The 29 best amateur radio brands
Yaesu, Icom and Kenwood lead our ranking of 29 amateur radio brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Amateur Radio brands, ranked
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1
Yaesu
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.
Website: yaesu.com |Brands like Yaesu
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Icom
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.
Website: icomamerica.com |Brands like Icom
Popularity 9.0/10
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3
Kenwood
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.
Website: kenwood.com |Brands like Kenwood
Popularity 6.6/10
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4
TEN-TEC
Are you a radio enthusiast? Ten-Tec is here to continue the tradition by including technology in transceivers. The company produces and sells amplifiers, antenna tuners, and more with exclusive features that improve performance. The new 58+ OMNI-VII+ model comes with an optional tuner and can be used without a PC, allowing you wideband internet access. The simple configuration of the commercial receivers ensures more than general coverage and a sophisticated software package. Visit their website and shop now!
Website: tentec.com |Brands like TEN-TEC
Popularity 3.7/10
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5
QYT
QYT retails walkie-talkies and long-distance radios for car and boat communication systems. The brand has been working since 1992, and its customers benefit from the various kinds of designs they offer. With single and double band radios to VHF and UHF antennas, mobile radio earphones, batteries, and chargers. The communications devices are made of high-quality materials to ensure physical strength and durability.
Website: qytradio.com |Brands like QYT
Popularity 2.7/10
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6
AnyTone
AnyTone is a brand that specializes in the communications industry. With a mission to connect individuals from different corners through a reliable and affordable source, they manufacture a wide range of radios and other accessories. They operate by providing advanced and innovative solutions for communications to make it easier and more feasible. Their motto is to never ruin the trust of any customer. They attach immense importance to valuable feedback that they try to implement.
Website: anytonetech.com |Brands like AnyTone
Popularity 2.3/10
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7
Stryker
Stryker is a medical brand that improves on supplying certain medical items that typically satisfy the needs and requests of patients. Today, the firm is one of the world's largest medical technology suppliers. The company's expansion is built on a diversified range of innovative solutions in Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Therapeutic procedures, and Neurosurgery that help enhance consumer and hospital results – thanks to the hard work of one or more than half a million people worldwide.
Website: stryker.com |Brands like Stryker
Popularity 2.2/10
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8
Galaxy
Galaxy Lighting is a leading Lighting company selling various lighting solutions like Wall lights and Pendants. Their products are available online and in showrooms across countries. They carry indoor and outdoor lighting that can be used at homes and in places like hotels and restaurants. The company's products are made to be more energy-efficient and environmentally safer. They also look premium and add style to any space.
Website: galaxy-lighting.com |Brands like Galaxy
Popularity 2.1/10
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9
BTECH
B.TECH is a joint-stock company that was founded in 1997. It specialized in household electrical supplies. B.TECH aims at satisfying their customers as they have spread out its roots to reach new levels. They offer the best choice to their...
Website: btech.com |Brands like BTECH
Popularity 2.1/10
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10
Baofeng
BaoFeng Tech is a Chinese brand that manufactures and sells communication devices across the world. It is located in Arlington, South Dakota. Their mission is to connect the world and their customers - emphasizing on the younger generation - to...
Website: baofengtech.com |Brands like Baofeng
Popularity 1.8/10
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11
Moonraker
Moonraker provides Radio communication products for diverse fields such as Marine and Avionics. They make quality products to ensure that everyone uses radio waves for communication in the best way possible. They have an extensive product portfolio consisting of antenna...
Website: moonrakeronline.com |Brands like Moonraker
Popularity 1.7/10
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12
Elecraft
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...
Website: elecraft.com |Brands like Elecraft
Popularity 1.5/10
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13
Tait
Tait is a trusted and experienced communications company that specializes in developing unique technology to aid workforce communication such as LMR, LTE, Satellite, and Wifi. Their priority is on the safety and efficiency of your organization as they work on...
Website: taitradio.com |Brands like Tait
Popularity 1.4/10
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14
Heathkit
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...
Website: heathkit.com |Brands like Heathkit
Popularity 1.2/10
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15
Marantz
Marantz professional makes premium-quality studio equipment for purposes like recording and broadcasting. Their product catalog includes various items, including Microphones and Audio-video streamers. They also sell many other sound accessories which help in high-quality streaming and audio recording. Music studios...
Website: marantzpro.com |Brands like Marantz
Popularity 1.2/10
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16
TECSUN
Tecsun is a brand that continues to make shortwave capable radios, having been founded by radio enthusiasts for other radio lovers. It has set the bar for high-quality shortwave radios with well-engineered models, buttons with a robust tactile response, and...
