New ham radio buying guide
Best Ham Radio Under $500
A practical comparison of mobile, handheld, HF, and dual-band ham radios with power output, band coverage, modes, and real buyer tradeoffs.
Amateur radio operation requires the appropriate FCC license. Always verify band coverage, power limits, and current Amazon pricing before buying.
How we picked ham radios under $500
This BestBuyUnder500.com guide focuses on ham radios that stay below the $500 ceiling while offering useful power, band coverage, and features for licensed operators.
We cleaned the supplied product sheet to remove warranty-plan and marketplace noise, preserved each affiliate URL, and rewrote the notes around the details buyers actually compare: power output, bands, modes, mobile vs handheld form factor, programming, and noise reduction.
Quick picks
- Lowest listed price: Best starting point if keeping radio budget low matters most.
- Best mobile dual-band: Strong VHF/UHF mobile value for repeaters and local comms.
- Best HF transceiver: HF capability for long-distance amateur communication.
Comparison table
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for | Key specs | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wouxun KG-Q10H Quad-Band Handheld | 219 — 🔥 Buy Now | 4.4/5 | Best budget pick | Bands: Quad-band (10M/6M/2M/70cm); Modes: AM, FM; Type: Handheld; Feature: Cross-band repeat; Feature: GPS/APRS | |
 BTECH UV-50X2 Dual-Band Mobile | 219 — 💰 See Deal | 4/5 | Best mobile value | Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF; Type: Mobile mount | |
 Radioddity DB-25D Dual-Band Mobile | 219 — ⚡ Grab It | 4.1/5 | Best HF pick | Power: 20W; Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF; Modes: DMR; Type: Mobile mount; Feature: GPS/APRS | |
 TYT TH-9800 Quad-Band Mobile | 219 — 🛒 Shop Now | 3.9/5 | 50W | Power: 50W; Bands: Quad-band (10M/6M/2M/70cm); Modes: AM, FM; Type: Mobile mount; Feature: Cross-band repeat | |
 Xiegu G106 HF Transceiver | 224 — 👀 View Deal | 4.4/5 | 5W | Power: 5W; Bands: HF amateur bands; Modes: SSB, AM, CW | |
 Radioddity DB50 Dual-Band Mobile | 250 — ✨ Get It | 4.3/5 | 50W High Power | Power: 50W High Power; Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF; Type: Mobile mount | |
 Radioddity QT60 10M Mobile | 259 — 🔥 Buy Now | 4.6/5 | 60W High Power | Power: 60W High Power; Bands: 10-meter band; Modes: SSB, AM, FM; Type: Mobile mount; Audio: Noise reduction | |
 HESENATE TH-9800D Quad-Band Mobile | 269 — 💰 See Deal | 3.5/5 | 50W | Power: 50W; Bands: Quad-band (10M/6M/2M/70cm); Type: Mobile mount; Feature: Cross-band repeat | |
 HESENATE AT-6666PRO 10M Transceiver | 299 — ⚡ Grab It | 4.6/5 | 80W | Power: 80W; Bands: 10-meter band; Modes: SSB, AM, FM, CW; Type: Mobile mount; Audio: Noise reduction | |
 Retevis MA1 Dual-Band Mobile | 299 — 🛒 Shop Now | 3.7/5 | Dual-band VHF/UHF | Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF; Type: Mobile mount; Feature: Cross-band repeat; Audio: Noise reduction | |
 AnyTone AT-6666PRO 10M Mobile | 299 — 👀 View Deal | 4.4/5 | 80W High Power | Power: 80W High Power; Bands: 10-meter band; Modes: SSB, AM, FM; Type: Mobile mount; Audio: Noise reduction | |
 Radioddity QT80 10M Mobile | 299 — ✨ Get It | 4.5/5 | 80W High Power | Power: 80W High Power; Bands: 10-meter band; Modes: SSB, AM, FM; Type: Mobile mount; Audio: Noise reduction | |
 BTECH DA-7X2 Dual-Band Handheld | 299 — 🔥 Buy Now | 4.4/5 | 7W Peak | Power: 7W Peak; Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF; Modes: AM, FM, DMR; Type: Handheld; Feature: Cross-band repeat; Feature: GPS/APRS | |
