You passed your General exam. You can finally get on HF. Now comes the question that fills entire forum threads: what radio do I buy? Here's the honest version — no brand loyalties, no affiliate pressure, just what actually makes sense for a first HF rig in the current market.
Bottom line up front: If budget is tight, buy a used Yaesu FT-891 or Icom IC-7300. If you can stretch to ~$700 new, the IC-7300 is the one most experienced hams wish they'd bought first. If portable operation matters, look at the Xiegu G90.
What Matters in a First HF Radio
Before picking a rig, know what actually matters at this stage:
- All-band HF coverage — 80m through 10m at minimum, ideally including 160m and 6m.
- Built-in antenna tuner — Not essential, but very convenient for a new operator who doesn't yet have a resonant antenna for every band.
- A real receiver — Cheap SDR-based rigs with poor front-ends get overwhelmed by strong nearby signals. Receiver quality matters more than most new hams realize.
- USB/CAT connectivity — For logging software, digital modes (FT8), and future software-defined control.
- Active community support — Means forums, YouTube tutorials, and fellow operators who can help when you're stuck.
Our Picks
The IC-7300 changed the market when it launched in 2016, and it's still the benchmark for first HF rigs five years later. It uses a direct-sampling SDR architecture that produces a receiver quality previously found only in $2,000+ radios. The built-in spectrum scope and waterfall display make it immediately useful for understanding band conditions and finding signals. FT8 digital mode operation is straightforward — one USB cable handles audio and CAT control simultaneously. If you buy this radio, you will not be looking to upgrade it for many years.
- Outstanding receiver
- Built-in spectrum scope
- One-cable FT8 setup
- Enormous online community
- Holds resale value well
- No built-in antenna tuner
- 100W — needs external amp for serious DX
- Desktop only, not portable
The FT-991A covers HF, 6m, 2m, and 70cm in one radio — making it the only rig on this list that handles both HF DX and local VHF/UHF repeater work. It includes a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which adds real day-to-day convenience. Receiver performance is good, though not quite at IC-7300 level in a busy HF environment. A strong pick if you want one radio to do everything.
- HF + VHF/UHF in one box
- Built-in ATU
- C4FM digital voice capable
- Good for EmComm use
- Receiver not quite IC-7300 level
- Interface takes some learning
- Heavier than single-band rigs
The IC-705 is the IC-7300's portable little sibling — HF through UHF, 10W output, internal battery, touchscreen, built-in D-STAR and spectrum scope. It's genuinely remarkable hardware and the go-to radio for SOTA activators, POTA operators, and anyone operating from the field. If you know you want portable operation to be a significant part of your ham radio experience, this radio is worth the premium.
- Fully portable with battery
- HF through 70cm
- Excellent receiver (same SDR architecture as IC-7300)
- SOTA/POTA favorite
- 10W output (not for serious DX without amp)
- Higher cost
- Small display for detailed logging
A Chinese-made SDR-based HF radio with a built-in antenna tuner, spectrum scope, and 20W output at a price that undercuts everything else on this list. Receiver performance is genuinely good for the price — better than most hams expect. Firmware updates have improved the radio significantly since launch. Not recommended as a forever radio, but an excellent "get on the air now" option while you save for the IC-7300.
- Affordable entry to HF SDR
- Built-in ATU and spectrum scope
- Compact and portable-friendly
- 20W output
- Smaller owner community
- Support and firmware less consistent
Should You Buy Used?
Yes — with conditions. The IC-7300 is the safest used HF radio purchase in the hobby right now because there are thousands of them, their failure rate is low, and eHam reviews give you solid data on any individual unit's history. Before buying used:
- Check the seller's eHam feedback score
- Ask for a photo of the front panel (scratches indicate use; worn knob markings suggest heavy use)
- Ask if it's ever been inside an amplifier circuit (signs of TX problems)
- Test it on receive first — a quiet noise floor on 40m at night is a good sign
Avoid used radios without a return option unless you can test them in person. A good used IC-7300 at $550 is a better investment than a new budget rig at the same price.
What You'll Also Need
The radio is just the beginning. Budget for these alongside your rig purchase:
- Antenna — At minimum, a multiband wire antenna (EFHW or a dipole with a tuner). Budget $50–$150. The antenna matters more than the radio.
- Coax — LMR-400 or equivalent, however long your run is. RG-8X works for shorter runs. Don't scrimp on feedline.
- Interface for digital modes — The IC-7300 needs only a USB-A cable. Other rigs may need a SignaLink USB (~$120) or similar audio interface.
- Antenna tuner — If your radio doesn't have one built in and your antenna isn't resonant on all bands, an external tuner like the MFJ-941EK (~$130) saves a lot of headaches.
- Logging software — Free options like Log4OM or N1MM+ handle everything you need.
The antenna matters more than the radio. A mediocre radio with an excellent antenna will outperform a flagship rig with a compromised feedline or a badly-placed antenna every single time. Invest in your antenna system proportionally.