Best Handheld Ham Radios in 2026

FT5D vs ID-52PLUS vs TH-D75 – Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing a handheld ham radio can be difficult, especially with several high-end models available.

Among amateur radio enthusiasts, three handheld transceivers are consistently considered the top tier:

• Yaesu FT5D

• ICOM ID-52 Plus

• Kenwood TH-D75A

Each radio has different strengths such as digital communication systems, APRS tracking, and advanced receiving capabilities.

In this guide, we compare these radios in detail so you can choose the best handheld radio for your needs.

What Makes a Good Handheld Ham Radio?

When choosing a handheld amateur radio, several features matter the most:

Digital communication system

Two digital systems dominate the amateur radio world.

C4FM (System Fusion)
Used by Yaesu radios.

D-STAR
Developed by Icom and widely used worldwide.

D-STAR allows connections through internet-linked repeaters for regional and international communication.

APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System)

APRS allows radios to transmit GPS location data and short messages.

Common uses include:

• emergency communication

• outdoor tracking

• vehicle tracking

• amateur radio networking

Quick Comparison

Yaesu FT5D

Overview

The FT5DR is a popular handheld radio known for its wide receive coverage and robust build.

Key highlights:

• C4FM digital communication

• APRS modem

• dual band operation

• IPX7 waterproof rating

• touchscreen interface

The radio can receive signals from 0.5 MHz up to around 1000 MHz, enabling monitoring of various services such as aviation communications.

It also supports 5 W transmit power and a 2200 mAh battery for portable operation.

Pros

• excellent receiver range

• APRS support

• rugged waterproof design

Cons

• does not support D-STAR

Best for

• emergency preparedness

• outdoor operators

• monitoring multiple radio bands

ICOM ID-52 Plus

Overview

The ID-52PLUS is one of the most advanced D-STAR handheld radios available today.

Key features:

• D-STAR digital voice and data

• dual-band VHF/UHF operation

• simultaneous dual receive

• Bluetooth connectivity

The radio can communicate through the global D-STAR repeater network, allowing contacts across cities, countries, and even continents through internet gateways.

It can also transmit data such as text messages, GPS location, and images along with voice communication.

Pros

• excellent digital networking capability

• easy-to-read display and interface

• strong audio quality

Cons

• weaker APRS support compared to FT5D

Best for

• D-STAR operators

• worldwide communication

• digital amateur radio enthusiasts

Kenwood TH-D75A

Overview

The TH-D75A is widely considered the most advanced handheld amateur radio currently available.

Key features include:

• APRS messaging and digipeater capability

• D-STAR digital communication

• GPS tracking and logging

• tri-band support (144 / 220 / 430 MHz)

The radio can operate as an APRS digipeater, acting as a relay station for packet radio networks.

Because it supports both APRS and D-STAR natively, it is often regarded as one of the most versatile handheld radios available.

Pros

• APRS + D-STAR support

• highly advanced features

• strong GPS functionality

Cons

• expensive

• complex for beginners

Best for

• advanced amateur radio operators

• experimentation and digital networking

• satellite and packet radio enthusiasts

Full Specification Comparison

Which Handheld Radio Should You Buy?

Best for emergency preparedness

FT5D

Reasons:

• APRS capability

• waterproof design

• wide receive coverage

Best for global digital communication

ID-52PLUS

Reasons:

• D-STAR networking

• strong digital voice features

Best for advanced users

TH-D75

Reasons:

• APRS + D-STAR

• tri-band operation

• highly versatile platform

Final Thoughts

The best handheld ham radio depends on how you plan to use it.

For most users:

• FT5D → best for emergency and outdoor use

• ID-52PLUS → best for digital networking

• TH-D75 → best for advanced operators

All three radios are excellent choices and represent the current top tier of handheld amateur radio technology.