 Midland MXT500 Mobile | 439 — 💰 See Deal | 4.5/5 | GMRS | Bands: GMRS; Type: Mobile mount; Feature: Cross-band repeat | |
 Xiegu G90 HF Transceiver | 465 — ⚡ Grab It | 4.5/5 | 20W | Power: 20W; Bands: HF amateur bands; Modes: SSB, AM, FM, CW; Tuner: Built-in ATU | |
 YAESU FT-5DR Dual-Band Transceiver | 498 — 🛒 Shop Now | 4.6/5 | 5W | Power: 5W; Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF; Modes: FM; Type: Handheld |
Product reviews
1. Wouxun KG-Q10H Quad Band Handheld Amateur Radio (Black)
Price: $219 | Rating: 4.4/5
Quad-band (10M/6M/2M/70cm)
- Bands: Quad-band (10M/6M/2M/70cm)
- Modes: AM, FM
- Type: Handheld
- Feature: Cross-band repeat
- Feature: GPS/APRS
Pros
- Multi-band coverage reduces the need for multiple radios
Cons
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
2. BTECH UV-50X2 (Second Gen.) Mobile 50 Watt Dual Band Base, Mobile Radio: VHF, UHF Amateur (Ham)
Price: $219 | Rating: 4/5
Dual-band VHF/UHF
- Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF
- Type: Mobile mount
- PC programming support
Pros
- Multi-band coverage reduces the need for multiple radios
Cons
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
3. Radioddity DB-25D Pro Dual Band DMR Mobile Radio, 20W VHF UHF Ham Amateur Radio Digital Transceiver with GPS APRS, 4000CH 500,000 Contacts, Dual Time Slot Tier II Vehicle Car
Price: $219 | Rating: 4.1/5
20W
- Power: 20W
- Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF
- Modes: DMR
- Type: Mobile mount
- Feature: GPS/APRS
Pros
- High power output supports longer-range communication
- Multi-band coverage reduces the need for multiple radios
- Digital modes can improve audio quality on supported networks
Cons
- Requires appropriate amateur radio licensing before transmitting
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
4. TYT TH-9800 Quad Band 50W Cross-Band Mobile Car Ham Radio Black 5.5 x 1.58 x 8.35"
Price: $219 | Rating: 3.9/5
50W
- Power: 50W
- Bands: Quad-band (10M/6M/2M/70cm)
- Modes: AM, FM
- Type: Mobile mount
- Feature: Cross-band repeat
Pros
- High power output supports longer-range communication
- Multi-band coverage reduces the need for multiple radios
- Detachable faceplate helps with vehicle and mobile installs
Cons
- Lower rating than some competing picks in this guide
5. Xiegu G106 SDR HF Transceiver, 5W QRP Radio, SSB CW AM WFM, Support FT8
Price: $224 | Rating: 4.4/5
5W
- Power: 5W
- Bands: HF amateur bands
- Modes: SSB, AM, CW
Pros
- Solid feature mix for licensed operators staying under the $500 ceiling
Cons
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
6. Radioddity DB50 Dual Band Mobile Radio Transceiver, UHF VHF 50W High Power Amateur Ham Radio, Multi-Band Receiver with Detachable Front Panel, Programming Cable, CTCSS/DCS, Chirp Programmable
Price: $250 | Rating: 4.3/5
50W High Power
- Power: 50W High Power
- Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF
- Type: Mobile mount
- Detachable control panel for vehicle installs
- Dual-channel monitoring on two frequencies
Pros
- High power output supports longer-range communication
- Multi-band coverage reduces the need for multiple radios
- Detachable faceplate helps with vehicle and mobile installs
Cons
- Requires appropriate amateur radio licensing before transmitting
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
7. Radioddity QT60 Pro 10 Meter Radio SSB, AM, FM, PA, 60W High Power Amateur Ham Mobile Transceiver, Large LCD Display, RX & TX Noise Reduction, NOAA with Alert, with CTCSS/DCS, ASQ
Price: $259 | Rating: 4.6/5
60W High Power
- Power: 60W High Power
- Bands: 10-meter band
