Are you just getting into amateur radio and looking for the best budget ham radios to get started? You’re in the right place. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 cheapest ham radios you can buy today that offer great value, solid performance, and will help you get on the air without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re studying for your Technician license or just curious about the world of ham radio, this guide will walk you through affordable radios that are beginner-friendly and available worldwide.

Why Go Cheap for Your First Ham Radio?

Starting out in ham radio can be overwhelming, especially with the variety of gear available. That’s why cheap ham radios are a great way to dive in. They offer enough features to get your feet wet, are often rugged and reliable, and most importantly—they won’t hurt your wallet if you decide the hobby isn’t for you.

Plus, many low-cost ham radios today come with features that were once only available on high-end rigs, including dual-band operation, built-in FM receivers, and even cross-band repeat in some cases.

What to Look for in a Budget Ham Radio

Before diving into the list, here are a few things to consider when shopping for your first budget-friendly ham radio:

• Frequency Coverage: Look for radios that cover VHF (2 meters) and UHF (70cm) bands. These are the most popular for local communication and repeaters.
• Power Output: Even cheaper radios usually offer 4–8 watts of power, more than enough for handheld operation.
• Ease of Use: A simple user interface makes a big difference for new hams.
• Battery Life: The longer, the better—especially for field work or emergency comms.
• Accessories: Many budget radios come with chargers, headsets, and programming cables included.

The 5 Best Cheap Ham Radios for Beginners

Here’s my personal list of the top 5 budget ham radios under $100 (some well under $50!) that offer the best bang for your buck.

Bonus Tip: Use CHIRP to Program Your Radio

Many of these radios are difficult to program from the front panel. Download CHIRP, a free open-source programming tool, to easily load repeater frequencies, simplex channels, and emergency presets.

Ready to Get On the Air?

These affordable ham radios are perfect for beginners who want to explore the hobby, talk to locals on repeaters, or even join in on emergency comms groups. Don’t let cost hold you back—grab one of these radios and start your ham radio journey today.

📻 Got questions? Check out my YouTube channel for beginner ham radio tutorials, reviews, and tips!