Website: tecsunradios.com.au |Brands like TECSUN
Popularity 1.0/10
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17
TYT
Walkie-Talkies are the most cost-effective method of communication that can be used in the construction area; army personnel, police officers, and firefighter who don’t wish to have the connection done over the common network shared by other people communication at...
Website: tyt888.com |Brands like TYT
Popularity 1.0/10
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18
Miller
Miller Bridal is West Michigan's leading bridal salon, servicing all your wedding day needs. After discovering the ideal wedding gown, it's time to look for the perfect bridal accessories. A full-service store with a diverse assortment of designer labels. They...
Website: millerbridal.com |Brands like Miller
Popularity 0.7/10
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19
General
General Tools has been the leader in designing and developing tools specializing in precision for over a century. It highly values innovation and satisfactory customer service and ensures that customers do not get anything less than they want. It boasts...
Website: generaltools.com |Brands like General
Popularity 0.7/10
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20
Standard
Standard is Uk based company that provides all the latest London-related news quickly through people's phones or computers. Their physical newspapers can also be found in your neighborhood shops and stations. They cover everything from business to celebrity news and...
Website: standard.co.uk |Brands like Standard
Popularity 0.7/10
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21
Arduino
Arduino is a website that provides a platform for learning electronics and the technicality of things. It creates lessons, tutorials, tips and tricks, samples, and source codes in a manner that is easy to grasp to assist newcomers in getting...
Website: arduinogetstarted.com |Brands like Arduino
Popularity 0.7/10
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22
Retevis
Hopkins manufactures products related to towing solutions, vehicle cleaning, winter tools, fluid management, protection and convenience, tire safety and emergency, automotive AirCare, auxiliary lighting, safety accessories, etc. Since 1953, it has been in the business and has become number one...
Website: retevis.com |Brands like Retevis
Popularity 0.7/10
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23
Jetstream
Jetstream Powerwash is a commercial market for pressure washing and window cleaning services. These services are offered for domestic as well as business purposes. Its mission is to ensure a spotless clean area that is adequately sanitized. For this purpose,...
Website: jetstreampowerwash.com |Brands like Jetstream
Popularity 0.7/10
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24
Azden
Azden is a Japanese brand that provides different sound system accessories to customers. It includes a camera microphone, shotgun microphone, wireless microphone, microphone accessories, mixers, headset, and radio. All the products are of high quality having better sound quality. They...
Website: azden.co.jp |Brands like Azden
Popularity 0.7/10
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25
LEIXEN
As a child, we all thought how cool it would be to own a walkie-talkie at least for once. Leixen Electronics seems to live our childhood dreams, as they specialize in professional two-way radio or walkie-talkies. These are handy devices,...
Website: leixen.com |Brands like LEIXEN
Popularity 0.7/10
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26
Zetagi
Zetagi manufactures and supplies radio equipment and marine electronic devices. From Antenna adapters for better performance and reception to DC-AC converters, the company believes in offering top-performing and powerfully built products that are durable. Its buffer battery allows uninterrupted power...
Website: zetagi.org |Brands like Zetagi
Popularity 0.7/10
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27
Mullard
Mullard Magic sells old electronics, vintage cameras, timepieces, automobiles, and classic vehicles. It has broadened its interests and now supports other collectors all over the world in getting a wide choice of uncommon and valuable antique radios, old valves-or-tubes, military...
Website: mullard.org |Brands like Mullard
Popularity 0.7/10
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28
INTEK
The most incredible online store to purchase Vintage Radios is INTEK. Online radio purchases include more than simply aesthetics. It has to do with how you feel and what you hear. They ensure that each vintage radio they sell has...
Website: intek-radios.com |Brands like INTEK
Popularity 0.7/10
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29
Simoco
In today's world, wireless technology is becoming a need. Simoco provides seamless wireless solutions for fast and undisrupted communication. The company offers various services, including installing, maintaining, and commissioning products like rural telephony, GSM, 3G, and 4G technology. With Simoco,...
