Choosing between ham radio transceivers comes down to a practical split: do you want the Icom IC-706's explicit HF/VHF positioning and microphone, or the Yaesu FT-840's lower listed price and named operating modes? Both are used black units, so the decision is less about appearance and more about which capabilities fit your setup.
Quick verdict
The Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ Mic is the more direct choice when HF/VHF coverage and a microphone are central to the purchase. Its listed price is $65 higher. The Yaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio Transceiver is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $425 price, CW/FM/AM operation, dual-band wording, and universal compatibility.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Listed price | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ Mic | $490 | HF/VHF title wording, microphone, LCD screen, For Icom compatibility |
| Yaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio Transceiver | $425 | HF title wording, CW/FM/AM modes, dual-band designation, universal compatibility |
Where each product wins
Icom IC-706
- Best match for: Shoppers who specifically want the title's HF/VHF designation and a mic.
- Useful fit: Compatibility is identified as "For Icom," which suits an Icom-centered setup.
- Tradeoff: The absolute price spread is $65 compared with the Yaesu.
Yaesu FT-840
- Best match for: Buyers who want CW, FM, and AM modes named together.
- Useful fit: "Universal" compatibility and the dual-band designation provide a different setup emphasis from the Icom.
- Tradeoff: The stated manufacturer warranty is "No."
Product notes
Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ Mic
The Icom IC-706 stands out for the combination of HF/VHF wording in its title and a microphone called out alongside the transceiver. An LCD screen gives it a clearly named operating feature, while "For Icom" compatibility makes the intended ecosystem easy to identify. The main limitation is the used condition, so shoppers should weigh that status alongside the $490 listed price rather than treating the feature list as the whole decision. Its color is black, and the radio is described as made in Japan. Choose the Icom when the HF/VHF designation and included mic matter more than paying the lower amount represented by the Yaesu. For an Icom-focused setup, its compatibility label is also the more direct match.
Yaesu FT-840 HF Amateur Radio Transceiver
The Yaesu FT-840 is compelling for its clearly named CW, FM, and AM modes, plus a dual-band designation and LCD screen. "Universal" compatibility gives it a broader-sounding pairing label than the Icom's "For Icom" wording, and the description mentions original packaging. Those are concrete reasons to favor it when mode selection and a $425 purchase price lead the decision. Its limitation is explicit: the manufacturer warranty is listed as "No." The unit is also described as used, so that condition belongs in the buying calculation. The title centers on HF, while the Icom title explicitly uses HF/VHF; shoppers who place that wording first may find the Yaesu less aligned with their intended coverage.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Icom IC-706 if your priority is the explicit HF/VHF description, an included mic, and compatibility identified for Icom equipment. Choose the Yaesu FT-840 if CW, FM, and AM modes, dual-band wording, universal compatibility, and the $65 lower listed price carry more weight. Both include an LCD screen and are described as used, so neither decision should rest on those shared points. The clearest split is Icom's HF/VHF-and-mic emphasis versus Yaesu's named modes, compatibility wording, and lower price.
