TechShelf Guide

Ham Radio Transceivers Compared: Choose HF, HF/VHF, or a Yaesu Antenna Tuner

Deciding between a used HF radio, an HF/VHF transceiver, and a matching antenna tuner? This comparison weighs price, included accessories, display features, tested-working claims, and the key difference between a radio and a tuner.

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Choosing ham radio transceivers means first separating the job you need done. An HF station radio, an HF/VHF transceiver, and an antenna-tuning accessory are not interchangeable purchases. These four choices also span a $340.01 listed-price spread, so matching the product type to your setup matters more than simply choosing the lowest number.

Quick take

  • Yaesu FT-890: A used HF transceiver with a mic, DC cable, and a tested-working claim.
  • Icom IC-706: The HF/VHF transceiver choice, with a mic and an LCD screen described.
  • Yaesu FT-840: A used HF radio whose description names CW, FM, and AM modes, plus original packaging.
  • Yaesu FC-757AT: An HF automatic antenna tuner, not a transceiver, with a dedicated cable and a tested-working claim.

Listed-price comparison

The prices range from $149.99 to $490.00. The bars show relative position within this group, not performance or radio capability.

ProductListed pricePrice bar
Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w Mic DC Cable Tested Working$450.00
Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ Mic$490.00
Yaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio Transceiver$425.00
Yaesu FC-757AT Automatic Antenna Tuner HF Ham Radio Tested and Working$149.99

Decision matrix

  • Need a conventional HF transceiver: Compare the Yaesu FT-890 and FT-840. Their titles clearly identify them as HF radios, while their differentiators are the included mic and DC cable on the FT-890 versus the FT-840's named operating modes.
  • Need HF/VHF in the radio description: The Icom IC-706 is the direct match because HF/VHF appears in its title and its description names an LCD screen.
  • Need mode information to guide the choice: The Yaesu FT-840 is the one whose description explicitly names CW, FM, and AM.
  • Need an antenna accessory for a Yaesu station: The FC-757AT is the relevant choice because it is identified as an automatic antenna tuner with a dedicated cable; it is not a replacement for a transceiver.

Product notes

Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w Mic DC Cable Tested Working

Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w Mic DC Cable Tested Working

The Yaesu FT-890 is a straightforward fit when an HF station radio with connection items is the goal. Its title names both a mic and DC cable, and the phrase "Tested Working" is reinforced by the description. The black FT-890 is used and priced at $450.00, placing it close to the upper end of this comparison. That used condition is the main limitation for shoppers who specifically want a new radio. The choice is otherwise easy to define: a named Yaesu model, an HF transceiver format, and the two accessories are clearly part of the described package.

Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ Mic

Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ Mic

The Icom IC-706 deserves attention when HF/VHF is the central buying requirement. That band pairing is stated in the title, while the description adds an LCD screen and the title includes a mic. The unit is used and carries the highest listed price here at $490.00, a $40.00 spread above the Yaesu FT-890. Those points make the Icom a choice for shoppers who prioritize its named radio configuration rather than simply seeking the lowest listed price. Its concrete limitation is the used condition, which should be weighed alongside the higher price when deciding how much flexibility the purchase needs.

Yaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio Transceiver

Yaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio Transceiver

The Yaesu FT-840 suits a buyer who wants an HF transceiver with specific operating modes spelled out. Its description names CW, FM, and AM, and also mentions an LCD screen and original packaging. The unit is used, and the attributes state that it has no manufacturer warranty; that is the clearest limitation for shoppers who place importance on warranty coverage. At $425.00, it is the lowest-priced transceiver in the comparison, while still sitting well above the antenna tuner. The model name is clear, and the mode list gives this choice a more defined use-case profile than a title that identifies only the radio category.

Yaesu FC-757AT Automatic Antenna Tuner HF Ham Radio Tested and Working

Yaesu FC-757AT Automatic Antenna Tuner HF Ham Radio Tested and Working

The Yaesu FC-757AT should be considered when the missing piece in a Yaesu station is an antenna tuner rather than another radio. It is identified as an HF automatic antenna tuner, includes a dedicated cable with a multiplug, and carries a tested-working claim. At $149.99, it is the lowest-priced item in the group. Its limitation is category fit: a tuner cannot replace a transceiver for someone building a first radio setup. Cosmetic condition also matters because the description notes circular scratches on the top of the case. The used condition is explicit, so this is best viewed as a station accessory with a clearly defined role.

Final recommendation by use case

  • For an HF transceiver with a mic and DC cable: choose the Yaesu FT-890, especially if the title's "Tested Working" wording is important.
  • For the HF/VHF radio path: choose the Icom IC-706, whose title directly names that band combination and a mic.
  • For a mode-focused HF choice: choose the Yaesu FT-840, with CW, FM, and AM named in the description; factor in the stated lack of manufacturer warranty.
  • For a matching Yaesu station accessory: choose the Yaesu FC-757AT when an HF automatic antenna tuner and dedicated cable fit the job. Do not select it as the main transceiver.
Products in this article
Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w Mic DC Cable Tested WorkingUSD 450.00View on eBayIcom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ MicUSD 490.00View on eBayYaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio TransceiverUSD 425.00View on eBayYaesu FC-757AT Automatic Antenna Tuner HF Ham Radio Tested and WorkingUSD 149.99View on eBay
Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w Mic DC Cable Tested WorkingUSD 450.00View on eBayIcom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ MicUSD 490.00View on eBayYaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio TransceiverUSD 425.00View on eBayYaesu FC-757AT Automatic Antenna Tuner HF Ham Radio Tested and WorkingUSD 149.99View on eBay

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