Top 3 Best Budget HF Radios In 2025
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Looking for the best cheap high-frequency radios? You’re in the right place. Today, we’re breaking down the top three affordable HF radios that deliver great performance without breaking the bank.
First, we have an excellent option that’s compact yet powerful, perfect for those who need portability and advanced features on a budget.
Next, we’ll look at a versatile and user-friendly radio that offers fantastic value with features that stand out in its price range.
Finally, our top choice boasts a robust design and impressive capabilities, making it our pick for the best budget-friendly HF radio.
So let’s get started
Our Top Picks
- 3. Xiegu X5105
- 2. Xiegu G90
- 1. Yaesu Original FT-891
Why Should You Trust Us?
Years of hands-on experience and thorough research guide every recommendation on this site. The founder, Paul Dudley, has been immersed in ham radios and outdoor pursuits long before WhollyOutdoor officially launched in 2018. Every product listed here is put through real-world testing to ensure that the information offered remains accurate and unbiased.
By focusing on practical insights, honest opinions, and easy-to-understand explanations, the goal is to make complex gear decisions simpler for both newcomers and seasoned operators. Recommendations come from a genuine desire to help radio enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers invest in reliable and budget-friendly equipment.
How We Chose the Best Budget HF Radios
Selecting the best budget HF radios requires looking beyond the price tag. After all, a cheap HF radio that fails to deliver solid performance ultimately isn’t worth the investment. Several factors influenced these picks, including transmission range, portability, built-in features, and overall user experience. Each device was also evaluated for its durability and ability to handle various modes, ensuring consistent results whether the radio is used at home or taken into the field.
Here’s a closer look at the key considerations:
- Transmission Capabilities
- Radios that cover the popular HF bands and support multiple modes (such as SSB, CW, and digital) are more versatile.
- Good sensitivity and selectivity were essential so the receiver could lock onto weaker signals and minimize interference.
- Portability and Design
- Compact size and lightweight construction help with mobile setups or portable operations.
- Built-in batteries and durable casings are huge pluses for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Built-In Features
- Automatic antenna tuners (ATUs) save time and reduce hassle when switching bands or operating on the go.
- Advanced functions like DSP (Digital Signal Processing) noise reduction and adjustable filters can greatly improve listening comfort in noisy environments.
- Ease of Use
- Clear displays that show essential information—like frequency, signal strength, and SWR—make the operator’s life simpler.
- User-friendly menus and accessible controls prevent confusion, especially for beginners.
- Overall Value for the Price
- Balancing the initial cost against features and performance is critical.
- Radios that include must-have functions (like a tuner or a detachable faceplate) without driving the price too high stand out as excellent value.
Below is a simple overview of the core factors evaluated:
| Criteria | Importance |
|---|---|
| Transmission Range | Must handle various HF bands and modes effectively |
| Portability | Lightweight, compact build, suitable for both base and field use |
| Built-In Features | Antenna tuner, DSP noise reduction, user-friendly interface |
| Ease of Use | Simple controls, clear display, minimal learning curve |
| Price vs. Performance | Delivers good capabilities relative to the cost |
This approach ensures the chosen budget HF radios aren’t just affordable but also reliable, feature-packed, and easy to operate. Whether the goal is casual listening, portable activation, or stepping into the world of amateur radio, the final picks tick the right boxes in terms of functionality and cost-effectiveness.
Number 3. Xiegu X5105
Xiegu X5105 is a small powerhouse that combines practicality and advanced features. Designed with portable operation in mind, it’s a good affordable hf radio for those who don’t have the budget for a more powerful hf radio.
Covering a wide frequency range, the X5105 can receive from 500kHz to 30MHz and 50MHz to 54MHz, and it transmits on the 160 meters to 6 meters amateur bands. It’s versatile, supporting modes like CW, AM, USB/LSB, and FM. Also its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for portable use.
One of my favorite features is the built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU). This thing is a lifesaver in the field, tuning a wide range of antennas and storing tuning data for quick retuning. Setting it up as portable station is a breeze, even with a mismatched antenna.
Battery life is another strong point. The built-in 3800mAh battery can power the radio for up to 8 hours, which is great for those long outdoor sessions. However, be prepared for a long charging time — it can take up to 10 hours to fully charge from dead.
The 3.6-inch dot matrix LCD is easy to read in both daylight and darkness, providing all the vital info you need. The backlit buttons are a nice touch for night-time operations, too.
Performance-wise, the X5105’s receiver is good for its price. It’s sensitive, and the DSP noise reduction and notch filter work effectively. The internal microphone delivers clear sound, and you will not need to use an external mic most of the time.
However, it’s not all perfect. CW operation is where this radio falls short. It’s quite frustrating to use for CW, and FT8 mode isn’t much better. The internal speaker is weak, so you will usually rely on headphones for better sound quality.
Charging time is another downside. While the battery life is good, waiting 10 hours for a full charge can be a pain, especially when you’re eager to get back on the air. There are also some RF feedback issues, particularly with digital modes.
In summary, the Xiegu X5105 is a solid choice for portable HF operations. Its compact size, built-in ATU, and long battery life make it a great field radio. Just be aware of its limitations with CW and digital modes, and the long battery charging time.
To sum up what I like is the…
Compact and lightweight
the Built-in automatic antenna tuner
the Long battery life
the Easy-to-read display
and the Effective DSP noise reduction
On the downside…
there are Issues with CW and FT8 modes
Weak internal speaker
Long battery charging time
and it’s Prone to RF feedback issues
Number 2. Xiegu G90
Xiegu G90 HF Radio isn’t just a cheap HF radio that you buy solely for the price. The G90 has enough capabilities to stand its own ground. The price tag is the cherry on top of all that this radio has to offer.