- Modes: SSB, AM, FM
- Type: Mobile mount
- Audio: Noise reduction
Pros
- High power output supports longer-range communication
- Noise reduction features improve clarity in noisy environments
Cons
- Requires appropriate amateur radio licensing before transmitting
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
8. TH-9800D Quad Band 50W Mobile Ham Radio Transceiver, 10M 6M 2M 70CM Amateur Radios, Dual Display, Cross-Band Repeat, Detachable Faceplate
Price: $269 | Rating: 3.5/5
50W
- Power: 50W
- Bands: Quad-band (10M/6M/2M/70cm)
- Type: Mobile mount
- Feature: Cross-band repeat
- Detachable control panel for vehicle installs
Pros
- High power output supports longer-range communication
- Multi-band coverage reduces the need for multiple radios
- Detachable faceplate helps with vehicle and mobile installs
Cons
- Lower rating than some competing picks in this guide
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
9. 10 Meter Ham Radio AT-6666PRO FM/AM/USB/LSB/CW Two Way Radio 80W for Truckers and Road Travelers
Price: $299 | Rating: 4.6/5
80W
- Power: 80W
- Bands: 10-meter band
- Modes: SSB, AM, FM, CW
- Type: Mobile mount
- Audio: Noise reduction
Pros
- High power output supports longer-range communication
- Noise reduction features improve clarity in noisy environments
Cons
- Requires appropriate amateur radio licensing before transmitting
10. Retevis MA1 Dual Band Ham Radio | Cross-Band Repeater & Mobile Transceiver 2-in-1 | Superheterodyne Receiver| Air Band Reception | Detachable Control Panel | Noise Reduction Base Stationn
Price: $299 | Rating: 3.7/5
Dual-band VHF/UHF
- Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF
- Type: Mobile mount
- Feature: Cross-band repeat
- Audio: Noise reduction
Pros
- Multi-band coverage reduces the need for multiple radios
- Detachable faceplate helps with vehicle and mobile installs
- Noise reduction features improve clarity in noisy environments
Cons
- Lower rating than some competing picks in this guide
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
11. AnyTone AT-6666PRO 10 Meter Mobile Radio for Truckers,80W High Power Ham Mobile Transceiver. AM 80W(PEP) / FM 50W / SSB 80W(PEP).RX and TX Noise Reduction, CTCSS/DCS with RX/TX Split Function
Price: $299 | Rating: 4.4/5
80W High Power
- Power: 80W High Power
- Bands: 10-meter band
- Modes: SSB, AM, FM
- Type: Mobile mount
- Audio: Noise reduction
Pros
- High power output supports longer-range communication
- Noise reduction features improve clarity in noisy environments
Cons
- Requires appropriate amateur radio licensing before transmitting
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
12. Radioddity QT80 10 Meter Radio, 80W High Power Amateur Ham Radio, SSB/AM/FM/PA Mobile Transceiver with RX & TX Noise Reduction, CTCSS/DCS, ASQ, SWR High Alert
Price: $299 | Rating: 4.5/5
80W High Power
- Power: 80W High Power
- Bands: 10-meter band
- Modes: SSB, AM, FM
- Type: Mobile mount
- Audio: Noise reduction
Pros
- High power output supports longer-range communication
- Noise reduction features improve clarity in noisy environments
Cons
- Requires appropriate amateur radio licensing before transmitting
13. BTECH DA-7X2 Dual Band DMR Digital + Analog Handheld Radio, True Dual Receive VHF/UHF, 7W Peak, AM Airband (108-136) + FM Broadcast RX, Cross-Band Repeater, Recording, Advanced Audio
Price: $299 | Rating: 4.4/5
7W Peak
- Power: 7W Peak
- Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF
- Modes: AM, FM, DMR
- Type: Handheld
- Feature: Cross-band repeat
Pros
- Multi-band coverage reduces the need for multiple radios