Website: simocowirelesssolutions.com |Brands like Simoco
Popularity 0.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yaesu | yaesu.com | – | – | – | – |
| Icom | icomamerica.com | /icomamericainc | icomamericainc | @icomamericainc | – |
| Kenwood | kenwood.com | – | – | – | – |
| TEN-TEC | tentec.com | – | – | – | – |
| QYT | qytradio.com | /QYT-Radio-110106424602702 | – | @QYT36911041 | QYTRadio |
| AnyTone | anytonetech.com | – | – | – | – |
| Stryker | stryker.com | – | – | – | – |
| Galaxy | galaxy-lighting.com | – | – | – | – |
| BTECH | btech.com | /btech.eg | mybtech | – | B.TECH |
| Baofeng | baofengtech.com | /BaoFeng.Tech.Radio | btech_radios | – | – |
Amateur Radio Buying Guide
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows enthusiasts to communicate with each other using specially designed equipment. Whether you're interested in emergency communication or just want to chat with other ham radio operators around the world, you'll need to invest in some equipment in order to get started. In this buying guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to choose the right equipment for your needs.
What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio is a type of communication that uses radio waves to transmit and receive audio signals. It is a hobby that has been enjoyed by thousands of people around the world for over a century. Although the hobby can be expensive, it is also a great opportunity to learn more about electronics, geography, and even weather patterns.
Amateur radio operators use specific frequency bands to communicate with each other. These bands are regulated by the government and require licensing in order to use. In addition, there are rules about what types of equipment can be used and how they can be used.
Types of Amateur Radio Equipment
There are a few different types of amateur radio equipment that you may need to purchase in order to get started with the hobby. These include:
- Transceivers: These devices allow you to transmit and receive radio signals. They are the most important piece of equipment you'll need for amateur radio.
- Antennas: Antennas are used to send or receive signals. They can be either directional or omnidirectional.
- Power supplies: In order to power your equipment, you'll need a power supply. These can be either AC or DC.
- Accessories: There are a variety of accessories that can make your life easier as a ham radio operator, including amplifiers, tuners, filters, and more.
Choosing a Transceiver
When it comes to choosing a transceiver, there are a few different factors you'll want to consider:
- Band Coverage: Different transceivers may have different band coverage. Determine which bands you will be using most often and choose a transceiver that covers those bands.
- Power Output: The power output of a transceiver is measured in watts. Determine how much power you need based on how far you want to communicate.
- Receiver Sensitivity: A more sensitive receiver will be able to pick up weaker signals. Look for a transceiver with good receiver sensitivity.
- Features: Consider what features you need in a transceiver. Some potential features include noise reduction, automatic scanning, and digital signal processing.
- Price: Amateur radio equipment can be expensive, so consider your budget before making a purchase.
Choosing an Antenna
Choosing an antenna is another important aspect of getting started with amateur radio. Some factors to consider when choosing an antenna include:
- Type of Antenna: There are several types of antennas to consider, including dipole antennas, vertical antennas, and wire antennas. Determine what type of antenna will work best for the frequencies you plan on using.
- Antenna Height: The higher your antenna is placed, the better it will perform. Consider the location of your antenna and how high you can safely place it.
- Directionality: Directional antennas are better at picking up signals in a specific direction. Determine if you need a directional or omnidirectional antenna for your needs.
- Gain: Antenna gain is a measure of how much power is focused in a specific direction. Higher gain antennas will be able to transmit and receive signals over longer distances.
- Price: Antennas can be quite expensive, so consider your budget before making a purchase.
Other Accessories to Consider
In addition to transceivers and antennas, there are several other accessories you may want to consider as well:
- Amplifier: An amplifier can increase the power of your transmissions, allowing you to communicate over longer distances.
- Tuner: A tuner can help match the impedance of your antenna to the impedance of your transceiver.
- Filter: A filter can help reduce interference from other transmissions, ensuring that you can clearly hear your conversations.
- SWR Meter: An SWR meter can help you tune your antenna for maximum efficiency.
- Filters and Attenuators: These accessories can help prevent interference from electronics in your home or vehicle.
- Power Supply: You'll need a power supply to power your equipment. Make sure to choose a power supply that is compatible with the voltage requirements of your equipment.
Where to Buy Amateur Radio Equipment
There are a variety of places to buy amateur radio equipment, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Some popular retailers for ham radio equipment include:
- HRO: HRO is a large online retailer that specializes in amateur radio equipment. They offer a wide variety of products and have excellent customer service.
- DX Engineering: DX Engineering is another popular online retailer for amateur radio equipment. They offer fast shipping and a wide variety of products.
- American Radio Supply: American Radio Supply is a brick-and-mortar store that specializes in amateur radio equipment. They offer a wide variety of products and have knowledgeable staff.
Conclusion
Getting started with amateur radio can be a rewarding and fun hobby. By investing in the right equipment, you can communicate with other ham radio operators around the world and even participate in emergency communication efforts. When choosing equipment, consider your budget and your specific needs, including band coverage, power output, and antenna type. With the right equipment and some practice, you'll be a successful ham radio operator in no time.