The compact unit measures 1.77-inch (L) x 4.72-inch (W) and has a depth of 8.26-inch. That alone will give you plenty of flexibility to install or place this radio where you want it, but Xiegu goes the extra mile here.
It has four extension handles that can screw into the sides of the radio (front and back). Additionally, the front panel (face plate) is detachable. The radio comes with a DB9 cable to make this possible. All these features and capabilities bode well for the convenience of installing this radio.
The front of the Radio has a few buttons and a few knobs, but it’s dominated by the large color display. This LCD shows plenty of information like frequency, volume, signal, standing wave, and more. It even has a waterfall to display the frequencies.
However, this isn’t a touchscreen and not nearly as advanced as the displays you’d see on ICOM IC7300 or Yaesu FTDX10. Then again, these models cost almost two to three times more than the Xiegu G90.
When it comes to performance this radio tops out at 20W. Eventhough other HF radios generally have a max transmit power of 100W, for a unit that has portability in mind, the 20W output is pretty decent.
Though it might be lacking in a few aspects, Xiegu doesn’t feel like it misses out on a lot. I like that a lot of functions for the radio can be handled with the included microphone. Apart from the conventional buttons, the microphone has a few dedicated function buttons and two configurable buttons.
You can adjust the built-in antenna tuner for the radio completely through the microphone. Speaking of the built-in tuner, Xiegu’s tuner appears to be a very impressive one. Many users find it absolutely fun. The tuner will work with anything metal and use it as a decent antenna.
Well, there’s bound to be some loss if you don’t use a proper antenna, but still, the built-in auto tuner deserves appreciation.
On the left side of the radio, you’ll find room for two interfaces. One of these is the standard 3.5mm audio jack where you can attach the headphone of your choice. Alternatively, you could also attach your choice of speakers here for better, clear audio.
The other spot is for the “self-defining interface”. Simply put, you can use this spot for firmware updates or for connecting this radio to a computer.
Overall, this is an excellent radio that punches above its weight. While it falls into the budget category, Xiegu G90 HF Radio isn’t a cheap pick. Rather, it’s a cost-effective and feature-rich option.
Number 1. Yaesu Original FT-891 – Our Top Chooice
Yaesu FT-891 is a powerful mobile HF radio and it can be a decent base station, eventhough it works better as a mobile rig. It’s compact, feature-packed, and has plenty of options to work with.
The face of the radio is dominated by a large screen and a large dial to its right. This large knob is quick to grab attention. Plus, Yaesu allows torque adjustment here, so you can have it as heavy (or light) as you want. Moving the dial does feel pretty good!
With the little real estate that’s left here, Yaesu has managed to find enough room for various buttons and knobs, including a few buttons on top of the screen. This way, all the controls remain visible and easily accessible.
It helps, since the control head can be separated from the body for ease of installation, or even security and safety purposes. Separating them will require the purchase of Yaesu’s kit, though the overall process is straightforward and fairly easy.
Interestingly, there is no visible room for the microphone’s RJ45 connector on this transceiver. You have to slide the control head to find the connector for the microphone. This sounds like a hassle but it’s quite an innovative use of real estate.
The radio comes with a microphone with a plastic body. It has decent build quality and enough heft to feel good in the hands. The audio quality is good as well.
The transceiver has a sturdy casing and feels robust and durable. There’s also a stand at its bottom, which makes it suitable for tabletop use. However, in this setup, you will have to consider spending more money on additional accessories like an external sound card and external tuner.
Overall, eventhough it’s not perfect it remains one of the best budget hf radios with remarkable features and that makes it our top choice!
FAQ
1. How important is portability in a cheap HF radio?
Portability in a cheap HF radio is very important for those who plan to operate away from a fixed station. A lighter, compact design is easier to carry outdoors and fit into smaller spaces, making portable HF operations more convenient and enjoyable.
2. Why is a built-in automatic antenna tuner important in an affordable HF radio?
A built-in automatic antenna tuner is important because it helps match the transceiver to different antennas with minimal effort. Having it inside the radio saves you from carrying extra gear, shortens setup time, and makes it easier to switch between bands without fiddling with external tuners.
3. What is DSP noise reduction, and does it matter for budget HF radios?
DSP noise reduction is a feature that uses digital processing to filter out static and interference. It matters for budget HF radios because it improves clarity in crowded band conditions, allowing you to hear weaker signals more clearly without spending money on a premium model.
4. Can a budget HF transceiver handle CW or digital modes effectively?
A budget HF transceiver can handle CW or digital modes effectively if it has stable filtering and firmware support. Many lower-cost radios include basic functions for CW keying or digital operation, though users might notice some quirks like less refined CW handling or occasional RF feedback.
5. Is a detachable faceplate necessary for a budget HF radio?
A detachable faceplate isn’t strictly necessary, but it adds flexibility. If installation space is limited—say, in a small vehicle—having the option to mount the control panel separately can make setup cleaner and more accessible, which is beneficial even on a cheaper HF radio.
6. What power output should be expected from a cost-effective HF radio?
A cost-effective HF radio often provides an output power of around 20 watts, which is enough for most casual operations. Some affordable HF radios can go higher, but higher output might mean a heavier design or a bigger power draw, so balancing power and portability is key.
7. Do budget HF radios require extra accessories for operation?
Budget HF radios can work right out of the box with a suitable power source and antenna, but certain accessories might be useful. An external speaker can improve audio clarity, and a computer interface may be needed if digital modes are in the plan. These add-ons help fine-tune the overall experience.