- Digital modes can improve audio quality on supported networks
Cons
- Verify band coverage and power limits match your intended use before buying
14. Midland MXT500 50-Watt GMRS Mobile Radio - for Farms, Ranches, Overlanding, Trails, and Off-Roading - 8 Repeater Channels, Compact Design, External Magnetic Mount, 2.1dB Unity Gain Antenna
Price: $439 | Rating: 4.5/5
GMRS
- Bands: GMRS
- Type: Mobile mount
- Feature: Cross-band repeat
Pros
- Solid feature mix for licensed operators staying under the $500 ceiling
Cons
- GMRS license required; not a substitute for full HF ham capability
15. Xiegu G90 HF Radio Transceiver 20W SSB/CW/AM/FM SDR Structure with Built-in Auto Antenna Tuner
Price: $465 | Rating: 4.5/5
20W
- Power: 20W
- Bands: HF amateur bands
- Modes: SSB, AM, FM, CW
- Tuner: Built-in ATU
- Detachable control panel for vehicle installs
Pros
- High power output supports longer-range communication
- Detachable faceplate helps with vehicle and mobile installs
- Built-in antenna tuner simplifies field operation
Cons
- Requires appropriate amateur radio licensing before transmitting
- Premium price leaves less room for antennas and accessories
- May need PC programming or firmware updates for full feature access
16. YAESU Yaesu FT-5DR C4FM/FM 144/430MHz Dual Band 5W Digital Transceiver with Touch Screen Display Black
Price: $498 | Rating: 4.6/5
5W
- Power: 5W
- Bands: Dual-band VHF/UHF
- Modes: FM
- Type: Handheld
- Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
- Multi-band coverage reduces the need for multiple radios
- Digital modes can improve audio quality on supported networks
Cons
- Premium price leaves less room for antennas and accessories
What to check before buying a ham radio under $500
Confirm your license and band needs
Match the radio to the bands you are licensed to use. VHF/UHF mobile radios differ from 10-meter, HF, and digital DMR transceivers.
Compare power output and antenna plans
Higher wattage can help with range, but antenna quality and placement matter just as much. Budget for a suitable antenna and feed line.
Choose mobile vs handheld vs base
Mobile radios with detachable faceplates suit vehicles. Handhelds are portable but usually lower power. HF radios excel at long-distance communication.
Check programming and accessories
Many radios need PC programming cables, mounting hardware, or firmware updates. Factor those into the total cost before comparing prices.
Budget tips
- Budget for antennas, coax, and mounting hardware — the radio is rarely the only purchase.
- Compare analog vs digital (DMR) based on what your local repeaters and clubs actually support.
- For vehicle installs, a detachable faceplate and noise reduction are worth prioritizing.
- Check whether programming software and cables are included or sold separately.
FAQs
Can you get a good ham radio under $500?
Yes. Under $500 you can find capable mobile dual-band radios, 10-meter transceivers, entry HF rigs, and feature-rich handhelds for licensed operators.
Do I need a license to use a ham radio?
Yes. Transmitting on amateur radio frequencies in the United States requires an FCC amateur radio license at the appropriate class for the bands you want to use.
What is the difference between mobile and handheld ham radios?
Mobile radios typically offer higher power and vehicle mounting options. Handhelds prioritize portability with lower power and built-in batteries.
Is a GMRS radio the same as ham radio?
No. GMRS radios use different frequencies and licensing rules. Some products in broader radio categories are GMRS-focused rather than full amateur band coverage.