while VHF and UHF bands are often used for local communication.

Licensing Requirements

Before buying a ham radio, you must have a valid amateur radio operator’s license. To obtain this license, you must pass an exam that covers operating procedures, regulations, and technical knowledge. There are three different classes of amateur radio licenses granted by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).

  • Technician Class – This license grants access to VHF and UHF bands and is the easiest license to obtain.
  • General Class – This license grants access to all HF bands and allows you to communicate with other operators worldwide.
  • Extra Class – This license grants access to exclusive frequencies and is the highest class of amateur radio license.

You can prepare for the exam by studying the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) handbook and taking practice exams online. Many ham radio clubs and organizations also offer license exam preparation courses.

Type of Radio

Ham radios come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from handheld radios to base stations. Handheld radios are convenient for portable use and are ideal for local communication on VHF and UHF bands. They are also useful during hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Base stations, on the other hand, offer better performance and more power, making them suitable for HF bands and long-range communication.

Certain radios may also come with additional features, such as digital signal processing, voice recording, and memory storage. These features can make it easier to communicate and can enhance your overall experience.

Power Output

Power output is an important factor to consider when purchasing a ham radio. Higher power output allows for greater range and better communication. However, high-power radios require more power and can be more expensive. It is also essential to note that some frequency bands have power output limits, which must be followed to comply with FCC regulations.

A handheld radio typically has a power output of less than 5 watts, while a base station radio can have a power output of up to 1500 watts. However, most base stations have power outputs of 100 watts to 500 watts.

Budget

Before buying a ham radio, it is essential to consider your budget carefully. Ham radio equipment can be expensive, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Handheld radios are generally less expensive, while base stations are more expensive but offer better performance.

You should also factor in the cost of accessories, such as antennas, microphones, and cables. These items can add up quickly and can significantly impact your overall budget.

Brand and Quality

Choosing a reputable brand and high-quality product is essential when purchasing a ham radio. Reputable brands have a proven track record of providing reliable and durable equipment that meets industry standards. They also offer good customer support and often provide warranty and repair services.

Cheap and inferior quality radios may be tempting, but they are often unreliable and may not meet FCC regulations. They also provide poor performance and can make the overall experience less enjoyable.

Some of the most popular and reputable ham radio brands include Yaesu, Kenwood, Icom, and Alinco.

Conclusion

Ham radio can be an enjoyable and rewarding hobby that provides a means of communication and emergency preparedness. Before purchasing a ham radio, it is essential to consider your needs, budget, and licensing requirements carefully. You should also choose a reputable brand and high-quality product to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

With the right equipment and knowledge, you can join the ranks of ham radio operators and enjoy the rewards of this exciting and challenging hobby.

Categories Similar to Ham Radio

Top similar topics to Ham Radio Includes Handheld Vhf, Radio Communications, Radio Mics among many others.