10 Best Beginner Ham Radio Setup of December 2025

• TYT MD-380 UHF Analog/Digital DMR Radio + USB cable
• USB Programming Cable and software
• AC Charger, 2000 mAh Battery, Belt Clip, Antenna, English Manual

TYT

• 1. IMPORTANT: Package include ONE Common 6.5’’ Dual Band Antenna, HESENATE x TYT Handheld Transceiver Series, ONE YEAR U.S Based Warranty, Warehouse (Domestic Return) in CA State--No Further Return Issue.
• 2. Great LOW-COST option to get started with DMR Handheld Transceiver (HTs). FCC Part 90 Certified, Well Built with a Solid Feel, Superb Audio, Multi-coloured LCD Display, Handheld with Dual Mode Digital/Analog Transmit, TX Frequency: VHF 150-174MHz, UHF 450-480MHz, 5/1W Output Power, 1000 Channels.
• 3. Features: Updated Firmware/Software available for new Features; Remote Kill/Stun/Activate; Voice Prompt; Encryption Function; Built-in CTCSS/DCS; Priority Scan; Complying with Digital Protocol ETSI TS 102 361-1, -2, -3; Compatible with MotoTRBO Tier 1 & 2; DTMF decoding and encoding; Private Call, Group Call, All Call & Text Messages in Digital Mode.
• 4. Programming cable for easier Computer/PC (Microsoft Window 7/8/10 ONLY, No Mac supported) programming, Useful Tips on MIKLOR or FB Group, Free Driver/Firmware/Programming Software available on manufacturer TYT official website or Download at ❤️❤️【https://hnt.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/UV380-390.zip】, Mess of video tutorials on YouTube (KEY: MD380Tools firmware & Codeplug from DMR-MARC site)
• 5. Package includes: TYT MD-UV380, 7.4 V 2000mAh Li-ion Battery Pack, Stubby 6.5'' Antenna, Belt Clip, Adapter, Desktop Charger, Driver & Software CD, Programming Cable, User Manual

TYT

• Includes 1x RTL-SDR Blog brand R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Dongle (V3), 1x portable multipurpose dipole antenna set. Dipole set includes 1x dipole base with 60cm RG174, 2x 23cm to 1m telescopic antenna, 2x 5cm to 13cm telescopic antenna, 1x 3m RG173 extension cable, 1x flex tripod mount, 1x suction cup mount.
• Great for many applications including general radio scanning, air traffic control, public safety radio, ADSB, ACARS, trunked radio, P25 digital voice, POCSAG, weather balloons, APRS, NOAA APT weather satellites, radio astronomy, meteor scatter monitoring, DAB, or for use as a low cost panadapter with a traditional ham radio.
• Several improvements over other brands including use of the R820T2 tuner, improved component tolerances, a 1 PPM temperature compensated oscillator (TCXO), SMA F connector, aluminium shielded case with thermal pad for passive cooling, activatable bias tee circuit and a much improved antenna set.
• Can tune from 500 kHz to 1.7 GHz and has up to 3.2 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth (2.4 MHz stable). (HF reception below 24 MHz in direct sampling mode with reduced performance). Please note RTL-SDR dongles are RX only.
• The multipurpose portable dipole kit is great for beginners! Use it either for terrestrial or satellite reception just by changing the orientation of the antenna. The mounts and extension cable allow you to temporarily place the antenna outside for improved reception.

