The best way to communicate when you’re in a place with no mobile signals is with a handheld radio. Simply put, this fantastic gadget will help you reach out to your friends or family if you’re ever lost in the wilderness.
These radios have excellent batteries that can last a long time. They come with an antenna for long-range making it challenging to lose communication with your friends or family.
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Best Handheld Ham Radio Reviews
Let’s jump right into my reviews of the six best handheld ham radio devices to use when you’re out in the woods or climbing a mountain.
1. Yaesu FT-60R Dual Band Handheld 5W VHF / UHF Amateur Radio Transceiver
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The Yaesu Ft-60R radio is a fantastic connector to your acquaintances when you’re on a long journey or organizing a major event. It includes a 1400mA battery that can last for a long time. Moreover, it is a high power 5-watt handheld radio so you never lose touch with your friends. It’s one of the best handheld radios you can get on the market.
Pros
- Durable
- Powerful batteries
- High powered device
Cons
- More expensive than others
2. BaoFeng Radio UV-82+ 8W Handheld Dual Band VHF/UHF
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This handheld ham radio from BaoFeng is a dual-band device with spectacular range. It’s an upgraded version with several new features. It has an 8-watt high power which gives twice the power than other ordinary walkie talkies. It comes with an antenna that can be easily extended so you get a better range. When your friends are far away, you still won’t lose contact with them. The BaoFeng radio is widely applicable for any activity, be it hiking, mountain climbing, etc.
Pros
- Long-range
- High power
- Battery saver
- Wide range of channels
Cons
- A bit expensive
3. BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black)
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The BaoFeng UV-5R is a compact handheld two-way radio that delivers 4 watts in the 136-174 MHz and 400-480 MHz frequency range. It is a compact, economical HT that contains a 65-108 MHz unique VHF receiving band that includes the periodic FM, broadcast band. Dual watch and dual reception are supported, and the transceiver is a micro-miniature multiband FM transceiver with extensive receive frequency.
Pros
- Economical
- Good range
- Wide range of channels
- Battery saver equipped
Cons
- Not high power (4 watts)
4. BaoFeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band Transceiver (Black)
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The BaoFeng UV-5RA is a 2 meter and 440 MHz compact, economical ham two-way radio. It has a unique 65-108 MHz VHF receiving band that contains the periodic FM broadcast band. It supports dual watch and dual reception, and you get up to 128 channels when you buy this handheld ham radio. It has a built-in battery saver and a low battery alert which lets you know how much juice the device has left.
Pros
- Economical
- Powerful
- A good amount of channels
- Battery saver mode
Cons
- Poor charging mode
5. BaoFeng Walkie Talkie UV-5R5 5W Dual-Band Two-Way Ham Radio Transceiver
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The UV-5R5 is a powerful 5-watt transmitter made by BaoFeng. The better handling of the body and the updated software makes it more stable and more transparent. The 1800mah big battery allows you to use the built-in flashlight or even the built-in FM radio-and still interact without recharging throughout the day.
Pros
- Economical
- Long-lasting battery
- Good design
Cons
- Charger wires are not durable
6. TIDRADIO 8Watt Ham Radio Handheld Upgraded Version of BaoFeng UV-5R Radio
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A reliable device from Tidradio, this ham radio comes with 8-watt high power. This walkie talkie is a handy gadget to take along with you on any journey. It replaces the need for a cellphone very easily and has a range of 65-108 MHz which is pretty decent considering you can communicate from a very long distance.
Moreover, it comes with a high-powered double battery of 2100 mAH. When one is being used, others can be plugged in to charge up. An extra-long antenna can give you even further distance communication which helps you not lose touch from your partners.
Pros
- Dual display
- Double batteries for extra time
- Good range
- 8-watt high power
- An extra-long antenna
Cons
- Program download can be a hassle
Handheld Ham Radio Buyer’s Guide
Let’s take a look at the different factors you should take into account before making your purchase.
Communication
Every handheld radio needs to have explicit signaling so you can easily communicate with the person on the other end of the radio signal. It needs to have a clear voice so you can understand every word they say quickly. The whole purpose of using a handheld ham radio is to have crystal clear communication.
Range
If you’re lost in a forest or the mountains miles away from your group, you’ll need to have a radio with fantastic range so you’ll be able to contact them. Make sure to check the handheld ham radio’s range before making your purchase.
Battery Life
Powerful batteries will help you last for days so you don’t have to charge them every hour. You would want a device that goes on for about two to three days. A good battery will never let you lose communication.
Price
With all the great functions, anybody would want to have these features at a lower price. A medium-range price might give you all the proper specs, but with a higher price tag comes better communication and longer-lasting batteries (usually).
Find the Best Handheld Ham Radio for Survival
This review thoroughly shows the best six handheld ham radios available on the market. You can get them on Amazon can choose one that’s best suited for you. Every product in this review allows you better communication and a substantial range. So the next time you are on a trip in the woods or the mountains, why not grab one of these radios to ensure your own safety? Be sure to check out some of our other survival gear product reviews on our site as well.
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