Choosing among ham radio transceivers comes down to a practical trade-off: do you want the lowest listed price, an HF-focused radio, broader band wording, or digital controls? These four used models span $425 to $760, so matching the radio to your operating priorities matters more than simply choosing the most expensive option.
Quick take
The Yaesu pair keeps the decision closer to HF and the lower-price end. The Icom pair gives more interface and band-coverage details to weigh. Start with the listed prices, then narrow the choice by the operating emphasis, included items, and control style described for each radio.
Listed-price comparison
| Radio | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio Transceiver | $425.00 | |
| Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver | $450.00 | |
| Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver | $490.00 | |
| Icom IC-7100 Ham Radio Transceiver - Black | $760.00 |
The absolute spread between the lowest and highest prices is $335. The FT-840 and FT-890 sit closest together, while the IC-7100 occupies a separate price position.
Decision matrix
- Price position: The Yaesu FT-840 and FT-890 occupy the lower end of the range; the Icom IC-706 sits between them and the IC-7100.
- HF/VHF wording: The Icom IC-706 is the clearest title match for shoppers focused on that combination.
- Digital-control path: The Icom IC-7100 is the entry with D-Star digital voice and a detachable touch-screen controller described.
- Accessory emphasis: The Yaesu FT-890 names a microphone and DC cable; the FT-840 names original packaging.
- Condition: All four radios are identified as used, so condition is shared rather than a differentiator.
Product notes
Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w Mic DC Cable Tested Working
The Yaesu FT-890 is a practical fit when a tested-working description matters. Its description says it works and is tested, while the title names a microphone and DC cable, giving the package a clear accessory emphasis. The trade-offs are its Used condition and a $25 higher listed price than the Yaesu FT-840. The title identifies it as an HF amateur radio transceiver, making that focus clear for shoppers comparing the Yaesu models. Choose it when the working-status description and named cable matter more than reaching the lowest listed price.
Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ Mic
The Icom IC-706 suits shoppers who want a microphone and LCD screen called out directly. Its title and description identify HF/VHF operation, while its listed price is $40 above the Yaesu FT-890. The limitation is its Used condition, and shoppers prioritizing the detachable touch-screen controller described for the IC-7100 have a more directly matched alternative there. The IC-706 therefore works as a middle-ground choice for someone who wants a defined interface feature without moving to the highest price in this comparison. Choose it when an LCD-based interface and microphone matter most.
Yaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio Transceiver
The Yaesu FT-840 suits a shopper who wants the lowest entry in this group plus a radio described with CW, FM, and AM modes. Its LCD screen and original packaging add concrete reasons to consider it without relying on an assumed setup. The limitation is explicit: the attributes state Manufacturer Warranty: No. It is also marked Used, so condition remains part of the purchase decision. The title identifies it as an HF amateur radio transceiver, making it a straightforward choice for that stated focus. Choose it when the listed modes and packaging fit your priorities.
Icom IC-7100 Ham Radio Transceiver - Black
The Icom IC-7100 addresses a different brief: its description covers HF, VHF, and UHF, and it states up to 100W output on HF and 6m. Those are listed specifications, not by themselves a quality judgment. The main limitation is price: at $760, it is $335 above the Yaesu FT-840, the widest gap in this group. It is also marked Used. The radio's broader stated coverage gives it a distinct place in the comparison. Choose it when that coverage and the higher listed price fit your plans for a more feature-specific setup.
Final recommendation by use case
- For the lowest listed price: Choose the Yaesu FT-840.
- For a tested-working description and named DC cable: Choose the Yaesu FT-890.
- For an LCD-screen setup with a microphone: Choose the Icom IC-706.
- For digital voice and a detachable touch-screen controller: Choose the Icom IC-7100.
There is no single fit for every operator here. The FT-840 is the price-led starting point, the FT-890 emphasizes a tested-working description and named accessories, the IC-706 centers on an LCD and microphone, and the IC-7100 is the clearest match for digital control features.