RTL-SDR Blog

• Baofeng DM-1801 is a Dual Band, Dual Time Slot, Tier I & Tier II compliant DMR radio Enjoy crystal clear audio quality with DMR technology.
• Frequency Range:Dual Band VHF 136-174MHz &UHF 400-470MHz,The talking range of Baofeng DM-1801 can be as far as 5KM (3 Miles) under the visible range. There are other factors that affect the talking range of a two- way radio. such as weather, exact frequency used, and obstructions etc.
• Larger Capacity Li-ion Battery Equipped with a 2200mAh Li-ion battery. Up to 18 hours work time and 48 hours of standby time. It lasts 30% longer than the other DMR radio. DM-1801 is light weight and handy, perfect for long QSO’s.
• More keypad operations Channel names, TX & RX frequencies, channel number, tones and etc. can all be programmed through the keypad. Users can also customize the top and side buttons for their favorite functions.
• Kits include:1× BAOFENG DM-1801 ,1× Battery Pack,1× Adapter,1× Antenna ,1× Hand Strap,1× Belt Clip ,1× USB Programming Cable ,1× User Manual, we will give you the guide document of operation,such as firmware , and all can download from the ABBREE official website or can contact our service to help you.( ABBREE down link：http://www.abbree.com/modules/download/slides/DM-1801.rar )

BAOFENG

• Kindly reminder: Please use the Original cable& CD driver to Program radio,it can easy to connect your Radio and PC, then write the program setting and frequency of the walkie-talkie by PC.(ASIN:B07NRY9F2D), Programming cable&CD are NOT INCLUDED
• Baofeng UV-5R5 Handheld Dual-Band Two-Way Radio with recommended High-Gain 7" Antenna, Li-ion Battery Pack, Earphone Mic/Headset, Belt Clip, Hand Strap, ENG Manual, 110V Standard US Plug Adapter, Desktop Charger
• High/Low Power Settings (5W/1W) Ham Radio; Frequency Range: 65-108 MHz (Only commercial FM radio reception) VHF: 136-174 MHz(Rx/Tx). UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx). 128 Channels, Each channels with 38 privacy codes. 50 CTCSS. 104 DCS.
• Simply press PTT key to talk: 3 miles range (Max 5 KM in open terrain), you can easily get in touch with your partner and find them even at night by switching on the built-in LED flashlight and built-in VOX Function hands-free communication without the need for an audio accessory.
• Waterproof Backlit Dual-Band Display, Dual Frequency, Dual-Standby. Auto Squelch, Adjustable volume level. Keypad lock prevents your personalized settings from being inadvertently changed.

BAOFENG

• 1. IMPORTANT: Package include ONE Common 6.5’’ Dual Band Antenna, HESENATE Radio is the authorized TYT exclusive distributor of the TYT MD-UV380 (Fulfilled By Amazon, FBA ONLY). HESENATE x TYT Handheld Transceiver Series, ONE YEAR U.S Based Warranty, Warehouse (Domestic Return) in CA State--No Further Return Issue. You must ensure that HESENATE is your selected buying option to claim the warranty.
• 2. Newest Released from Manufacturer TYT, Dual Band VHF/UHF 150-174Mhz/450-480Mhz, Great LOW-COST option to get started with DMR Handheld Transceiver (HTs). FCC Part 90 Certified, Well Built with a Solid Feel, Superb Audio, Multi-coloured LCD Display, Handheld with Dual Mode Digital/Analog Transmit, 5/1W Output Power, 3000 Channels.
• 3. Features: Updated Firmware/Software available for new Features; Remote Kill/Stun/Activate; Voice Prompt; Encryption Function; Built-in CTCSS/DCS; Priority Scan; Complying with Digital Protocol ETSI TS 102 361-1, -2, -3; Compatible with MotoTRBO Tier 1 & 2; DTMF decoding and encoding; Private Call, Group Call, All Call & Text Messages in Digital Mode.
• 4. Programming cable for easier Computer/PC (Microsoft Window 7/8/10 ONLY, No Mac supported) programming, Useful Tips on MIKLOR or FB Group, Free Driver/Firmware/Programming Software available on manufacturer TYT official website or Download at ❤️❤️【https://hnt.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/UV380-390.zip】, Mess of video tutorials on YouTube (KEY: Codeplug from DMR-MARC site)
• 5. Package includes: TYT MD-380, 7.4 V 2000mAh Li-ion Battery Pack, Stubby 6.5'' Antenna, Adapter, Desktop Charger, Driver & Software CD, Programming Cable, User Manual

