Choosing Your First HF Transceiver
Choosing your first HF transceiver is one of the most significant purchases in ham radio. The right radio will serve you for a decade or more and shape your operating experience from the start. The wrong choice — too basic, too complicated, or with missing features you need later — leads to an expensive upgrade cycle. This guide cuts through the marketing to explain what features actually matter for a first HF radio, what you can safely ignore, and which specific radios offer the best value at each price point.
Must-have features
For a first HF radio in 2025, these features are non-negotiable. All bands 160–10 metres including the WARC bands (12m, 17m, 30m). 100 watts output — anything less limits your ability to make contacts in challenging conditions. SSB, CW, AM, and FM modes. A built-in automatic antenna tuner — not essential if you plan to use a resonant antenna, but extremely useful for flexibility. Built-in USB audio interface — this is the single most valuable feature on modern radios because it eliminates the need for a separate sound card interface for FT8 and other digital modes. A spectrum scope or panadapter display has become standard on all new radios and is genuinely useful for finding activity.
Nice to have vs overhyped
Built-in SD card recording, Bluetooth connectivity, and touch screens are nice extras but not worth paying a significant premium for. Receiver performance specifications matter — dynamic range, phase noise, and sensitivity are real differences between radios, but they only matter in practice when operating in very crowded contest conditions or chasing extremely weak DX signals. For a first HF radio, any current-generation radio from Icom, Yaesu, or Kenwood has more than adequate receiver performance. Band scope resolution and waterfall quality vary noticeably between radios and are worth comparing in reviews.
| Budget | Radio | Key Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $500 | Xiegu G90 | Built-in ATU, SDR-based, panadapter, portable-friendly | 20W output, smaller display, Chinese manufacturer |
| Under $500 | Icom IC-718 | Rock-solid reliability, simple operation, proven design | No USB audio, no panadapter, older architecture |
| $700–900 | Icom IC-7300 | USB audio, excellent panadapter, great receiver, proven | Single receiver, no built-in ATU on base model |
| $700–900 | Yaesu FT-991A | HF+VHF+UHF in one, USB audio, built-in ATU, C4FM | Smaller display than IC-7300, slightly lower HF receiver performance |
| $1,000–1,400 | Icom IC-7100 | HF+VHF+UHF+D-STAR, touch display, very compact | Older architecture, less spectrum scope resolution |
| $1,400–1,800 | Kenwood TS-890S | Exceptional receiver, dual spectrum scopes, clean audio | No built-in ATU on base model, higher price |
| $1,400–1,800 | Icom IC-7610 | Dual independent receivers, SDR architecture, excellent performance | No HF+VHF combo, larger footprint |
Why the IC-7300 dominates
The Icom IC-7300 has been the best-selling HF radio in the world since its introduction in 2016 and for good reason. It was the first mass-market radio to combine an SDR-based direct-sampling receiver with a full-colour touch display panadapter and built-in USB audio — features previously found only in radios costing twice as much. The IC-7300 has excellent receiver performance, reliable operation, a large support community, and comprehensive documentation. For a first HF radio with a budget around $700–900 new ($500–650 used), it is the clear recommendation for most operators.
When to look elsewhere
The IC-7300 is an HF-only radio. If you want VHF and UHF capability in one box, the Yaesu FT-991A covers HF through 70cm and also supports C4FM digital voice — making it a compelling all-in-one option. If budget is the primary constraint and you are willing to work without USB audio and a panadapter, a used IC-718 or Yaesu FT-450D in the $300–400 range is a solid starting point that can be upgraded later. If you want the absolute best receiver performance under $2,000, the Kenwood TS-890S is in a different class.
Buying used HF radios
Used HF radios from the major Japanese manufacturers hold up extremely well. An IC-7300, FT-991A, or TS-590S in good condition represents excellent value compared to new prices. Before buying used, check eHam.net reviews for the specific model to understand common failure points, ask the seller about any repairs or modifications, and test the radio on all bands and modes if possible. A used radio with original manuals and accessories is worth more than one without. QRZ.com classifieds, eHam.net classifieds, and local ham radio club swap meets are good sources.
What to avoid
Avoid radios with known issues — check eHam.net reviews for any model you are considering. Avoid radios that have been modified unless you know exactly what was done and why. Be cautious with off-brand Chinese manufacturers for your first HF radio — the savings can be real but support, documentation quality, and long-term reliability are less proven. The Xiegu G90 is a notable exception — it has a strong user community and is a legitimate value at its price point, though it has 20W output rather than 100W.
Do I need 100 watts for HF?
100W is the standard output for most HF radios and the right choice for a first station. It provides adequate signal strength for the vast majority of HF contacts including DX. QRP operation (5–10W) is a legitimate and enjoyable operating style but significantly limits your contact rate — particularly on phone modes. Start at 100W, learn the hobby, and then decide if QRP interests you as a focused operating challenge.
Should I buy a combo HF/VHF/UHF radio?
If you do not already have a VHF/UHF radio and want a single box that does everything, the Yaesu FT-991A is the standard recommendation. If you already have a VHF/UHF radio (or your primary interest is HF DX and contesting), a dedicated HF radio like the IC-7300 typically offers better HF performance per dollar than a combo radio at the same price. Combo radios make a compromise between HF performance and VHF/UHF capability.
Is a built-in antenna tuner worth having?
A built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU) is very convenient — it lets you quickly match a non-resonant antenna or compensate for slight SWR on a resonant antenna. However, built-in ATUs have limited matching range (typically 3:1 SWR maximum) and cannot match highly mismatched antennas like random-length wires without an external tuner. For a simple resonant dipole, a built-in ATU is helpful but not essential. For multiband operation with a single wire antenna, an external tuner with wider matching range is more useful.
What accessories do I need to buy with my first HF radio?
Plan for: a power supply (30A regulated supply if not already owned), a microphone if not included (most radios include a basic desk mic), coax (RG-8X or LMR-400 depending on run length), connectors (PL-259s), and an antenna. A good logging program (free options include Log4OM and N3FJP) and a copy of the ARRL Handbook are also worthwhile. A power meter/SWR meter is useful for setup but many modern radios have built-in SWR metering.