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Handheld Radios

A handheld radio, or HT, is the radio most people start with. Pick by license first. Ham handhelds need a Technician license, GMRS handhelds need a GMRS license, and FRS and MURS radios need none. A radio sold for one service is not legal to use on another, even if it can tune the frequencies.

After that, decide between analog and DMR. Analog is simpler and works on nearly every repeater. DMR adds digital talkgroups but takes more setup. Then filter for the features you care about: GPS for sharing position, Bluetooth for app programming and wireless mics, and an IP rating if the radio lives outside.

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81 products

Ham handhelds 41

DMR handhelds 8

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GMRS handhelds 13

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License-free walkie talkies 19

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Questions

What is a good first handheld ham radio?

A dual-band radio that covers 2 meters (VHF) and 70 centimeters (UHF) reaches almost every local repeater. Baofeng's UV-5R family is the budget starting point. The BTECH UV-PRO adds GPS, Bluetooth, APRS and an IP67 case.

Can I use a ham radio on GMRS or FRS channels?

No. Radios have to be FCC certified for the service they transmit on. A ham handheld is not certified for GMRS or FRS, even if it can tune those frequencies. Buy a GMRS radio for GMRS.

Should I get analog or DMR?

Analog if you want to get on the air quickly; it works with almost every repeater. DMR if there are DMR repeaters near you and you want talkgroups. Many DMR radios also do analog, so you don't have to choose just one.

Product links go to BTECH and Radioddity and are NodakMesh affiliate links: we earn a commission on orders, at no extra cost to you. Prices and stock as of October 22, 2026; the retailer's page has the current price.

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