HESENATE

• Tri-Power & Long Range：A further and more impressive communication range comes from the 10W high power feature. The Radioddity GA-510 can be set in 3 power modes (high/medium/low) (10W, 5W, 1W) to give you the best talking quality under different circumstances.
• Easy Programming：More convenient to manual programming most of settings via the keypad, as well as PC programming with the cable in the box. GA-510 is also compatible with Chirp.
• 96 Hours Battery Life：Come with two 2200mAh high-capacity batteries this radio has a continuous working time of 12 hours under 10W (high) power mode, 24 hours life under 5W/1W (med/low) power mode and 96 hours on standby. Supports you longer, especially in emergency situration.
• Durable Rugged Shell：Completed with a hard case outside, supports using for years, especially for business and outdoor using, like at the construction field, security work, survival rescue.
• Dual Band, Dual Watch, Dual Display：GA-510 is a dual band radio with both UHF and VHF modes. You can set 2 frequencies or channels on the same screen and receive 2 signals at the same time.

Radioddity

• 📶 Frequency Range: VHF136-174MHz (TX/RX); UHF: 400-520MHz (TX/RX); Wide/Narrow Band Selectable; 128 Memory Channels. FCC Part 15 Certified (ID: 2AN62-GT-5)
• 📡 Tri-Power 8W/4W/1W, super penetrating power can reach up to 6 km long range communication.(depend on the using environment)
• 🔋 Extended Battery Life: 7.4V 2000mAh large capacity battery, allow you operate the radio for a long time.
• 🔦 Tri-color Backlit; TOT; VOX CTCSS/DCS; COMP; 1750Hz Tone; FM Radio and Torch give you a nice extra touch, you won't feel boring in outdoor.
• 💻 Easy to Program (Support CHIRP) via Baofeng Programming Cable.

BAOFENG

• RF Power Output: (8w/5w/1w) High /Medium /Low Power Switchable, Programmable Amateur Radio Supports Keyboard or PC programming (for Outdoor /Home /Workplace, etc.)
• Power Source: Rechargeable 2100 mAh Li-ion Battery, Supports 12-20 Hours continual use, one more extra battery supports non-stop communication, car charger adapter also included.
• Frequency Range: 65-108 MHz(commercial FM radio reception only) VHF: 136-174 MHz(Rx/Tx). UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx), 128 channel memory, channel programmable via the keypad.
• Wide Compatibility: The Greaval UV5R 8watt Dual band ham radio covers most commonly used frequency range, makes it compatible with many other radios such as the BF-F8HP/UV 82HP, etc.
• Complete Set: Package contains a full set of accessories, no more worry about looking for compatible accessories. Best choice for your business. 30-day hassle-free return, 18-month warranty, hardware and tech-support provided.

Greaval

• Uniden's BCD996P2 Digital Base/Mobile Scanner is a full-featured design with the serious hobbyist in mind. With an advanced digital decoding system and large memory bank, the Bearcat BCD996P2 scanner is an extremely powerful and useful Public Safety scanner.
• The BCD996P2 comes equipped with Uniden exclusive features like Advanced Dynamic Memory System, Close Call RF Capture Technology, and GPS compatibility. It includes support for digital systems, including the latest APCO Project 25 Phase II systems.
• Stay safe and informed with state of the art NOAA weather access and S.A.M.E. weather alerts that warn you of severe conditions in your area.
• This mobile scanner radio offers 25,000 channels an advanced dynamic memory system, TrunkTracker V technology, and more. Enjoy location-based scanning and location alerts by connecting the BCD996P2 to an optional GPS receiver so you can stay informed when you’re on the go.
• Included in the Box: BCD996P2 Scanner, AC Power Adapter, Vehicle Accessory Power Cord, Three-Wire Harness, Mounting Bracket and Hardware, Antenna, Owner’s Manual, APP Form, FREQ Form, other printed materials, and USB Cable.
• NOTE:Kindly refer to the user manual provided as a PDF manual in the product description section
• DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode - Instantly Detects and Displays the Sub-audible Tone So You Can Quickly Determine the System Settings.
• S.A.M.E. Weather Alert - Specific Area Message Encoding - During a NOAA Weather or Emergency Alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area.

Uniden